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Buccaneers' Star WR Makes Subtle Name Change to Honor Father
Buccaneers' Star WR Makes Subtle Name Change to Honor Father originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Chris Godwin has had quite a journey the last couple of seasons.
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And it doesn't have anything to do with football.
Godwin lost his father a little over a calendar year ago, and is now honoring him as Father's Day approaches. He's also heading into his first Father's Day from the other side of it ... as a father.
It's no doubt an emotional journey for Godwin, who issued a press release announcing that he's adding Jr. to be back of his jersey in honor of his late father.
"As I kid I enjoyed an amazing relationship with my dad, Rod Christopher Godwin, Sr. From 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. I lost my Pops in January of 2024, and Father's Day last year was a time of reflection and introspection.
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"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 have 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.
"Love you, Pops!"
As Godwin is coming off a horrible injury last season that could affect his readiness to play in Week 1, he'll no doubt be proud when he does finally take the field with "Jr." after his name on his Buccaneers jersey, after honoring his late father, Rod Christopher Godwin Sr.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
