Who is Chris Godwin? A name that resonates with football fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike, Chris Godwin is a standout wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Born on February 27, 1996, in Middletown, Delaware, Godwin's journey from high school star to NFL sensation is nothing short of inspiring. His high school career was marked by impressive stats and state championships, setting the stage for his collegiate success at Penn State. There, he honed his skills, leading to a breakout sophomore season and a memorable Rose Bowl performance. Entering the NFL in 2017, Godwin quickly made his mark with the Buccaneers, earning Pro Bowl honors and setting franchise records. Beyond the field, his philanthropic efforts through the Team Godwin Foundation showcase his commitment to community service. As he continues to excel, Godwin's legacy grows, both as a player and a person.
Key Takeaways:
- Chris Godwin's journey from high school standout to NFL star showcases his resilience and talent, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and franchise records.
- Despite personal challenges, Godwin continues to excel on the field, inspiring others with his dedication and philanthropic efforts.
Early Life and High School Achievements
Chris Godwin's journey to NFL stardom began in Middletown, Delaware. His early years were marked by impressive performances on the football field, setting the stage for his future success.
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Chris Godwin attended Middletown High School in Middletown, Delaware, where he was a standout football player, leading his team to a 41–7 record over four years and securing two state championships.
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Throughout his high school career, Godwin consistently accumulated over 700 yards each year, with his senior year being particularly remarkable as he recorded 1,150 yards and 16 receiving touchdowns.
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As a highly recruited player out of high school, Godwin received a 4-star rating from ESPN, and 247Sports ranked him 83rd overall, highlighting his potential as a future star.
College Career at Penn State
Godwin's college years at Penn State University were filled with both challenges and triumphs. His time there helped him hone his skills and prepare for the professional stage.
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Godwin played college football at Penn State University, appearing in all 13 games during his freshman year and recording 338 yards on 26 receptions.
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In his sophomore year, Godwin emerged as a leading wide receiver, racking up 1,101 yards and five touchdowns, with at least 100 yards receiving in five games.
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Despite facing double coverage in his junior year, Godwin finished strong, recording 117 yards receiving and a touchdown against Temple.
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In his final game at Penn State, Godwin achieved a career-high 187 yards on nine catches, scoring two touchdowns in the Rose Bowl against USC.
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After his junior season, Godwin announced his decision to enter the 2017 NFL draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility at Penn State.
NFL Draft and Early Career
Godwin's transition to the NFL was marked by impressive performances at the combine and a promising start with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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At the 2017 NFL Combine, Godwin excelled with top vertical jumps and 40-yard dash times, also impressing in the bench press with 19 reps and the 20-yard shuttle with a time of 4.0 seconds.
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His combine performance led to interviews with multiple teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers.
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On April 27, 2017, Chris Godwin was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round (84th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft.
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In his rookie season, Godwin played in 14 games, recording 345 yards on 24 receptions and one touchdown, while also contributing on special teams with 18 punt returns for 123 yards.
Breakout Performances and Pro Bowl Selection
Godwin's talent and hard work paid off as he achieved significant milestones, including his first Pro Bowl selection.
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During Week 12 of the 2017 season, Godwin recorded a career-long 71-yard touchdown reception, helping him achieve a career-best 184 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over the Falcons.
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With his performance against the Falcons, Godwin recorded his first season with over 1,000 receiving yards, earning the title of NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
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In Week 15 of the 2017 season, Godwin caught five passes for 121 yards, but unfortunately injured his hamstring during the third quarter.
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On December 17, 2019, Godwin was selected to the 2020 Pro Bowl, marking the first time he received this prestigious honor.
Challenges and Comebacks
Despite facing injuries, Godwin's resilience and determination have allowed him to continue excelling on the field.
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During a Week 13 game in the 2019 season, Godwin recorded a career-best and franchise record-setting 15 receptions for 143 yards, showcasing his exceptional talent.
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On December 19, 2021, Godwin tore his ACL and sprained his MCL, ending his season prematurely, yet he finished with impressive statistics.
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Despite the injury, Godwin finished the 2021 season with 98 catches for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns, along with four carries for 21 yards and a touchdown.
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Godwin holds the Buccaneers franchise record for most receptions in a game with 15, set during the 2021 season against the Atlanta Falcons.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Off the field, Godwin is known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to making a positive impact in his community.
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In 2019, Godwin and his wife Mariah DelPercio launched the Team Godwin Foundation, aiming to provide financial assistance to local shelters and rescue groups for pets in need.
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Chris Godwin is widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, consistently showing great skill, versatility, and the ability to make big plays.
