Unrestricted free agent Charles Woodson, a four-time Pro Bowl performer, signed a multi-year contract with the Green Bay Packers Monday. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signing.
In addition Monday, the Packers released punter Ryan Flinn, kicker Rhys Lloyd, wide receiver Willie Quinnie and linebacker Robert Thomas.
Woodson, a 6-foot-1, 208-pound cornerback from Michigan, joins the Packers from the Oakland Raiders, where he spent the first eight years of his NFL career. Oakland's first-round selection (fourth overall) in the 1998 draft, the veteran has 17 career interceptions. In 106 NFL contests, 103 starts, Woodson has 456 tackles (383 solo), 51/2 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. In addition, he has two career receptions for 27 yards, and 12 punt returns for 77 yards (6.4 avg.). His résumé includes a pair of AFC Championship games (2000, '02) and Super Bowl XXXVII.
A premier cover corner, Woodson has picked off at least one pass in eight consecutive seasons. Five of his interceptions came in 1998, when he earned the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Expected to become the sixth Heisman Trophy winner to play for the Packers, Woodson joins a group highlighted by former No. 1 overall draft choice Paul Hornung (1957-62, 1964-66) and Super Bowl XXXI Most Valuable Player Desmond Howard (1996, '99), another Michigan product. The list also includes a pair of Brett Favre backup quarterbacks, Ty Detmer (1992-95) and Danny Wuerffel - the last Heisman winner to play in Green Bay (2000). Bruce Smith (1945-48) was the Packers' first Heisman player.
One of the most highly decorated athletes in college history, Woodson led Michigan to the 1997 Associated Press national championship after claiming the Jim Thorpe and Bronko Nagurski awards.
