Motivation
April 23rd, 2021
New goals.
One reason why Joe — and many other people — were quite surprised how Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht was able to bring back the Band of Bucs was the motivation of players to return.
Often, when players reach the pinnacle of North American sports by winning the Super Bowl, it’s their greatest boyhood dream (outside of maybe the Hall of Fame).
So once they’ve accomplished that goal, what other reason other than cash is there to get beat up each week like you drove a car off a cliff?
So in his appearance on Kyle Brandt’s podcast, also seen on The Ringer, Bucs receiver Chris Godwin admitted he had to dial back a little bit this offseason to reach for motivation. Why? Because all of his previous life’s goals were reached when the cannons fired and the confetti flew in the muggy Tampa night sky at The Licht House.
Brandt mentioned to Godwin how he read something about the star Bucs receiver from years ago. There, Godwin said he had two goals: make it to the NFL and win a Super Bowl.
Brandt reminded Godwin he’s met his life’s goals before he turned 25. So how does he stay hungry and driven now that he has a ring to go along with a big fat NFL paycheck(s)?
“I never really thought it would happen that fast,” Godwin said of winning a Super Bowl. “I always wanted it to happen but it happened so fast.”
Godwin said along with preparing for his wedding next month, he also found time in the short offseason to reset mentally and configure new goals.
“How do I continue to motivate myself? How do I continue to want to elevate?” Godwin said. “And thankfully, like the competitor in me, it didn’t take much for me to realize the path that I am on. Now that I got a taste of [being a champion] — you know, like when a shark smells blood, now you want to go for the kill.
“I want [to win a Super Bowl] year in and year out. That’s why we play: To win Super Bowls and to win championships. It was so much fun, I want to do that every year.”
Godwin said the good thing is, the Bucs, which was full of players who never took a snap in a playoff game prior to January, now know what it takes to climb the Super Bowl mountain.
“We know how good we have to be,” Godwin added.
In Joe’s eyes, Godwin is one of the very few players Bucs fans do not need to be concerned about giving 110 percent at all times when they go Go for Two.
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:14 am
Let’s all hope that some of the increased salary cap next season first goes to sign Godwin long term.
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:17 am
As much as I love Godwin, he has room to improve. I am hopeful his stretch of poor play was due to injuries.
He has plenty to prove on his franchise tag year.
In BA I Trust!
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:22 am
All the players are swimming in the warm waters of confidence right now. Pure rapture.
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:25 am
Godwin has everything to play for…including a 9 figure payday. A rare example of the franchise tag being beneficial for both parties IMO.
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:33 am
I still think we reach a long term deal with him before the season starts and they tear up the tag. Some creative structuring will add some of that tag money to sign all of our draft picks and maybe AB
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:54 am
im sure his goal is to not miss a game and have over 100 catches….im just glad he’s still here….
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 23rd, 2021 at 10:06 am
motivate himself to catch in the playoffs
April 23rd, 2021 at 10:12 am
Once again Robert, let me dumb it down for you. He had a broken finger in the playoffs.
He also had a 77.4% catch rate in 2020. Find me a WR with a better one.
April 23rd, 2021 at 10:39 am
Joe — are you saying you think Godwin is high risk for not giving it his all?
April 23rd, 2021 at 10:43 am
I believe in Chris. I am positive his finger injury or wearing that splint/special glove impacted him later in the season. He dealt with the injury for 15 weeks and you can only change your grip around for so long before experiencing some sort of weakness or atrophy in the hand.
April 23rd, 2021 at 10:47 am
Wow, what an endorsement with that last sentence.
April 23rd, 2021 at 10:55 am
“Don’t need to be concerned”
There. Fixed it for you.
Now fix that “Licht House” BS, for us.
April 23rd, 2021 at 11:02 am
Yes, that last sentence is why maybe Joe shouldn’t write stories at 2 a.m.
Godwin is a true professional and one of Joe’s favorite players. No one needs to worry about his work ethic.
April 23rd, 2021 at 11:08 am
It’s fine Joe. Most of us know what u meant.
April 23rd, 2021 at 11:35 am
Brady won’t allow complacency. Staying on top is a lot harder than getting there. brady knows that better than anyone. He’s only won back to back one time, and that was a different era of football. Defenses could still mug receivers back then. If you don’t repeat, it’ll be injury related, not from a lack of motivation
April 23rd, 2021 at 11:41 am
@Robert,
Yea, because Godwin didn’t haul in a contested 52 yard catch in the NFC Championship, right?
April 23rd, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Maybe the psychographics of players recruited by Licht & Co. Leans toward self- motivations well outside of greed.
Frankly, I thought it would be Barrett who would succumb to greed.
April 23rd, 2021 at 8:24 pm
Howards cell phone wallpaper is a picture of Godwin skying over a Falcons defender as he hauls in the ball!
Great job Godwin
April 24th, 2021 at 7:23 am
Godwin is even better than his stats. Great combination of physical skills, effort and attitude.
April 24th, 2021 at 10:16 am
Have to believe his drop problems were a product of the broken finger.