Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is entering his ninth season in the NFL. Drafted by the Bucs in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, he has proven to be a consistent performer.
Godwin has good hands, is a strong route runner, and is versatile enough to play both outside and in the slot. He has been an All-Pro, a Pro Bowler, and helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl 55. However, he is making a major change for 2025. Godwin is changing the name on the back of his uniform.
Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin Jr. Explains New Name in Touching Tribute
Most players, such as C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who wish to change their name legally, do so before entering the NFL. However, some, like Chad Johnson, who became Chad Ochocinco for a while, do it during their playing career.
Sometimes, players announce name changes that rarely happen, such as Antonio Brown and his many iterations: Ronald Ocean, Mr. Big Chest, and even Antonio El-Allah Express. While players have their reasons, few give off the warm fuzzies as much as the announcement made by Godwin.
According to a statement from Godwin, released by the Buccaneers on X, he decided to add “Jr.” at the end of his name officially to honor his father.
“As a kid I enjoyed an amazing relationship with my dad, Rod Christopher Godwin, Sr.,” Godwin said. “From youth football through high school, I always knew that he was there because I would hear him yelling in support of his son.”
Godwin describes how his father taught him early in his life that he could have anything he wanted if he 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 said. “I lost my Pops in January of 2024, and Father’s Day last year was a time of reflection and introspection.”
Why @CGtwelve_ changed the name on the back of his jersey 🙏 pic.twitter.com/AJSQmxYCRz
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) June 12, 2025
Now, Godwin is a first-time father himself; his son, Ace Kahlo, was born on Jan. 2, 2025. He said he hopes that Ace will feel the same way about him that he does about his father.
“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 said. “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. Love you, Pops!”
Godwin should remain one of the Buccaneers’ core offensive weapons. He signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension to stay in Tampa Bay. His 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns rank second, behind Mike Evans, his longtime teammate, in franchise history.