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.