Rod Woodson Rejoins Raiders as Assistant Coach

Hall of Fame defensive back Rod Woodson has been hired as an assistant coach by the Raiders, the last team he played for during his illustrious 17-year NFL career.

Woodson will work with the team's cornerbacks under new head coach Hue Jackson.

"I'm excited that we have a Hall of Fame player who is coming back to the organization," Jackson said in a statement released by the team. "I was extremely impressed during the interview process with his communication skills and I'm looking forward to Rod imparting his wealth of knowledge to our players."

Woodson, who worked most recently as an analyst for the NFL Network and the Big Ten Network, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. He spent two years with the Raiders, helping the team reach the Super Bowl in 2002 before retiring following the 2003 season.

"It's an honor to be back with the Raiders and be able to talk to Raider players about true football," said Woodson. "I'm looking forward to working with the organization and the challenges of the 2011 season."

A member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and the 1990s All-Decade Team, Woodson began his career in 1987 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and spent 10 years with the team, winning defensive player of the year honors in 1993.

He also played for the San Francisco 49ers (1997) and the Baltimore Ravens (1998-2001). Woodson's 71 career interceptions rank third in league history.