Packers Finish Virtual Offseason with Visit from Charles Woodson
Players get a special appearance from Packers legend in last day of virtual OTAs.
By TimBackes
The Packers wrapped up offseason "training" activities with a virtual visit from former Packer defensive back Charles Woodson.
Matt LaFleur had Woodson address the team before they were dismissed for the break that will take the team up to training camp. LaFleur referred to Woodson's talk to the team as "exceptional."
LaFleur did not provide many specifics about what Woodson said, but one could imagine it would be a treat for current players. Woodson made his mark in Green Bay as a passionate leader and speaker, with a couple of his locker room addresses having ascended into the stuff of Packers legend (the "one" speech in particular comes into mind).
Despite the challenges associated with a completely virtual offseason. LaFleur seemed to think the players were able to make the most of the situation and will be prepared for in-person training camp, assuming that happens on schedule. LaFleur noted the team is prepared to be flexible with whatever instruction the NFL provides, given the pandemic situation.
It's good to see Woodson still making appearances as a Packer. Woodson will have his first year of elibility for the Hall of Fame as part of the potential Class of 2021, and one would have to think he's a shoo-in to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection.
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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.
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Comments (13)
fastmoving
June 18, 2020 at 06:09 am
“The president don’t want to come watch us win the Super Bowl? Guess what? We’ll go see him.”.....................this was sooooo cool.
No one would say that today and certainly not Charles Woodson.......
Lphill
June 18, 2020 at 07:19 am
Did the Brass explain to the young players how they let Woodson walk because they didn’t think he was worth 10 million?
Big_Mel_75
June 18, 2020 at 08:21 am
Then followed up how NO ONE wanted him when he came to the Packers. The same brass took a shot on an often injured Woodson and he earned every cent of his incentive laden contract.
mrtundra
June 18, 2020 at 08:09 am
IMO, Charles Woodson was the greatest football player in the game. A true leader on and off the field.
JonathanSpader
June 19, 2020 at 09:10 am
That's why he earned a defensive player of the year qward. He was truly a force on the field. He's a great guy off the field as well. Love his enthusiasm as a sportscaster. The wine he makes at his winery in Cali is awesome. Got to meet him at a wine tasting in Kohler WI. Truly an amazing human being. The world needs more Woodsons in it.
Houndog
June 18, 2020 at 08:33 am
I've always considered Woodson's arrival in GB as the "the second coming" of Reggie White.
Not many players have had the impact on a team that these two superstars had in GB as great players and even better leaders. Both were class acts.
It was a sad day when the Thompson (read: Fiasco) Administration allowed 'Wood' to move on. I've been saying for several years they should bring him back as a DB coach, and from what we've seen over the past few years yesterday wouldn't be soon enough.
Thanks Wood, for staying involved! Packerland and Packer Nation love you, and I for one look forward to and will celebrate your name and number on the ring of honor. You are a legend!
Lphill
June 18, 2020 at 11:31 am
Yet the Packers let him walk because they didn’t want to pay him. Nice way to reward someone.
Oppy
June 21, 2020 at 12:45 pm
You're like a bad take machine lately. :)
NFL is a business. Salary cap means tough choices have to be made.
It is what it is. You can't keep them all.
Stroh
June 18, 2020 at 06:18 pm
1st he was allowed to leave because he was playing Safety and being paid like the best CB in the NFL, which he no longer was. Clearly the market value for each is significantly different.
2nd, Why in the Hell would Woodson want to be a coach in the NFL when he has already made Millions and basically can do whatever the hell he wants for the rest of his life?!
I would have loved for Woodson to finish his career in GB, but same is true w/ Reggie and Favre, both of whom ended careers in other uniforms. Get over it already! Its pathetic that people hold this dellusional thinking that every player is going to end in GB and want to coach for GB after they retired. Just plain Dumb!
JonathanSpader
June 19, 2020 at 09:30 am
Here is hoping that the Smiths are able to continue that legacy. They are off to a great start so far!
Handsback
June 18, 2020 at 09:25 am
Still amazed that the Packers won their last SB when Wood got hurt in the first half.
Point-Packer
June 18, 2020 at 11:16 am
Third greatest Packer of the 21st century behind Rodgers and Favre. Dare anyone to make a case otherwise.
murf7777
June 18, 2020 at 02:38 pm
On of my all time favorite Packer player! Not sure if he wants to coach but love that idea. Looks like MLF is keen to his leadership.