Chris Godwin doesn’t do ifs and buts. That’s why he’s the steady heartbeat of a Buccaneers offense that’s otherwise lived in chaos. From Jameis Winston to Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield. “Change is part of this game,” he’s said before while adding, “but not all change is good.” Well, that quote hits differently now. Especially after he turned down a hard run from New England this spring. That’s a reported $30 million offer. A deal that would’ve made him the centerpiece of their passing attack. He could’ve taken the bag.

Instead, he stayed loyal to Tampa. Because for Godwin, the real payoff isn’t just on Sundays—it’s in legacy. As his dad would call him, “Half man, half monster, the Manster!” That legacy took center stage when fans noticed something different at OTAs. The back of his jersey now reads Godwin Jr. Addition of a three-letter suffix to his name that now carries the weight of two generations. “As a professional athlete, you are always recognized for the name on the front of your jersey,” Godwin wrote. “But I also play for the name that’s printed on the back.”

So, why the change? Well, the move wasn’t sudden. It had been building since January 2024, when his father, Rod Christopher Godwin Sr., passed away. “He instilled in me early that I could achieve anything if I worked hard enough and treated people with respect.” Now Godwin carries that teaching with him, literally—every game, every rep, every down.

But here’s what made the timing even more poignant. This year will be his first Father’s Day as a dad himself. “Fatherhood has already been an unbelievable experience… I can only hope that Ace feels the same way about me as I do about my dad.” And how does he feel about his dad? Well, scroll back to his IG tribute from February 2, 2024, and it’s all there.

Godwin opened with a nickname: Rifle. That was his dad. Then came the memories. “My earliest memories are of times I spent with you in the car listening to either sports talk radio or Frank Sinatra. A wild range of content, I thought. Growing up, you were my hero. The love you poured into your children is what allowed me to believe I could accomplish my dreams.”

He ended that post proud to be his son. And now, full circle, his nameplate says it loud: Godwin Jr. A small tweak with weight. It’s a nod to the man who built him with compassion, grit, and quiet strength. That’s who the Bucs’ #14 will be playing for in 2025. “Love you, Pops,” Godwin signed off.

Chris Godwin Jr.: The start of something new, something special

There’s something quietly powerful about Chris Godwin’s story. He was never loud about it. And he certainly didn’t need to outshine Mike Evans to shine himself. In his first year as a starter, Godwin caught 19 more passes and had 176 more yards than a three-time Pro Bowler in Evans. But not once did Evans flinch. “Not a single time throughout that year did Mike mention anything to me… Even though he had been the franchise receiver,” Godwin said. No jealousy. No ego. Just trust.

So, if you’re trying to slap labels like “WR1” or “1A/1B” on this duo, don’t bother. It misses the point. “When me and Mike are done, long gone from this organization, I think we’re going to look back on this time and say it was rare to have what we had,” Godwin said. And let’s not forget GM Jason Licht’s already called it. Chris might end up in Evans’ will. And it won’t be a surprise if that were to happen.

Yet, for Godwin, it was never just about stats or the spotlight. It was about people. About comfort. “I want to work with people that I enjoy it with,” he said. Whether it’s the locker room or the support staff, Tampa feels like home. That’s part of why he stayed. Not every receiver turns down a $30 million bag. But for Godwin, it was a no-brainer.

Meanwhile, on the field, we have seen him catching passes from Jameis. Then, go on to win a Super Bowl with Brady. And now, he shares a brotherhood with Baker. “He’s such a gritty player… and you don’t really see that too often from quarterbacks,” Godwin said. And when he’s not catching passes? He’s playing Mafia, Spoons, and Presidents & A**holes with a crew of Bucs and former teammates. The connection doesn’t switch off after Sunday.

But Tampa’s already securing the future after these 3. Cue in Emeka Egbuka. Strong hands. Smooth routes. Mike Evans lit up talking about him: “He catches like Chris Godwin.” Maybe it’s a fitting comparison, as Godwin’s legacy is already shaping the next wave. Just what the Rifle would have wanted from his Manster!