Chris Godwin Bio
Chris Godwin is an American professional football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. Born Christopher Godwin Jr. on February 27, 1996, in Middletown, Delaware, he played college football at Penn State University before the Buccaneers selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Godwin has established himself as one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and helping the Buccaneers capture Super Bowl LV with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He signed a three-year contract extension worth $66 million with Tampa Bay in March 2025.
Early Life and Background
Chris Godwin grew up in Middletown, Delaware, as the son of Rod Christopher Godwin Sr. Despite his Delaware roots, Godwin became a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his childhood. He attended Middletown High School, where he quickly established himself as an exceptional football talent. During his four years at the school, the Cavaliers posted a remarkable 41–7 record, capturing two State Championships during his tenure.
Godwin was a multi-dimensional threat in high school, recording over 700 receiving yards each season and finishing his senior year with 1,150 yards and 16 receiving touchdowns. He excelled not only as a receiver but also as a kick returner. His honors included being named Delaware Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior, earning a selection to the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game, and achieving All-state recognition in his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He was rated a four-star prospect by all four major recruiting services and was ranked as the top player in Delaware by ESPN, Rivals.com, and 247Sports.com. Godwin also maintained academic excellence, earning Academic All-State honors and a spot on the Honor Roll.
Path to Professional Football
Godwin chose to continue his football career at Penn State University, where he played for the Nittany Lions from 2014 to 2016. As a true freshman, he appeared in all 13 games, recording 338 yards on 26 receptions. His sophomore campaign marked his breakthrough, as he emerged as a leading receiver with 1,101 yards and five touchdowns on 69 catches. He recorded at least 100 yards receiving in five games that season, including a 133-yard performance against Georgia in the TaxSlayer Bowl.
Following his standout sophomore season, opposing defenses began focusing their game plans on stopping Godwin. Despite facing increased attention, he continued to produce. In his final game as a Nittany Lion during the 2016 Rose Bowl against USC, Godwin recorded a career-high 187 yards on nine catches and scored two touchdowns in a hard-fought loss. He earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors in 2014 and Third-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2016. In January 2017, Godwin announced he would enter the NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility.
Chris Godwin Career
Rookie Season (2017)
Godwin was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round with the 84th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. During his rookie year, his opportunities were limited early due to the presence of established receivers DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans. Through the first eight weeks, he had just seven receptions on ten targets. However, his workload increased significantly in the final half of the season.
His most impressive performance came in the regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints, where Godwin caught nine passes for 111 yards and a touchdown in a 31–24 victory. That performance earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He finished his rookie season with 34 receptions for 525 yards and one touchdown.
Breakthrough Seasons (2018–2019)
Godwin took a significant step forward in his second season. He started the year strong with receiving touchdowns in each of the first three games against the Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers. During Week 10 against Washington, he recorded seven receptions for 103 yards. He closed the regular season with a standout performance against the Atlanta Falcons, catching six passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns. His 2018 season totals were 59 receptions for 842 yards and seven touchdowns.
The 2019 season became Godwin’s breakout campaign. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors twice during the year, including a career-high 12 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. He recorded his first 1,000-yard season during a Week 12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, where he had a career-long 71-yard touchdown reception among his 184 receiving yards. Godwin earned his first Pro Bowl selection and was named Second-team All-Pro, finishing the season with career highs of 86 receptions for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns. His fellow players ranked him 38th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020 list.
Super Bowl Championship and Beyond (2020–2022)
Before the 2020 season, Godwin surrendered his jersey number 12 to new teammate Tom Brady and switched to number 14. Despite battling injuries including a concussion, hamstring issues, and a fractured finger requiring surgery, he managed 65 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. His contributions were vital during the Buccaneers’ playoff run. In the NFC Championship against the Green Bay Packers, he recorded five catches for 110 yards as Tampa Bay advanced to Super Bowl LV, where they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31–9 to claim the championship.
The 2021 season saw Godwin post another strong performance with 98 receptions for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns before suffering a torn ACL and MCL in Week 15 against the Saints, which ended his season prematurely. In March 2021, the Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on him, worth $15.9 million, which he signed later that month. He received the franchise tag again in March 2022 before agreeing to a three-year deal worth $60 million with $40 million guaranteed.
