San Diego Chargers RB Danny Woodhead won't rest on past accomplishments

SAN DIEGO -- Veteran running back Danny Woodhead has earned his NFL stripes.

"Are you saying I'm old?" Woodhead asked, with a smile.

Not really, because Woodhead, 31, doesn't play like it.

But much rests on Woodhead as the Chargers try to distance themselves from last year's 4-12 stinker.

"I approach every year the same," said Woodhead an eight-year pro after the organized team activities (OTA) practices. "Know the playbook."

The Chargers know they have a valuable commodity in Woodhead. He led the team in rushing touchdowns (four) and receiving touchdowns (six) last season. He rushed for 336 yards and his 755 receiving yards came on a team-best 80 catches.

But it's all about the next play in the NFL and few understand that better than the 5-foot-9, 200-pound Woodhead. If there is one Charger never taking a snap off, it's Woodhead.

Among the NFL lessons he's absorbed is that he knows better than to let up.

"There's always competition," he explained. "This is the NFL, this isn't college anymore and everyone is good. And that is expected."

So while Woodhead was as reliable as he was versatile in 2015, he refuses to rest on past accomplishments.

"No matter who you are, young or old, every year is a new year and you have to prove yourself," Woodhead said. "You have to prove yourself as the type of player you are and the type of teammate you are."

That part of the NFL never grows old. Even for Woodhead.