Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin had a press conference after re-signing with the Bucs on Tuesday. It was an emotional day that opened a window into how much Godwin and the team have meant to each other through the years, along with the ups and downs that Godwin has been through in his career to get to this point.

Even Jason Licht had some times when the moment was getting the best of him.

As reports told, Godwin turned down more money to stay in Tampa Bay. He’s a very motivated individual, but money isn’t what motivates him. He wants to be great and he wants to win. Chris Godwin had to go with his gut and be who he is, which led him to staying in Tampa Bay.

Chris Godwin Shares Why He Stayed In Tampa

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I think, what it boiled down to, honestly, was family and just staying true to who I am,” Chris Godwin said. “I feel like nine out of ten people in this position wouldn’t necessarily have made the decision that I did, but I don’t do the things that I do based on what other people would do.

“I trust my gut and I stay true to who I am. One thing I’ve never done is made any decisions solely based on the money. I think I’m fortunate enough to be in this position and to be here at this table again.

“That’s a position that not many people have had. I recognize that and I’m fortunate in that way, so for me, I had to do what was best for myself, I had to do what was best for our family. I had to do what we were the most comfortable with, but also, I work with a lot of great people and those things really are big factors. Enjoying where you work plays a big part in this. Enjoying coming to work, enjoying going in and putting in the time, because this game is way too tough to just be out there winging it.

“Obviously, I’ve gone through two big injuries now, training camp here is not easy, the NFL is not easy by any means. We’re the best in the world – 32 teams of the best in the world at what we do, so you have to really enjoy doing it or it’s not going to work the same way that it needs to, so there were a lot of things that factored into it but those are some of the top ones.”

Chris Godwin’s Actions Have Spoken Louder Than Others

It’s not very often that top players choose the place where they can win the most over taking the money. Take this offseason, for example.

Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett requested a trade a month ago and yet a month later changed his tune when he was made the highest paid non-quarterback in the league.

Wide receiver DK Metcalf preferred to go to a team that played in a warm weather climate with an established quarterback. Instead, he was traded to the Steelers and agreed to a four-year, $132 million deal, putting him at five years and $150 million including this season. Why the sudden difference in their wants and needs? The money connects all the dots.

Bucs WR Chris Godwin and GM Jason Licht, photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

That shows why once again Chris Godwin is a different kind of NFL superstar. And for another time, the Bucs still wanted him back at a fair price despite coming off of a season-ending injury. He’s a special kind of talent.

“It definitely is rare,” general manager Jason Licht said. “Chris is a rare person though. Like I said before, we use the word upstairs, ‘humble superstar,’ and we’re fortunate to have two at that position – today is Chris’s day but I know Mike [Evans] and you are so close – you know, Nelson [Luis] showed me a stat – they’re already fifth best all time duo in terms of receiving yards. I’m sure you know that but you don’t boast about it.

“Sixth in touchdowns, but that will go up this year. I’d like to challenge anybody to say that, take the combination of talent, and the character, the selflessness of a duo that’s the best in NFL history and will probably never be repeated. That’s just the type of person Chris is. I know you left what some would say [is] generational money, and people always give us kudos for betting on Chris during his injuries but he and Mariah, they bet on us, and we’re going to do everything that we can to make it right for you and chase another ring.”