Being back on a football field made Chris Godwin smile.
This time last year, Chris Godwin wasn’t even sure when he would get back on a football field.
In 2024, Godwin had his ankle destroyed in a curb-stomping by the Crows on the Bucs. Godwin was lost for the rest of the 2024 season as his ankle had to be basically rebuilt.
So at this point a year ago, Godwin was just rehabbing, hoping he might be able to make some sort of impact for the Bucs once the regular season rolled around.
Godwin yesterday seemed relieved that he’s full-go in OTAs and not still hobbled by his wrecked ankle.
Godwin was asked if just knowing he’s 100 percent is a mental relief compared to last year.
“Absolutely,” Godwin said. “It’s a blessing to be back out here. Like I said, anytime you have the ability to train and, like, [train] for performance and not for recovery, it’s a huge difference.”
Godwin was needled how Jalen McMillan last week referred to Godwin, who is now the most tenured Bucs player since Mike Evans and Lavonte David left, as “Unc.” He didn’t consider McMillan’s words a mockery or a compliment, joking that he would have to have a talk with McMillan.
But, Godwin said, it sure feels good being part of the team and not watch on the sidelines wondering about your future.
“I also just enjoy being out here with the guys,” Godwin said. “I found myself kind of like [an outsider], just looking at my friends playing.
“I’m just like, ‘I can’t wait to be out there.’ And now being out here, it’s a lot more fun. So I’m grateful for that.”
Toward the end of last season, Godwin sure looked more like himself. Joe thinks that is because that’s when Godwin finally became healthy.
So carry that performance over from last year, it would not shock Joe to see Godwin wreck defenses again this year.