8-Year Dallas Cowboys Veteran Retires From NFL

C.J. Goodwin Became A Cowboys Special Teams Staple

Goodwin arrived in Dallas midway through the 2018 season after the Cowboys signed him off the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad. What followed was an eight-year run that made him one of the NFL's most reliable special teams players.

He appeared in 108 games for Dallas while serving primarily as an elite gunner on punt coverage and a key contributor on kickoff units.

According to the Cowboys, Goodwin finished his career with 2,211 special teams snaps in Dallas and recorded 69 special teams tackles with the franchise, ranking ninth in team history. In 2021, he became the first player in Cowboys history to lead the team in special teams tackles for three consecutive seasons.

His leadership extended beyond the field as well. Goodwin was named one of the Cowboys' six team captains entering the 2025 season and finished his final NFL campaign with 18 special teams tackles.

At the time of his retirement, he was the second-longest tenured player on the Cowboys roster behind only quarterback Dak Prescott.

Goodwin Took One Of The NFL's Most Unusual Paths

Goodwin's football journey was unlike almost anyone else's.

He didn't begin playing organized football until his senior year of high school, instead spending most of his athletic career on the basketball court. He played college basketball at Bethany College before transferring to Fairmont State, where he joined the football team after encouragement from his father and his roommate, future NFL player Dewey McDonald.

After another transfer to California University of Pennsylvania, Goodwin entered the 2014 NFL Draft as an overlooked Division II prospect.

He went undrafted and initially received little interest from NFL teams. His opportunity finally came after Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount convinced the Pittsburgh Steelers to give him a tryout. Goodwin had attended the same high school as Blount's son and even worked on Blount's farm for several years.

That opportunity eventually led to stops with the Steelers, Falcons, Cardinals, Giants, 49ers and Bengals before he found a permanent home in Dallas.

During his time with Atlanta, Goodwin also made a rare transition from wide receiver to cornerback, a move that ultimately extended his NFL career. He even appeared in Super Bowl LI with the Falcons before continuing to establish himself as one of the league's best special teams specialists.

Cowboys Must Replace A Valuable Veteran Presence

Replacing Goodwin's production won't be easy for Dallas.

Although he wasn't a full-time defensive starter, his impact on special teams was consistently among the best on the roster. His ability to flip field position as a gunner, combined with his leadership and professionalism, made him an important piece of the Cowboys' culture for nearly a decade.

Dallas has added experienced special teams players such as safety P.J. Locke this offseason, but replacing someone with Goodwin's experience and consistency will likely require multiple players stepping into larger roles.

Few NFL careers begin with as many obstacles as Goodwin faced. Even fewer last 12 seasons.

For a player who wasn't drafted, switched positions, survived multiple roster cuts and ultimately became a team captain for one of the NFL's most recognizable franchises, Goodwin leaves behind a career defined by perseverance and professionalism.