Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin Reveals Reason for Jersey Change

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Chris Godwin made a jersey change this offseason, which has extra significance for him.

The former Pro Bowler and All-Pro added “Jr.” to the end of his name in honor of his late father, Rod Christopher Godwin Sr., who died in January 2024. Chris Godwin shared about it on social media ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday.

“As a kid, I enjoyed an amazing relationship with my dad, Rod Christopher Godwin Sr.,” Godwin wrote. “From my youth football through high school, I always knew that he was there because I would hear him yelling in support of his son. He instilled in me early that I could achieve anything I wanted if I worked hard enough and treated people with respect.”

“I always appreciated and valued the immeasurable impact he had on my life, and I made sure to let him know that every day, not just on Father’s Day,” Godwin added. “I lost my Pops in January of 2024, and Father’s Day last year was a time of reflection and introspection.”

Godwin, 29, grew up in Middletown, Delaware, and become a prep star at Middletown followed by a standout career at Penn State from 2014 to 2016. The Buccaneers selected Godwin with a third-round pick in 2017, and he became a consistent performer over the years amid 579 receptions for 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns in his career.

Chris Godwin Calls Father’s Day ‘A Full Circle Moment’

Godwin’s first season without his father present had its ups and downs.

The longtime Buccaneers wideout had 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns as his season was cut short due to injury. Off the field, Godwin had his first child, Ace, with his wife, Mariah DelPercio.

“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,” Godwin wrote. “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,” Godwin continued. “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.”

Chris Godwin Has Changed Jerseys Before With Buccaneers

Godwin’s decision didn’t mark the first time he has changed jerseys with the Buccaneers.

He did it before in 2020 when former quarterback Tom Brady came to Tampa Bay as a free agent. Godwin had been wearing the No. 12 for three seasons, but that was Brady’s number during his legendary 20 seasons with the New England Patriots.

Godwin gave up the No. 12 for Brady and donned the No. 14 instead. In addition, Godwin had two of the best seasons of his career with Brady in 2021 and 2022.

Godwin had 98 receptions for 1,103 yards and fie touchdowns in 2021, and he caught 104 passes for 1,023 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.