Topics

More

Chris Godwin’s ‘Receptions For Rescue’ Campaign Helps Shelter Dogs Find New Homes

Former Penn State football wide receiver Chris Godwin is having an excellent season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The third-year pro ranks fifth in the NFL with 766 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 54 receptions, which are good enough to be tied for third and rank eighth in the league, respectively.

As it turns out, each of those 54 receptions — and all the passes he’ll snag throughout the rest of 2019 — will help support an amazing cause.

Godwin has pledged to donate $50 to his own foundation for every pass he catches this season as part of his “Receptions for Rescue” campaign. The Team Godwin Foundation aims to provide at-risk children and animals a “second chance through advocacy and financial support.”

As of November 8, 24 people have pledged to donate money or made flat donations, and the charity has raised an estimated $4,409 thanks to the wideout’s 54-catch output. Godwin’s goal is to raise $10,000 for the cause.

“Shelter dogs are a very vulnerable population because they can’t speak for themselves,” Mariah DelPercio — Godwin’s girlfriend — told The Athletic. “Nine times out of 10, they’re not [in shelters] because of anything they did. We want to use the platform that Chris and I have to educate people — to change minds. It comes full circle because we had no idea.”

Thousands of cats and dogs are euthanized daily across the United States because they can’t find homes and can’t be supported by shelters. The former Penn State wide receiver helps run one of many charities that help support shelter animals.

On top of supporting these shelters financially, Godwin simply wants to raise awareness about this huge issue.

“A lot of people don’t know [about shelters],” Godwin said to The Athletic. “Hopefully, we’re doing what we can to influence people in the right direction, so they can buy in, one dog at a time.”

Godwin and his girlfriend adopted an American Staffordshire Terrier named Ziggy, and they currently live with him in Tampa Bay. They’re hosting a launch event for the Team Godwin Foundation on Monday night.

You can make a flat donation or pledge to give money per reception to the wideout’s initiative here.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Mikey Mandarino

In the most upsetting turn of events, Mikey graduated from Penn State with a digital & print journalism degree in the spring of 2020. He covered Penn State football and served as an editor for Onward State from 2018 until his graduation. Mikey is from Bedminster, New Jersey, so naturally, he spends lots of time yelling about all the best things his home state has to offer. Mikey also loves to play golf, but he sucks at it because golf is really hard. If you, for some reason, feel compelled to see what Mikey has to say on the internet, follow him on Twitter @Mikey_Mandarino. You can also get in touch with Mikey via his big-boy email address: [email protected]

Onward State’s 2024 College Football Playoff Hub

Follow along with Onward State’s coverage of Penn State football’s journey through the playoffs.

KJ Winston Declares For NFL Draft

Winston missed most of the 2024 season with a long-term injury.

Staff Picks: Onward State’s Guide To Happy Valley For SMU Fans

To all visiting SMU fans, here’s how to best enjoy your stay in Happy Valley.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
63.1kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Mikey

What About The Class Of 2020?

On the heels of concrete plans for the Class of 2021, last year’s seniors still feel hung out to dry.

Dive In: Mikey Mandarino’s Senior Column

Penn State Hockey’s Peyton Jones Signs Two-Year Contract With AHL’s Colorado Eagles