Team ICON Athlete, Chris Godwin, discusses nutrition on and off the field after concluding his Rookie year in the NFL. A first year of increasing playing time, and getting to experience a home Monday Night Football game, Chris is already working hard for the 2018 season. We sat down with Chris to get the inside scoop of life in the NFL and how players stay on track with their nutrition and motivation.
ICON:
What was a major influence for you to get involved with sports as a kid?
Chris:
"I started playing football at the age of 6. I grew up watching sports all day long on TV so, like most kids, I wanted to be a part of that. The first youth team that I played on was actually called the Bucs. My love for sports and football continues to grow and I'm blessed to have been able to turn that childhood passion into a career."
ICON:
At what point in your sports career did you realize that you could make the pros?
Chris:
"For me, it was a progression thing. I didn't know that I would be able to play at a high college level until it was my sophomore year of high school and I started getting offers. I didn't know I could make it to the NFL until I was doing well in college and getting calls from agents. Playing in the NFL has always been my end goal, but I would say I really didn't know until I was presented with the opportunity."
ICON:
Your practices and obviously the games are extremely taxing. What does your normal food intake look like before having to go on the field to perform?
Chris:
"On work days, we're at the facility from 6am to 6pm. I'll have a big breakfast in the mornings before meetings (carb and protein heavy, my go-to is waffles, fruit, and egg whites), some snacks during meetings (usually quick stuff from the player's lounge like Fig Newton's), and then lunch before practice (again, pretty carb heavy to fuel my body for practice). Before games we have a pre-game meal that's usually steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli, dinner rolls, and pasta with meat sauce."
ICON:
It's Monday night, the sky is dim and the stadium lights are bright. You're coming down the tunnel of Raymond James Stadium to 66,000 screaming fans. Describe that feeling.
Chris:
"The best word I can think of is "crazy." When I come out of the tunnel, that's my moment to slow down for a second and reflect on how far I've come. I take it all in. I'm fully aware of how blessed I am to be in this spot and when I'm coming out to all the screaming fans and that game atmosphere, that's when I really, really feel that."
ICON:
Having just finished your rookie season and finishing on a BIG note (1st 100-yard game AND game winning touchdown), what is your source of motivation going into the 2018 NFL season?
Chris:
"For me, my constant source of motivation is always getting better. That's how I approach every day, is get better than the day I was before. So next season I want to get better than I was this season. I'm never going to be the guy who thinks he knows everything, I just always feel like there's more I can learn and more I can do to improve my game."
ICON:
Who are some of your mentors and leaders that have helped pave your path of becoming a professional athlete?
Chris:
"Every position coach I've had leading up to where I am now has had the most hands-on influence on my game as a receiver, and on helping me pave this path. My college receiver coach, Coach Gattis, probably had the most influence because I feel like college was where I grew the most as a receiver."
ICON:
What are some words of wisdom or motivation that you might have for youth wanting to become an NFL player one day?
Chris:
"Being a kid from Delaware, the chances that I was going to make it to this point weren't huge. I could have let that deter me from even trying, but I didn't. I think my one biggest piece of wisdom would be that you have to maintain the mentality of going after what you want, no matter what it takes. You can't look at your situation as an obstacle and just let that force you to quit. A quote that my girlfriend always reminds me of is, "If you want something bad enough, you'll find a way; if not, you'll find an excuse." You have to remember that. And don't forget to enjoy every minute of the process getting there!"
ICON:
We couldn't leave this out! What are your favorite meals and snacks from ICON?!
Chris:
"To start, the obsession with the Kobe Beef Bacon Cheeseburger is real! Whenever that's on the menu I order 7 for the week and have one every day. I also really like the Brisket Sliders and the Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas. I toast the slider buns and the quesadillas so they're crispy. My favorite staple meal that I order every week would be the Beef Medallions, Rice, and Green Beans. As far as snacks, I love anything with cinnamon on it so the Cinnabun Krunch Protein Popcorn is my favorite!"