Chris Godwin Making A Notable Change Ahead Of This Season

Here is his full written statement:

As a kid I enjoyed an amazing relationship with my dad, Rod Christopher Godwin, Sr. From youth football through high school, I always knew that he was there because I would hear him yelling in support of his son. He instilled in me early that I could achieve anything I wanted if I worked hard enough and treated people with respect. I always appreciated and valued the immeasurable impact he had on my life, and I made sure to let him know that every day, not just on Father’s Day. I lost my Pops in January of 2024, and Father’s Day last year was a time of reflection and introspection. This year, Father’s Day represents a full circle moment in my life journey as I get to celebrate being a first-time dad with my son, Ace. Fatherhood has already been an unbelievable experience and has changed me in so many ways. I can only hope that Ace feels the same way about me as I do about my dad. 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, Jr.

Chris Godwin Jr. Is All About Building His Legacy With The Bucs

Bucs fans will surely be putting a new Chris Godwin Jr. jersey on their wish lists ahead of this season. Tampa Bay committed to Godwin on a long-term deal this offseason despite the accomplished wide receiver recently stating that four other teams wanted him. The Patriots and Steelers pursued him heavily, including New England offering $30 million per year. Alas, he chose to re-sign for $22 million per year. In doing so, he put legacy over dollar signs, and changing his name drives that point home further. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and other players are proud to call the city home and happy to put down roots while donning the red and pewter.

In a recent featured story on The Athletic, Godwin outlined to Dan Pompei why he is so comfortable calling this team and city home. After wide receiver Mike Evans and inside linebacker Lavonte David, he is next in line to be a Buccaneer for life. “It’s not always the case that you are surrounded by a ton of good people who care about the right things, who have similar goals and treat people with respect,” Godwin said. “The first thing for me is I want to work with people that I enjoy it with… Here, we’re able to play games, have real conversations and build genuine relationships as opposed to ones that are just transactional.” The enjoyable moments have come with their share of hardships on the field.

There was the torn ACL he suffered in December 2021 just as he was putting the finishing touches on a productive year and gearing up for a playoff run. Then, as he was well on his way to a career year last season, a dislocated ankle injury in October sucked the life from Raymond James Stadium and has kept him out of action. On top of that, both injuries were severe and happened in contract years. Yet, the Bucs have put their faith in Chris Godwin Jr. in the hopes he returns back to form yet again. The team is hopeful Godwin is ready for Week 1, but whenever he suits up, he will be looking to make his family proud and be a key piece of a playoff contender.