After 18 years in the NFL, you tend to run out of "firsts." But Raiders veteran Charles Woodson found one, even if by accident.

For the first time in his career, the 38-year-old safety hasn't missed a single practice this offseason, and with Oakland wrapping up minicamp this week, it appears he'll successfully log perfect attendance. While it wasn't something he set out to do, a conversation with head coach Jack Del Rio changed Woodson's outlook.

"Honestly, I sat down with Jack before it all started and we talked about the importance and what he wanted from this team and him wanting me here," Woodson said, via the team website. "I honestly didn’t plan on being here every practice, but I’m here. I understood completely what he was talking about."

Woodson said he also spoke with his position coaches, including defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson, and decided it was best for him to be present throughout the entire offseason to help guide his younger teammates. He's embraced that role, saying he's even been taking questions from second-year quarterback Derek Carr on what he sees defensively. And after 17 seasons and more than 240 games played, Woodson is still picking things up along the way himself.

"For me, I still have to take the coaching," Woodson said. "I have great coaches. Me playing the safety position, I still feel like I'm learning so much from the position. ... I feel like I can still get better at this game, even with it being my 18th year."

Del Rio has appreciated Woodson's veteran leadership and guidance, comparing him to other players he's coached such as Peyton Manning and Champ Bailey.

"It’s not a secret why these guys that are tremendous athletes are playing well into their careers; why they continue to play at such a high level. It’s their work ethic and their love for the game," Del Rio said, via the team website. "These guys love football. They love being around the guys. They love helping, teaching and competing. One thing about Charles – he is a very competitive guy. I think that’s what fuels him.”