Charles Woodson was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Month on Thursday, his fifth such honor of his 18-year career. Only Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith, with six, has won more.

Chalk that up as another meaningful moment in the future Hall of Fame defensive back’s career.

“It means a great deal because I love what I do,” Woodson, 39, said. “ I love my job. It just says that there’s a reason why I’m still here because I’m able to go out there and do my job and do it well.”

Woodson is tied for the NFL lead with four interceptions this season and three of them came in October. It’s all validation for why he keeps playing.

“Trust me, the league finds ways to weed guys my age out of the game,” Woodson said. “So if you’re going to be out there, you’ve got to be making plays.”

Woodson’s other four player of the month awards came during his time with the Green Bay Packers, including three during the 2009 season in which he was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Woodson hasn’t given much thought to if he’ll keep playing in 2016, mostly because he’s focused just on getting himself out there each Sunday. He’s played banged up all season after dislocating his shoulder in the final minute of the season opener and hasn’t let that keep him off the field.

Even he sometimes wonders how he plays each week.

“I ask myself that every day, because I am a little sore,” Woodson said. “I feel like, just get me to Sunday. If you get me to Sunday, I’ll be all right.”

As for his future, Woodson said, “I don’t know. I know I can play this week and that’s all I’m worried about right now.”