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Sports

Packers release Woodson

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Green Bay, WI – Charles Woodson's seven-year run with the Green Bay Packers came to an end Friday, with the team formally giving the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year his release.

Coming off an injury-plagued 2012 campaign, Woodson was due a $6.5 million salary and would have counted $10 million against the cap had the Packers exercised an option bonus for the upcoming season. The 36-year-old defensive back was limited to just seven regular-season games last year due to a broken collarbone, though he did return to play in Green Bay's two playoff tilts.

One of the most successful free-agent acquisitions in franchise history, Woodson went to four Pro Bowls and started all 100 games he played in during his time with the Packers, who signed the veteran playmaker in April of 2006 following an eight-year stint with the Oakland Raiders.

His best season came in 2009, when Woodson tied for the NFL lead with nine interceptions and added four forced fumbles, two sacks and 18 passes defensed to become only the second Packer ever to garner the league's Defensive Player of the Year award.

Woodson set career bests with 92 tackles and five forced fumbles the following season, helping Green Bay to its most recent NFL title after the team's 31-25 victory over Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV.

"We are grateful for all that Charles has given to the Green Bay Packers over the past seven years," said Packers general manager Ted Thompson. "He has been an integral part of the Packers' success and our Super Bowl title in 2010 would not have been possible without his contributions. A once-in-a-generation talent as a player, he is also a great leader and ambassador for the organization off the field. Charles will always be a member of the Packers family and we look forward to his eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We wish him and his family all the best."

Woodson also concludes his Green Bay tenure owning franchise records for defensive touchdowns (10) and interception return touchdowns (9), while his 38 interceptions in a Packer uniform are tied for fourth in club history.