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Fantasy football enthusiasts have created a variety of creative team names inspired by Godwin, such as "Godwin’s Gridiron Glory" and "The Godwinning Team".
Recent Achievements and Personal Challenges
Godwin continues to excel on the field while navigating personal challenges, demonstrating his resilience and dedication.
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As of the 2024 season, Godwin is off to arguably his best start, recording three touchdowns in the first three games and tying Amon-Ra St. Brown for third most catches with 27 through the first four games.
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Despite his impressive performance, Godwin is privately navigating the loss of his father, Rod Christopher Godwin Sr., who died of cancer shortly after the Bucs' season ended in the divisional round of the playoffs.
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Godwin has spoken about how he compartmentalizes his grief to move forward, finding solace in the intricacies of football and his role as a wide receiver.
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Coaches, teammates, and front office members have praised Godwin for his steadiness and dependability, highlighting his routine and consistency as key factors in his success.
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General manager Jason Licht has called Godwin "Mr. Consistency", describing him as a phenomenal person, player, and example to the entire team.
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Coach Todd Bowles has said that Godwin has "meant everything to this team", appreciating the moments of joy Godwin finds on the field.
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Godwin's ability to double people up and create separation has been noted by coaches, showcasing his skill in getting open within short spaces.
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During training camp, Godwin showed his burst on a sail route, impressing coach Mike Evans and reminding him of Godwin's career highs in 2019.
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Against the Washington Commanders in Week 1 of the 2024 season, Godwin caught multiple screen passes, demonstrating his versatility and ability to make plays in various situations.
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Godwin has spoken about how grief becomes a part of life, finding ways to live with it while being present in the moment.
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On the field, Godwin feels a sense of responsibility to do his job, knowing that many people's jobs depend on him and his teammates performing well.
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Godwin's consistency in his routine is highlighted as a key factor in his greatness, with greatness finding those who do the same thing over and over.
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As of the 2024 season, Godwin has played seven games, recording 34 receptions for 402 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing on special teams with six tackles.
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In his career, Godwin has seen a target share of around 29% and a catch rate of around 51.8%, being targeted 207 times and catching 104 passes.
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Godwin's YPR averages around 9.8 yards per reception, with a career high of 12.1 yards per reception in the 2024 season.
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He has accumulated 792 air yards and 40 unrealized air yards in his career, showcasing his ability to create separation and make plays in traffic.
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Godwin has recorded a total of six touchdowns and accumulated 207 fantasy points in his career, averaging around 14.9 fantasy points per game.
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He has a production premium of +14.4 and an expected fantasy points added (EPA) of +31.9, indicating his high level of performance and consistency in fantasy football.
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Godwin has a route win rate of around 41.8% and a target separation of around 1.50 against man coverage, highlighting his ability to win routes and create separation against defenders.
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He averages around 88.80 fantasy points per route run and 2.27 fantasy points per target, demonstrating his efficiency and effectiveness in fantasy football.
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Godwin has recorded 46 total route wins and has a target rate of around 27.7% against man coverage, showcasing his ability to win routes and get targeted by quarterbacks.
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In the 2024 season, Godwin has played five games, recording 40 targets, 32 receptions, and 386 receiving yards, averaging around 12.1 yards per reception and scoring three touchdowns.
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He averages around 17.8 fantasy points per game in the 2024 season, ranking him seventh among wide receivers.
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Godwin has achieved several career milestones, including being named to the Pro Bowl, setting franchise records, and consistently being one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
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Chris Godwin's legacy extends beyond his on-field performance, known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Team Godwin Foundation, which aims to make an impact for pets in need.
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His dedication to both football and community service has left a lasting impact on the NFL and beyond, showcasing his remarkable journey from high school standout to NFL star.
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As he continues to excel in the NFL, his legacy both on and off the field will only continue to grow, inspiring future generations with his hard work and dedication.
Godwin's Impact on and off the Field
Chris Godwin's journey from Middletown High School standout to NFL star with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is nothing short of inspiring. His ability to consistently deliver on the field, even when faced with challenges like double coverage or injuries, showcases his dedication and skill. Godwin's impressive stats, including his Pro Bowl selection and franchise records, highlight his impact in the league. Beyond football, his philanthropic efforts through the Team Godwin Foundation demonstrate his commitment to making a difference in the community, especially for pets in need. His resilience, especially after personal losses, underscores his strength and character. As he continues to excel, both his on-field achievements and off-field contributions will leave a lasting legacy. Fans and teammates alike admire his consistency, making him a true role model in the world of sports. Godwin's story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and heart.
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