We know the Raiders have a long, rich history of Hall of Fame players. We also know they have a long history of players who should be in the Hall of Fame but have been denied. But what of those players who should go in either in the short term or eventually, but have yet to be eligible?
There are a few of them who are knock, knock, knocking on Canton’s door. Five to be exact.
1. Charles Woodson
The absolute no-brainer Hall of Famer. Woodson will be eligible for the first time this year and he has a spot reserved for him as a first-ballot shoo-in. “CWood” played 18 years in the NFL. The former Heisman Trophy winner out of Michigan was selected by the Raiders with the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft. After eight years and four Pro Bowls at cornerback, he left to join the Packers.
Over seven years in Green Bay, he went to four more Pro Bowls. Then he got a Super Bowl ring. Then was named Defensive Player of the Year. At the age of 33. Then got his third All-Pro nod at the age of 35. Then he switched to safety, signed back with the Raiders and played three more seasons, and retired at the age of 40. The final game of his NFL career was his ninth Pro Bowl.
All told, CWood had 65 interceptions, 11 defensive touchdowns, and 33 forced fumbles. They will announce the list of nominees soon and they may as well skip the lead-up because he is assured a spot.
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