The 2022 season brought more consistency, with Godwin recording 104 receptions for 1,023 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games with 13 starts. His 2023 campaign saw him start all 17 games, catching 83 passes for 1,024 yards and two touchdowns while adding a receiving touchdown in the Wild Card Round playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Present (2024–2025)
The 2024 season opened promisingly for Godwin, including an 11-catch performance for 125 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints in Week 6. However, he suffered a serious left ankle injury in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens that required surgery and ended his season. He finished the year with 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns in just seven games.
In March 2025, Godwin signed a three-year, $66 million extension with the Buccaneers. In June 2025, he announced plans to change his jersey name to “Godwin Jr.” to honor his late father. He appeared in 14 games during the 2025 season, recording 33 receptions for 360 yards and two touchdowns.
Playing Style and Strengths
Godwin has built his reputation as a precise route-runner with reliable hands and the ability to create separation at all levels of the field. His 6-foot-1 frame and 209-pound build allow him to win contested catches while maintaining the speed to stretch defenses vertically. He has demonstrated exceptional situational awareness, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. His football intelligence and consistency have made him a trusted target for multiple quarterbacks throughout his career.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Godwin’s career highlights include winning Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers, earning Second-team All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl selection in 2019, and establishing franchise records including a single-game franchise record of 15 receptions set during the 2021 season against the Atlanta Falcons. He set a career-high 71-yard touchdown reception during his 2019 Pro Bowl campaign. His consistent production includes multiple 1,000-yard seasons and a career reception total that ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders.
Chris Godwin Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career spanning the 2017 through 2025 seasons, Godwin has accumulated 612 career receptions for 7,626 receiving yards and 41 receiving touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2019 when he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors with 1,333 receiving yards. He has been a consistent 1,000-yard receiver when healthy, including the 2021 season where he achieved that milestone despite missing the final two games due to injury.
Major Season Highlights
Godwin’s most decorated season remains 2019, when he earned Second-team All-Pro recognition and his first Pro Bowl selection while leading the league in receiving yards through portions of the season. His 2021 season saw him post career-best numbers including the franchise-record 15 receptions in a single game. The Buccaneers’ Super Bowl championship in Super Bowl LV during the 2020 season stands as the pinnacle of his professional achievements.
Playoff Performances
Godwin has delivered clutch performances in the postseason throughout his career. He recorded his first playoff touchdown during the 2020 Wild Card Round against Washington and added key receptions in road victories over the Saints and Packers that propelled Tampa Bay to Super Bowl LV. He contributed a receiving touchdown during the 2023 Wild Card Round victory over the Eagles.
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 34 | 525 | 1 |
| 2018 | 59 | 842 | 7 |
| 2019 | 86 | 1,333 | 9 |
| 2020 | 65 | 840 | 7 |
| 2021 | 98 | 1,103 | 5 |
| 2022 | 104 | 1,023 | 3 |
| 2023 | 83 | 1,024 | 2 |
| 2024 | 50 | 576 | 5 |
| 2025 | 33 | 360 | 2 |
| Career | 612 | 7,626 | 41 |
Chris Godwin Family
Family Background
Chris Godwin was born in Middletown, Delaware, to Rod Christopher Godwin Sr., who passed away prior to 2025. In June 2025, Chris announced his intention to add “Jr.” to his jersey name to honor his late father’s memory and legacy.
Personal Life
Godwin married his high school sweetheart Mariah DelPercio in 2021. The couple established the Team Godwin Foundation in 2019, an initiative dedicated to supporting pets in need by providing financial assistance to local shelter and rescue groups throughout the Tampa Bay area. Godwin maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his verified Instagram account.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter for Chris Godwin following his March signing of a lucrative three-year, $66 million extension with the Buccaneers. After missing the majority of the 2024 season due to ankle surgery, Godwin worked to regain his form and establish chemistry with Tampa Bay’s offensive schemes. The contract extension signaled the franchise’s long-term commitment to Godwin as a foundational piece of their receiving corps.
Throughout the 2025 season, Godwin appeared in 14 games while adapting to his new role within the evolving Buccaneers offense. His 33 receptions for 360 yards and two touchdowns reflected a ramp-up period as he continued recovering from his previous injury. The veteran receiver remained a reliable target and veteran presence in the locker room during the campaign.
Looking ahead, Godwin’s future with the Buccaneers appears secure through the 2028 season. His durability will be a key factor in determining his continued production and contributions to Tampa Bay’s offensive success. The extension represents a vote of confidence in his ability to remain a productive NFL receiver as he enters his ninth professional season.