The NFL is still in limbo like all other sports, yet Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin isn't quite licking his chops in anticipation of his partnership with newly-signed Bucs quarterback Tom Brady. Well, not within a certain context.
The league is hoping to play ball at some point this year, but Godwin is hoping executives don't rush into a poorly-made decision that could cost him or others their life:
“I think that would be a really, really strange situation,” the Bucs receiver told Eduardo Encina of the Tampa Bay Times. “Obviously, these are unprecedented times. No one is sure what’s going to happen. The biggest thing is the safety of all of our citizens. It doesn’t make sense to rush to get back to try to make sure we’re on time for things if we’re just going to have a major setback.
“Sports are great, but I don’t think it’s worth the loss of life. The biggest thing is being safe, so if we have to push it back, so be it. It’s our job as professionals to be ready whenever they tell us to line up.”
Many players, executives, owners, and fans can't see the time teams are allowed back on the gridiron, yet Godwin seems fully cognizant that any premature decision could be life-threatening if the coronavirus managed to spread through play.
Dr. Anthony Fauci recently noted the only way sports would resume this year would be with no fans in attendance. Godwin got his point across simply — safety first, then everything else:
“I guess my opinion on it is the biggest thing we need to focus on is the safety of everyone. Not just the players, but the fans,” said the Bucs receiver. “I know also that we’re very eager for sports to come back. That’s kind of what our country runs around. But I don’t think it would be smart to bring sports back only to have another setback.
“If that’s what we have to do, so be it. But there’s no doubt about it, it would be strange. I don’t think I’ve ever played any form of game without any fans there, as most people would say. I definitely think it would be strange to get adjusted to. But as professionals, it’s really our job to really just lock in and do our job whatever the scenario. No matter wherever the ball is lined up, we’ve got to go.”
The Bucs have plenty of potential with Brady taking over for a struggling Jameis Winston. Godwin's targets, receptions, and touchdown totals could see a vast change as well. Yet the safety of everyone involved will be the main priority as the league navigates the upcoming months.
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