The good run of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been hampered now. Their wideout is no more with them and is to be out for the whole season. The Bucs QB Baker Mayfield earlier also reacted to the injury, but he touched hearts with his entry to the stadium this Sunday for the Falcons game.
In a heartwarming gesture, Mayfield showed up to today’s game against the Falcons donning a Chris Godwin jersey instead of a Halloween costume. The Buccaneers quarterback aimed to honor his teammate, who suffered an injury in Week 7 against the Ravens. “It’s about showing up for each other,” Mayfield shared earlier, underscoring the bond in the Bucs’ locker room.
Heartwarming: Baker Mayfield arrives for today’s game wearing a Chris Godwin jersey 🙏❤️pic.twitter.com/C3QFFkDPPg
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 27, 2024
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Earlier after the week 7 game vs the Ravens, Mayfield showed concerns for his teammate. Buccaneers quarterback, who had built solid chemistry with Godwin this season, was visibly shaken after the game. “It just absolutely sucks,” he said, expressing the disappointment felt across the team. Mayfield acknowledged that while the Bucs will have to rally and find replacements, Godwin’s absence will be a significant blow.
The outpouring of support for Godwin stretched well beyond his teammates. His former quarterback, Tom Brady, expressed admiration for Godwin in a heartfelt Instagram comment, “Love you CG, you are one of a kind in every way ❤️,” capturing the respect and bond he holds for him. Fans were moved, as Brady’s words echoed the league-wide sentiment of respect for the resilient receiver.
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles also addressed the difficult decision to keep pushing late in the game despite the risks, defending his choice and emphasizing, “We were trying to win the ball game.” Bowles’ stance drew mixed reactions, with some fans questioning if it was worth risking his starters, but others, like NFL analyst Ryan Clark, defended him, saying, “You sign up to win games… this is not college.”
The injury also rallied support from other NFL stars like Micah Parsons, who called Godwin a “Soldier🔥🔥⭐️,” and Saquon Barkley, who encouraged him with a “Love brudda keep going ✊🏾🖤.” This league-wide solidarity reflects Godwin’s lasting impact on teammates, opponents, and fans alike, marking him as more than just a playmaker but a well-respected figure in the NFL.
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Is Baker Mayfield's gesture a reminder of the forgotten brotherhood in professional sports?
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Chris Godwin’s season cut short by ankle injury: What happened and what’s next
In a heartbreaking turn of events for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, star receiver Chris Godwin’s season is likely over after suffering a severe ankle injury in Monday night’s 41-31 loss to the Ravens. With just about a minute left, Godwin made a 21-yard grab but was tackled from behind by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, causing a dislocated ankle. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles somberly confirmed, “Early indication is that it’s dislocated… It doesn’t look good.”
As Godwin lay on the field, teammates and trainers rushed to his side, visibly shaken by the sight. The receiver was placed in an air cast before being carted off, ending his night with seven catches for 65 yards. Godwin now leads the league with 50 receptions, tallying 576 yards on the season, only trailing Ja’Marr Chase in total receiving yards.
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Roquan Smith, the player involved in the tackle, expressed sympathy, saying, “I never go into any game meaning to injure any player… I want every player to go back home safe and sound to their family.” The NFL is currently reviewing the play to determine if it meets the criteria for a hip-drop tackle, which was banned this season.
As for Godwin’s return, Bowles hinted at a slim chance if Tampa makes a deep playoff run, but its unlikely fans will see him back in action this season. For now, all eyes are on the Buccaneers’ next steps and Godwin’s recovery.
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Is Baker Mayfield's gesture a reminder of the forgotten brotherhood in professional sports?