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NFL Legend Charles Woodson Shares Wisdom With Richard Sherman At 2017 Pro Bowl

NFL legend Charles Woodson shared insight and perspective with Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman during Pro Bowl practices.

Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman, right, trades jerseys with Oakland Raiders' Charles Woodson after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 30-24. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman, right, trades jerseys with Oakland Raiders' Charles Woodson after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 30-24. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

ORLANDO, Fla. — If Charles Woodson decides to go into coaching someday, there's no question he'd be outstanding at that, too.

For a brief moment during practice on Wednesday, the legendary defensive back demonstrated a few techniques and interacted with Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman on the NFC sideline during a day of practice in preparation for the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl game.

The former Defensive Player of the Year and future Hall of Famer is a member of the NFC's coaching staff a little over a year after retiring following 18 years in the league.

It was a one of a kind experience for Sherman, who considers Woodson a role model.

"Me and C-Wood (Charles Woodson) have always had good conversations and he always gives me great pointers, great insight, great understanding," Sherman said. "He's a guy I look up to, a guy I try to pattern certain things I do after."

The accolades for Woodson are impeccable; Ohio's "Mr. Football" (1994), Heisman winner (1997), Defensive Rookie of the Year (1998), Defensive Player of the Year (2009), Super Bowl champion (2010) and NFL All-Decade Team (2000s) cornerback.

Woodson is currently tied for fifth on the NFL's all-time interceptions list with 65, and is the only player in NFL history with at least 50 interceptions and 20 sacks. He is also tied for second all-time with Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper for interceptions returned for a touchdown with 11, and the most defensive touchdowns with 13.

"I know he's looked at my career and some of the things that I've done and I know he looks to do a lot of those things, too," Woodson said of Sherman. "He's a very competitive guy, I know that he wants to be remembered as one of the greats to play the game, so we have those kind of conversations.

"He plays with attitude each and every play, each and every game. He always brings the energy. When you watch their (the Seahawks') games, what you never have to worry about is whether or not Richard Sherman is ready to play. You can see it from the time he steps on the field to the last whistle."

This was far from the only conversation Woodson and Sherman have shared. They communicated when Woodson was still making plays on the football field, which included last season, when Woodson was selected for the Pro Bowl with the Oakland Raiders at the age of 39.

"Last year was my last time making the Pro Bowl and he was there as well, so we got a chance to just sit by the pool and chat," the nine-time Pro Bowler said. "We got a chance to sit down in Las Vegas last year and just chop it up. As players that respect each other's game, it's always good to sit down with those guys and just rap with them. Have real conversation."

Woodson also isn't the only legend Sherman and other players have had the chance to talk to throughout the week. Longtime Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and Hall of Fame Steelers and Rams running back Jerome Bettis are also coaches in Orlando, to name a few. The Pro Bowl is a great opportunity for the best players in the league to network not only with one another, but the greats that influenced many of them to play football in the first place.

"It's awesome to have that, and to be able to pick their brains," Sherman said. "These are some of the greatest players to play the game, so you always appreciate and honor what they've done before you and I have a ton of respect for those guys."

Photos of Seahawks players practicing with the NFC team on Day 4 at the 2017 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

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