Davon Montel Godchaux Bio
Davon Montel Godchaux is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 11, 1994, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, Godchaux developed into a formidable presence along the defensive line through his collegiate career at Louisiana State University and his subsequent NFL journey. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound tackle was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has since built a reputation as a reliable run-stuffer and consistent performer at the professional level. Over his career spanning from 2017 to the present, Godchaux has played for three NFL franchises while accumulating 472 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles across his professional tenure.
Early Life and Background
Davon Godchaux grew up in Plaquemine, Louisiana, where he attended Plaquemine Senior High School and developed into an elite defensive lineman at the high school level. During his junior season in 2012, Godchaux delivered a standout performance, compiling 60 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks. His exceptional play earned him first-team All-State honors in Class 4A, establishing him as one of the top defensive prospects in Louisiana. Unfortunately, his senior year was derailed when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the season opener, causing him to miss the remainder of the campaign. Despite the injury, Godchaux received recognition as a U.S. Army All-American and participated in the traditional bowl game for top high school recruits.
Regarded as a four-star recruit by major recruiting services, Godchaux was ranked as the No. 22 defensive end prospect in the country by ESPN. His impressive high school career attracted attention from numerous college programs across the Southeast, ultimately leading him to choose Louisiana State University over prominent offers from Mississippi, Auburn, and UCLA, among others.
Path to the NFL
At LSU, Godchaux immediately inserted himself into the rotation along the Tigers’ defensive line. He took over as a starter after three games into his true freshman season in 2014 and quickly established himself as a key contributor in LSU’s 3-4 defensive scheme. Over three seasons with the Tigers from 2014 to 2016, Godchaux started 26 games total, serving as a rotating player at defensive end while developing his technique and physicality against SEC competition.
His junior season in 2016 proved to be his most productive at the college level. Godchaux recorded 62 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one pass defensed, and two fumble recoveries. His standout performance helped anchor a LSU defense that consistently ranked among the best in the conference. Following the conclusion of the 2016 Citrus Bowl, Godchaux declared for the 2017 NFL Draft, ending his collegiate career on a high note and beginning his transition to professional football.
Davon Montel Godchaux Career
Professional Career (2017–Present)
Davon Godchaux entered the 2017 NFL Draft as a projected mid-round selection following his productive college career at LSU. Although he pulled a hamstring during the NFL Scouting Combine and could not complete all drills, his film study and production remained attractive to teams seeking defensive line help. The Miami Dolphins selected Godchaux in the fifth round with the 178th overall pick, securing his rights to a player they believed could develop into a reliable interior defender. He signed his four-year rookie contract shortly after being drafted and prepared to compete for playing time in Miami’s defensive front.
Miami Dolphins Era (2017–2020)
Godchaux spent his first four NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he gradually developed into a starting defensive tackle. His rookie campaign in 2017 saw him appear in 14 games with one start, recording 17 tackles and forcing one fumble while learning the nuances of the professional game. The following season in 2018 marked a breakthrough as he started all 16 games and accumulated 31 tackles with one sack, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the middle of Miami’s defensive line.
In 2019, Godchaux continued his development with 35 tackles and another sack across 13 games started. He became known for his ability to anchor against the run and collapse pockets from the interior. During the 2020 season, Godchaux was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in August before being activated two days later. Unfortunately, his season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve in October, ending his tenure with the Dolphins on an injury note. In total, Godchaux appeared in 57 games with 41 starts over four seasons in South Florida, recording 118 tackles and 2 sacks.
New England Patriots Era (2021–2024)
Following the conclusion of his contract with Miami, Godchaux signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots on March 23, 2021. The move represented an opportunity to join a franchise with a strong defensive tradition and compete for championships. He immediately became a fixture along the Patriots’ defensive front, starting 15 games in his debut season with New England and contributing 55 tackles to help anchor the interior run defense.
