Bucs’ Chris Godwin Reveals Initial Feelings About Giving Tom Brady No. 12

Tom Brady had some business to take care of with one of his new wide receivers upon signing with the Buccaneers.

The jersey number Brady wore throughout his 20-season run in New England initially wasn’t available when he landed with Tampa Bay. No. 12 was occupied by Chris Godwin, who in 2019 posted a breakout, Pro Bowl season in which he corralled 86 catches for 1,333 with nine touchdowns.

It didn’t take Godwin very long to hand over the jersey number to Brady. The 24-year-old since has shifted to No. 14 and seems to be embracing the new digit. But during a recent appearance on “The Checkdown,” Godwin admitted he initially was a little bummed to part ways with 12.

“I have been (wearing No. 12) since high school and it means a lot to me,” Godwin said Wednesday, as transcribed by WEEI. “At first it bothered me a little bit, it was kind of getting at me because it is part of my identity, but when the GOAT comes calling you kind of concede to him. Like I said, hopefully I can get a ring or two or three out of that. I was more than happy to do it. I have a new persona for me, 1-4. We’re going to move forward and make something special with it.”

Godwin also can take solace in the fact that Brady was quite impressed by the selfless gesture. The six-time Super Bowl champion saluted the fourth-year pro for his maturity and for being a great teammate.

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