Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin has already made one notable jersey change to begin his career. Beginning his NFL career wearing No. 12, he understandably gave that number up when legendary quarterback Tom Brady arrived in Tampa Bay in 2020.
After wearing No. 14 with “Godwin” on the back since then, there will be another change to the back to celebrate his life journey.
On Tuesday, the Bucs released Godwin’s written statement announcing he will be adding Jr. to his name.
Chris Godwin Jr.’s reason for the name change is quite touching. After Godwin lost his father last year and made a tear-jerking tribute post on Instagram, he is both honoring his dad while also celebrating being a dad himself this Father’s Day.
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.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.
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