Godchaux’s impact with the Patriots continued to grow, and on July 27, 2022, he signed a contract extension that reflected the team’s commitment to keeping him in the fold long-term. His production remained steady over the subsequent seasons, and he appeared in 60 games with 57 starts across three full seasons with New England, accumulating 210 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. On July 31, 2024, Godchaux and the Patriots agreed to a two-year, $16.5 million contract extension, indicating his status as a valued veteran on the roster. He played out the 2024 season with New England before his eventual departure.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Godchaux was traded to the New Orleans Saints, marking a homecoming to his native Louisiana. The trade reunited him with an organization seeking experienced defensive tackle play to bolster their interior defensive line. Godchaux brings a veteran presence and a reputation for consistent tackling and run defense to a Saints defensive front looking to improve upon previous seasons. He joins a roster that values defensive excellence and hopes his experience from playing in multiple systems will help accelerate the team’s goals.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Godchaux has established himself as a traditional run-stuffing defensive tackle throughout his NFL career. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 330 pounds, he possesses the size and power to occupy multiple blockers and free up linebackers to make plays. His quick first step allows him to penetration gaps and disrupt plays before they develop, while his strength at the point of attack makes him difficult to move in short-yardage situations. Teams have consistently valued his ability to anchor against double teams and maintain his gap integrity within various defensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Godchaux has reached several significant milestones. His selection in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft represented the culmination of his journey from Louisiana high school standout to SEC contributor to professional player. His production with the Patriots, including starting 57 of 60 games over four seasons, demonstrated his reliability and durability at the highest level. The $16.5 million extension he signed with New England in 2024 acknowledged his consistent contributions as one of the more dependable interior defenders in the league.
Davon Montel Godchaux Career Statistics
Across eight NFL seasons from 2017 through 2024, Godchaux has appeared in 117 games with 98 starts, establishing himself as a durable and productive interior defender. His career totals include 472 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 pass deflections. These numbers reflect his consistent presence on the field and his ability to make plays against both the run and the pass from the defensive tackle position.
Career Highlights
Godchaux’s career highlights include his emergence as a starter with the Miami Dolphins beginning in 2018, when he started all 16 games and recorded 31 tackles. His transition to the New England Patriots in 2021 represented a new challenge, and he met that challenge by continuing to produce at a high level, accumulating 210 tackles over three-plus seasons in New England. His most recent extension with the Patriots before the trade demonstrated that teams valued his consistency and leadership along the defensive front.
Season-by-Season Performance
Godchaux’s most productive season came during his tenure with the New England Patriots, where he started 57 games across four seasons and regularly posted between 50 and 70 tackles per season. His ability to stay healthy and remain in the starting lineup has been a hallmark of his career, with his only significant injury occurring during the 2020 season with Miami. His consistent production has made him a reliable building block for defensive units throughout his career.
Davon Montel Godchaux Family
Family Background
Davon Godchaux grew up in Plaquemine, Louisiana, as a native of the state that would later become home to two of his three NFL franchises. His family has been supportive of his football career from his early days playing at Plaquemine Senior High School through his professional career spanning multiple states. While specific details about his parents and extended family remain private, Godchaux has frequently expressed gratitude for the foundation they provided during his development as a football player.
Personal Life
Godchaux has built a family life alongside his professional football career. In 2022, he began dating former model Chanel Iman, who is well-known for her work in fashion and entertainment. The couple announced their engagement on May 30, 2023, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. Iman gave birth to their daughter, Capri, on September 19, 2023. The couple subsequently married in a civil ceremony held in New York on January 10, 2024, and celebrated with additional ceremonies during a Caribbean getaway with family. Godchaux has one son from a previous relationship in addition to his daughter Capri with Iman.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter in Davon Godchaux’s career as he joins the New Orleans Saints following the trade from New England. This move represents a homecoming to Louisiana, where he was born and raised, and offers him the opportunity to play in front of家乡 fans for the first time in his professional career. Godchaux brings veteran experience and proven reliability to a Saints defensive line that seeks to improve its interior presence against the run.
With the Saints, Godchaux is expected to compete for a starting role along the defensive front and provide the kind of consistent, high-character presence that has defined his professional career. His familiarity with the pressures of playing in a major market, developed during his time with Miami and New England, should help him transition smoothly to New Orleans. The Saints’ defensive scheme will likely look to utilize his strengths as a run-stuffer while allowing him to contribute in passing situations as well.