BTN.com staff, December 22, 2015

(AP) - Charles Woodson's return to Oakland began with hundreds of fans gathering at the team's facility urging him to come back.

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The second stint will come to an end following an emotional farewell at the Oakland Coliseum.

Woodson announced Monday he will retire following his 18th NFL season, ending a career that included a Heisman Trophy, a Super Bowl title and numerous other honors.

Woodson said he realized late last month that he couldn't play another season and wanted to announce his decision before playing his final home game Thursday night against San Diego.

"I felt it was only right that Raiders fans, my fans, fans that have watched me play for a long time, I'd let them all know that this Thursday night would be the last time in the Coliseum I would be able to run out there in front of our fans at home," Woodson said at a news conference.

Woodson is one of the most accomplished defensive backs to play the game, ranking fifth all-time with 65 interceptions and tied for first with Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper with 13 defensive touchdowns.

He won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1998, AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and is a three-time, first-team All Pro selection.

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