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. Celebrating “Full Circle” Father’s Day With Name Change
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.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
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.
Bucs GM Jason Licht and WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
“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.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. – Photo by: USA Today
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.