Chris Godwin is coming into the 2025 NFL season as a different man.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver will look the same, but his name is changing.
Godwin will add “Jr.” to the back of his jersey for the upcoming NFL season to honor his father, Rod Christopher Godwin Sr., who died in Jan. 2024.
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin is adding “Jr.” to his name on the back of his jersey as a tribute to his late father ️
“That’s why l’ve chosen to add “Jr.” to my name in honor of the man who gave so unselfishly of himself to others and helped mold me into who l am today.” pic.twitter.com/VdBuT8tKeo
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) June 12, 2025
He penned a heartwarming message to fans on Thursday explaining why he decided to add the “Jr.” to his jersey now.
“I lost my Pops in January of 2024, and Father’s Day last year was a time of reflection and introspection,” Chris Godwin wrote.
Chris Godwin is adding “Jr.” to his name and the back of his jersey as a tribute to his late father.
He wanted to honor the man who helped shape him — and mentions how now he gets to celebrate his first Father’s Day as a dad himself.
(via @Buccaneers) pic.twitter.com/kXFqYqg5Sp
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 12, 2025
“This year, Father’s Day represents a full circle moment in my life journey as I get to celebrate being a first-time dad with my son, Ace. Fatherhood has already been an unbelievable experience and has changed me in so many ways. I can only hope that Ace feels the same way about me as I do about my dad.
“As a professional athlete, you are always recognized for the name on the front of your jersey, but I also play for the name that’s printed on the back. That’s why I’ve chosen to add ‘Jr.’ to my name in honor of the man who gave so unselfishly of himself to others and helped mold me into who I am today.”
Godwin will be entering his ninth season in the league, all with the Buccaneers, after he signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension this offseason to remain in Tampa Bay.
Chris Godwin Trying To Rebound From Injury-Shortened Season
Seven weeks into the 2024 season, Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was on pace for a career year and a hefty payday.
Then, a dislocated ankle ended his season and changed everything.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms on a new deal with free agent wide receiver Chris Godwin in March. The three-year deal is for $66 million and includes $44 million guaranteed.
Godwin enjoyed arguably the best season of his career, leading the league with 50 catches. His 576 receiving yards was second most in the league, and his five touchdown catches was tied for third.
His injury stopped everything, but he is well on his way back to showing what he has left in the tank.
Chris Godwin ranks second in franchise history to Evans with 579 receptions, 7,266 yards, 39 receiving touchdowns, and 22 10-yard games over his eight seasons.