Charles Woodson crafted the perfect Hall of Fame career

In five years, the Hall of Fame selection committee will receive one of the most perfect football resumes they've ever considered.

The process of giving Charles Woodson a Hall of Fame bust will be one of the easiest decisions they'll make simply because Woodson managed to craft a career that ticks off nearly every single box they desire.

There is no black mark, no question of his peak, and no late-career dip that distorts the view of past accomplishments.

Simply put, Woodson is the Hall of Fame's dream candidate.

Longevity, versatility, and revival

Woodson will play two more games before closing the curtain on a career that's spanned 18 seasons. By his own admission - in his press conference announcing his retirement - he never expected to play this long.

The Hall of Fame will reward him for his desire to keep playing. A nearly two-decade career is an amazing achievement for any player, but for a defensive back, it's nearly unheard of, especially since Woodson is still playing at a high level at 39 years old.

The main reason Woodson was able to keep playing was his transition from cornerback to safety, a natural move for someone with his football IQ and ability to read quarterbacks and create turnovers.

The less demanding physical position allowed Woodson - like his 1998 NFL draft compatriot Peyton Manning - to use his mind to compensate for his declining physical skills. And by mastering two positions, he highlighted not only his humility and understanding of his own abilities, but created a more unique Hall of Fame resume.

Woodson managed to start and finish his career with the Oakland Raiders, and will end it as an almost mythical being in Raiders' history. However, there was a time when Oakland gave up on Woodson, thinking injuries had derailed his career.

Every story needs a low point, it needs adversity so its hero can rise from the ashes stronger than ever, and his release by the Raiders was that for Woodson's story.

He not only revived his career with the Green Bay Packers, but he took it to new heights, solidifying his case for being one of the greatest NFL players of all time.

And no one loves a story of revival and more than the Hall of Fame.

Awards, championships, records

Woodson won rookie of the year with the Raiders in 1998, thus beginning his assault on many major NFL records, but it was his time in Green Bay when he really filled up his career with awards and silverware.

In 2009, Woodson reached the peak of his personal achievements, winning defensive player of the year. He intercepted nine passes, returned three for touchdowns, and was integral in creating the most dominant Packers defense of recent memory.

One year later, Woodson won the only championship of his career, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. He appeared in another Super Bowl in 2002 with the Raiders and could've had a shot at another (thanks again, Tuck Rule).

So personal accolades? Check. Lombardi Trophy? Check.

But it's the records and statistics that Woodson put up that'll have the Hall of Fame committee drooling.

He ranks fifth all-time in interceptions with 65, returning 11 of those for touchdowns, good for second in NFL history. He's the only player ever to record 50 picks and 20 sacks during their career, thanks in part to his late-career hybrid role.

There wasn't a single season when Woodson didn't register an interception.

So records? A big, fat check.

Doing things the right way

This one is harder to quantify, but it's just as important as any ring or record.

Woodson did things the right way.

The Hall of Fame judges character, and while it's sometimes overlooked for exceptional careers, it rewards players they deem the gold standard for how an NFL player should act.

Woodson is that standard.

Considered one the best teammates and greatest leaders of his generation, as evidenced by the outpouring of affection after his announcement. He always played with heart, humility, and in an understated manner that eludes some modern NFL players.

Woodson, the man, is just as much a Hall of Famer as Woodson, the player.

"It goes beyond words," said Woodson, as he announced his retirement, not to the glitz and glamour of the national press, but to the Raiders beat writers. "I never intended on playing as long as I have, but this is the way it's happened and I'm so grateful for it."

No Charles, we're ones who are grateful.