Chris Godwin’s Week 7 ankle dislocation shocked fans who watched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star receiver go down after a rough hip-drop tackle by Ravens’ linebacker Roquan Smith. The severe injury required immediate surgery, putting Godwin on a difficult road to recovery. But though still in rehab, he made time to visit his charity, “Most Vulnerable Pets.”
Advertisement
In his first public appearance since being carted off the field with a splint on his lower left leg, the wide receiver’s spirits were lifted by fans who welcomed him with a heartwarming donation of more than $15,000 for his animal foundation.
Arriving at the Team Godwin Foundation Gala on a mobility scooter, he learned that fans had raised the money since his injury to support animals affected by Hurricane Milton.
Grateful and deeply touched, Godwin voiced his appreciation. “Honestly, it really touched my heart,” he said.
“I think that was probably the thing that I was most encouraged by, the outpouring of love, especially in that way, because they didn’t have to do that.”
Godwin noted that what made the gesture special was the fans donating their hard-earned money. A simple “Get Well Soon” would have sufficed, he said. “They didn’t have to take their hard-earned money and donate it to our cause. They could’ve just said, ‘Get well soon,’ and that would’ve been the same.”
Godwin’s Journey Back to the Field
Though his ankle injury was initially expected to end his season, the 28-year-old offensive player has set an ambitious timeline for his return as fans continue to send their best wishes.
They were thrilled to see him out and about, and the $15,000 donation to his foundation garnered further support. Messages wishing him a speedy recovery and congratulating his charity efforts poured in:
So it wasn’t dislocated. It was broken. Speedy recovery. Congratulations, and thank you for your charity donations.
— J. D. Clark (@JDC3579) October 29, 2024
People are inherently good.
— Micro/M43 (@MicroM43) October 29, 2024
Fans also expressed their support for a higher paycheck for Godwin!
Hell yeah great Baller even better person. Tampa gotta Pay him pic.twitter.com/RtmIORy0Zr
— MC3 (@mason_covelli) October 29, 2024
Hope he gets paid well this offseason❤️
— Braden Keas (@BradenKeas) October 30, 2024
The injury resulted from a now-banned hip-drop tackle by Smith, who has since been fined $16,000 by the NFL. Although his ankle recovery was expected to extend past the season, Godwin is hopeful for a playoff return.
“I think that’s the best-case scenario,” Godwin shared via ESPN. “The absolute best, if everything lines up. That’s what you kind of aim for, and like I said, it’s a very different and unique injury.”
Godwin expressed trust in his recovery team. He believes their support is key to making his ankle ready for the field again. Currently, the Buccaneers stand at 4-4 and are set to face the undefeated Kansas City on Nov 5.
