Charles Woodson couldn't help getting emotional when Hall of Fame President David Baker told him back in February he was going to be immortalized in Canton. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Woodson got emotional upon learning of Hall of Fame induction

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/19/21

Even the greatest players of all time can be surprised when they receive recognition.

At least, that was the story for Charles Woodson when he found out earlier this year he was being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

“I couldn’t hold it together when I found out.," Woodson said, via Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "You tell yourself you won’t cry, but when the moment comes, it’s real."

You can watch the video here:

Charles Woodson getting inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame - YouTube

That's pretty humble talk coming from a player of Woodson's caliber. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1997 in addition to a national championship with the University of Michigan, then won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1998 to kick off a successful stint with the Raiders. And at that point, he was just getting started.

Over his 18-year career split between the Raiders and the Green Bay Packers, he was a nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro honoree. The Fremont, Ohio native switched from cornerback to safety later in his career and continued to succeed, garnering his final Pro Bowl honor in 2015 before retiring.

Even with that impressive resume, Woodson couldn't help getting emotional when Hall of Fame President David Baker told him back in February he was going to be immortalized in Canton.

"I tried to hold it back, but when the emotions are real and raw, you have to let the tears flow," Woodson said. "I felt like I had been running all my life. So as soon as David Baker left the house, I went and ran like a mile, mile and a half. I just had to get that last one out of the way."

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