Godfrey set for another run
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
by Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
When Randall Godfrey looks back over the course of his career, he sees many statistics that he’s pleased with, but also recognizes one disturbing trend that he hopes to rectify this fall.
The former Georgia Bulldog was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1996, just three months after the club clinched its third Super Bowl title in four years. He became a free agent in 2000 and joined the Tennessee Titans, who played in the Super Bowl the previous season and were a yard short of claiming a championship. And two seasons removed from a one-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks, Godfrey’s third NFL club reached football’s biggest stage.
In the final chapter of his inspiring NFL career, Godfrey hopes to reverse that trend by helping the Chargers get to Miami and claim the Lombardi Trophy that has eluded him thus far.
“That’s how we want to end it,” Godfrey said. “Wouldn’t that be a storybook finish? We’re all ready to get after it and make that happen.”
At 33 years old, Godfrey is getting set for his 11th professional season and sees his ultimate goal within reach.
“That’s why I came back,” Godfrey said. “I know that we’ve got the potential. These guys want it bad because they know we’re this close. This is too good of a team to not be in the playoffs last year. We’ve got the players to do it. The guys are so eager, so hungry and so committed to win that I just don’t see anything stopping us.”
Godfrey possesses the same hunger. During his downtime this spring, Godfrey traveled back and forth between San Diego and his home in Valdosta, Georgia. He devoted much of his attention to his family but never missed a workout.
“I’m feeling pretty good right now,” Godfrey said. “I’m in great shape. I hope I can feel this way going into training camp and the beginning of the year. They give us a long break right after the season. Then we come back and everyone starts putting it together. It’s fun. It’s just a start to a long season.”
After heavily contemplating retirement this offseason, Godfrey’s physical condition, his desire to win a championship and the enjoyment he continues to receive from the game led him to return for another season. It’s a decision that he’s glad he made.
“I just like being around the guys, competing and just winning,” Godfrey said. “It’s fun to put a game plan together and figure out ways to win. That’s what it’s all about. I’m enjoying myself and can’t wait for this fall to get here.”
If one were to poll the locker room to see who the most respected Charger is, chances are that Godfrey’s name would be mentioned numerous times.
“There are so many players on this team that are an absolute joy to be around and Randall is definitely one of them,” Chargers Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer said. “He’s got great character, works hard and leads by example. I know there are a lot of guys on this team that really look up to him. We’re all delighted that he’s with us again this season.”
In addition to the chemistry and leadership that he contributes, Godfrey remains a productive player on the field. Despite missing two games last season while attending to a tragedy in his family, Godfrey finished second on the team with 76 tackles.
“Randall still brings a physical presence to the game,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s smart, so he always finds himself in the right places and when he gets there, he’s going to hit you in the mouth.”
Earlier this week when quarterback Philip River discussed the accountability he’s faced with as the team’s new starting quarterback, he specifically mentioned Godfrey.
“We’ve got players on this team like Randall who are candid with you and will tell you that they don’t have much longer (to play),” Rivers said. “The time is now. That window opens and closes and its wide open now. We all owe it to the veterans on this team to work hard and make things happen now.”
When the time comes for Godfrey to hang up his cleats and helmet, he expects to smoothly transition into the business world. He plans to retire to Valdosta where he and his cousin Rodney own and operate Godfrey Funeral Home. For at least one more year, he’s got other business to attend to.
“You play to win championships and I haven’t been able to do that yet,” Godfrey said. “I’m privileged to play with a group of guys committed to making that happen. I’ve been smart with my money, made investments and will be set when the time comes, but I’ve still got things to achieve in this game and I hope we that happens this year.”
apperantly - see final post
