Chris Godwin’s Spring Much More Pleasant Than Than Last Year
June 3rd, 2026
Being back on a football field made Chris Godwin smile.
This time last year, Chris Godwin wasn’t even sure when he would get back on a football field.
In 2024, Godwin had his ankle destroyed in a curb-stomping by the Crows against the Buds. Godwin was lost for the rest of the 2024 season as his ankle had to be rebuilt. So at this point a year ago, Godwin was just rehabbing, hoping he might be able to make some sort of impact in the regular season.
Godwin yesterday seemed relieved that he’s full-go in OTAs and no longer hobbled.
Godwin was asked if just knowing he’s 100 percent is a mental relief compared to last year.
“Absolutely,” Godwin said. “It’s a blessing to be back out here. Like I said, anytime you have the ability to train and, like, [train] for performance and not for recovery, it’s a huge difference.”
Jalen McMillan last week referred to Godwin, who is now the most tenured Bucs player since Mike Evans and Lavonte David left, as “Unc.” Godwin was needled about it a little bit by a reporter, but he didn’t consider McMillan’s words a mockery or a compliment, joking that he would have to have a talk with McMillan.
But, Godwin said, it sure feels good being part of the team and not watching on the sidelines wondering about the future.
“I also just enjoy being out here with the guys,” Godwin said. “I found myself kind of like [an outsider], just looking at my friends playing.
“I’m just like, ‘I can’t wait to be out there.’ And now being out here, it’s a lot more fun. So I’m grateful for that.”
Toward the end of last season, Godwin sure looked more like himself, healthy and strong.
It would not shock Joe to see Godwin wreck defenses again this year like he did when healthy in 2024.
June 3rd, 2026 at 5:58 am
This WR corp should be just fine despite losing ME13 to the city of needles one homelessness. None of them should be tapping their helmets to come out after running more than 30 yards over concern for their perpetual Hammy issues. Go Bucs!!
June 3rd, 2026 at 6:04 am
Godwin was among the top receivers in the league and basically unstoppable on 3rd down through the first 7 games of 2024…. until Roquan Smith literally destroyed Chris’ ankle with an illegal hip drop tackle in the waning moments of the Bucs/Ravens game…..
If Zack Robinson can successfully mimic how Liam Coen was using Godwin that year – the Bucs offense could be pretty damn dynamic in 2026 with Mayfield also having EE, JMac, Tez, Hurst, Otton, Bucky and Gainwell as additional options to throw to….
June 3rd, 2026 at 6:17 am
Extrapolate 2024 Godwin with a healthy season and a healthy postseason, add in a solid run game and an improved defense, and the Bucs could be having another February boat parade.
The odds don’t favorite it his age, perhaps, but he beat the odds already with the way he started 2024 after the previous injury.
June 3rd, 2026 at 6:23 am
With a healthy season, Chris will be up there for All-Pro.
June 3rd, 2026 at 6:24 am
Pickgrin. That Baltimore game where Chris was hurt was a tough loss. Night game, we had started the season Strong! Jumped all over them and then Mike dropped the perfect touchdown pass. Perfect! Would have put us up 17-0. After dropping the pass, Mike limped off the field for a month. JMac, in a preseason game the next year, at Pittsburgh, had his neck broken on a high throw- and he held onto the ball! Chris was gone for the season after that cheap hip drop and now, we have Baltimore back on our schedule this year. I’m sure the motivation will be there for this game. I like that. I’m hoping we pay the Ravens back- never wanna see somebody injured- but I want to see us pay them back on the scoreboard. And just because I don’t want to see them injured, doesn’t mean I don’t want to see them hurt. And hurt bad.
June 3rd, 2026 at 6:42 am
Chris Godwin = A warrior and a true professional.
June 3rd, 2026 at 7:36 am
Shoot I forgot about that dropped pass and hammy pull with Mike.
June 3rd, 2026 at 8:26 am
Godwin’s outlook these days on just playing football in summary….
“This is the sh!t”
June 3rd, 2026 at 8:30 am
I am really happy for Chris. The guy is the ultimate player, teammate. He has come back from a lot of adversity. I hope for him he has a heck of a year. He has fought hard to get back. It seems he has been a little overshadowed by ME in the past, but make no mistake he is the real deal people. Chris this is your year.
June 3rd, 2026 at 8:38 am
Last season Chris was on the mend as was Wirfs. Good to have back them back healthy.
June 3rd, 2026 at 11:52 am
This sounds a little heartless, but every time Evans tweaked something he would automatically drop the ball. One that comes instantly to mind is a catch in the end zone from Tom Brady when he kinda jammed his knee untouched near the end of 2000 or 2001 season. He didn’t just drop it. He let go of it.
June 3rd, 2026 at 11:55 am
Godwin is now the team leader. Over Baker. Over Wirfs. Over Winfield.
This guy has suffered several serious injuries. He always comes back. He took less money to stay here. He is a great person for the new players and rookies.
He leads by example. Even when he’s not playing.
Best wishes to Chris Godwin this year. This team needs you.
June 3rd, 2026 at 12:05 pm
Kenton
And Chris had a TD overturned on a phantom holding call. We were on our way to routing the Crows.
June 3rd, 2026 at 12:09 pm
Again you won’t keeping getting paid that kind of money if there isnt a big improvement and fast. All the potential talk is great for women looking for a different husband but elsewhere it doesn’t matter
June 3rd, 2026 at 1:39 pm
ModHairKen Says:
June 3rd, 2026 at 11:55 am
Godwin is now the team leader. Over Baker. Over Wirfs. Over Winfield
BINGO!!!!…I’d put him over Vita too
GO BUCS!!!
June 3rd, 2026 at 5:48 pm
#1
June 3rd, 2026 at 7:24 pm
Just watch the Coen tape… see how Godwin was being used, how he was leading the NFL in receiving. Do that, and Godwin will look like himself again.
And, I agree, Godwin did look good at the end of last year – like himself. The QB play was so miserable it was hard to tell, but the ALL22 showed a guy who looked quick and was getting open, so if Baker can be the 2024 version of himself, Godwin will again look like one of the best WRs in football.
June 3rd, 2026 at 8:08 pm
Munch. What you mean to say is that if our offense can be the 2024 version of itself, Godwin will again look like one of the best receivers in football.
June 4th, 2026 at 1:27 am
Kenton Smith Says:
June 3rd, 2026 at 8:08 pm
Munch. What you mean to say is that if our offense can be the 2024 version of itself, Godwin will again look like one of the best receivers in football.
———
Well as I said to start my comment, “Just watch the Coen tape…” – I’m saying run that offense, quick, short passing game, get it out fast, let Godwin catch the ball in motion.
But Baker also has to do his part – which I think he can do as he is much better in that scheme than holding onto the ball, which is where he gets into trouble. And that isn’t a dig at Baker, that’s just common sense and using your players to the best of the ability.