McKenzie: After retirements, new Raiders leaders will rise

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SAN FRANCISCO – The Raiders lost Charles Woodson to retirement at season’s end. Then Justin Tuck chose to hang them up, announcing his retirement on Monday morning.

That’s a pair of respected leaders leaving the locker room at the same time. Woodson and Tuck shaped the team’s defensive unit, and taught a young corps how to be winning NFL players.

Losing both players could create a leadership void. General manager Reggie McKenzie doesn’t think so. While the Raiders will miss Tuck, McKenzie believes leaders will rise from within the ranks. This is a stronger unit than when Woodson returned in 2013 and Tuck came aboard in 2014.

[RELATED: What they're saying: Woodson plays final game]

“Not as much as it was two years ago, when we originally got (Tuck),” McKenzie said. “The original purpose of getting him was adding talent and leadership for some young guys. Now the young guys know what to do. He helped show them the way. My hope is that he’s left his leadership legacy with the next generation.

“You don’t have to run out and get another leader. It’s time for young guys to step up.”

[RELATED: What they're saying: Tuck retires after 11 seasons]

Tuck was only in Oakland for two seasons, and will primarily be remembered as a New York Giant, but made a real impact in his time here. He helped bring the Raiders back to prominence, and courted free agents to the East Bay. He was a mentor to All-Pro Khalil Mack, who will be counted on to fill the leadership role on defense along with Dan Williams and Malcolm Smith.

“He has been a great Raider in the time he spent here,” McKenzie said. “He brought true value to what we’ve been able to do with him and he’s been able to do with our team.”

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