Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) celebrates a first down against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Chris Godwin Earns Fans’ Respect After Personal Announcement

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 12:45 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin will have a subtle change in his uniform, beginning in the 2025 NFL season.

He is still going to don the same Bucs threads, the only NFL jersey he’s worn so far in his NFL career, but there will be a subtle addition to the back of his threads. In a message Godwin shared, through the Buccaneers’ social media platforms, Godwin announced that he’ll add the “Jr.” in honor of his dad. It’s a heartwarming decision made just before Father’s Day.

“As a professional athlete, you are always recognized for the name on the front of your jersey, but I also play for the name that’s printed on the back. That’s why I’ve chosen to add “Jr.” to my name in honor of the man who gave so unselfishly of himself to others and helped mold me into who I am today. Love you, Pops!”

Chris Godwin turned down other offers to stay with Buccaneers

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) and quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrate a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during he first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Godwin will be with the Buccaneers for the year to come after he inked a three-year contract extension worth $66 million in the offseason.

Notwithstanding a season-ending surgery to repair an ankle injury he suffered during a Week 7 game against the Baltimore Ravens in 2024, Godwin got offers from the likes of the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Dan Pompei of The Athletic. The offer from the Patriots was one that carried a $30 million annual average value, but at the end of the day, Godwin chose to stay with the Buccaneers with a deal that also came with $44 million in guaranteed money.

The 29-year-old Godwin had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before suffering the aforementioned ankle injury in 2024, when he had 576 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 50 receptions through seven games.

Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) works out prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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