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In an NFL world where everybody wants results right away, Bucs veteran star wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has had to instill a lot of patience over the previous two seasons. Many know his story by now. Godwin’s gruesome dislocated ankle injury ended his 2024 season early, then the rehab and recovery process forced a later start to his 2025 season.
And because Godwin had to play catch up the whole time, it may have led to the fibula injury that cost him to miss several games last season, too. All in all, Godwin played in only nine games last season and not putting up the type of production that Bucs fans have been accustomed to seeing him do on a regular game basis.
Bucs WRs Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
That’s where the patience has come in. It’s easy to be frustrated by not seeing the results desired, but Godwin has chosen to put his focus on the benefit of getting to train this offseason for performance rather than recovery.
Chris Godwin Jr. Happy With How His Body Is Holding Up
Chris Godwin Jr. looked good during OTAs and mini-camp a month ago. This continued on the first day of training camp for the 2026 season. He continues to build chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield while in a new offense under play caller Zac Robinson. Mayfield hit Godwin on the flats to the left and right side of the field, making the reception on each target his way.
The best sign of all, is that Godwin felt even better once practice is over. If he can maintain his health all season long, it brings a necessary spark to Tampa Bay’s offense.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. and WRs coach Bryan McClendon – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R
“I’m feeling good,” Godwin said. “I’m encouraged by the way my body’s felt by the ability to have a full offseason of training,” Godwin said. “I’m just grateful to be out there. It’s year 10, I feel like it’s flown by so quickly. I guess it was a gift, too, because it was a beautiful day, first day of camp. Probably one of the best weather days I’ve had in camp most recently. I think some rookies are probably getting a false sense of security because this is not camp in Tampa.”
Chris Godwin Jr. Recently Spoke With Mike Evans
One thing that is new and different for Godwin going into this season is that it’s the first training camp of his NFL career without Mike Evans as his teammate. Godwin commented on the oddity of not having Evans there with Evans going to San Francisco and also mentioned that he recently had a conversation with Evans about his new endeavor.
Bucs GM Jason Licht, former Buc Mike Evans, and Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
“It’s definitely strange,” Godwin said. “I think the combination of being in training camp and him not being here and then seeing him in a different shade of red is bizarre. It’s the business, right? I talked to Mike a couple weeks ago and he’s happy. That’s my guy, so if he’s happy, I’m happy.”
When asked if his leadership has to change because of this adjustment, Godwin said that the best thing for him and the team is to continue to be himself.
“As far as my leadership on this team, it doesn’t change at all as far as I’m concerned,” Godwin said. What I did and what I brought to the team is completely different than what Mike brought to the team. It’s not like he’s gone and I’m like ‘Oh, I got to step up and be somebody else or somebody that I’m not.’ I just continue to be me and to me, that’s going to be good enough. I continue to encourage younger guys, continue to try to elevate my game. If I can bring the best version of myself, that’s the best thing I can do for our team.”
Pewter Report recapped all of the first day of training camp on the Pewter Report Podcast. Subscribe to our PewterReportTV YouTube channel.