Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Chris Godwin’s family includes his wife, Mariah DelPercio Godwin, their son, Ace Kahlo Godwin, his parents, Rod Christopher Godwin Sr. and Lisa Godwin, and three siblings: Marcus, Sharhonda, and Rian Godwin.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, whose full name is Rod Christopher Godwin Jr., has often spoken about the importance of family in his personal life and football career.
Born on February 27, 1996, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Godwin grew up in Delaware before becoming a standout wide receiver at Penn State University. He joined the NFL in 2017 and helped the Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV.
Beyond his football accomplishments, Godwin has experienced important family milestones, including marrying his high school sweetheart, becoming a father, and coping with the death of his father.
Here is everything publicly known about Chris Godwin’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Who Is Chris Godwin’s Wife or Girlfriend?
Chris Godwin’s wife is Mariah DelPercio Godwin. The couple began dating during high school and married in May 2021.
Mariah is a Penn State University graduate who studied sports nutrition and exercise science. She has also been involved in fitness, charitable initiatives, and animal welfare advocacy.
Although she became widely known through her relationship with the NFL receiver, Mariah has developed her own public profile through her involvement in the Team Godwin Foundation.
As of now, Chris Godwin is married rather than dating a girlfriend.
How Did Chris Godwin Meet Mariah DelPercio?
Chris Godwin and Mariah DelPercio met while attending Middletown High School in Delaware.
Their relationship began during their freshman year, when both were teenagers.
Mariah’s father, Mark DelPercio, was a football coach at Middletown High School, where Chris was developing into one of the state’s most talented players.
According to a profile published by People, Godwin asked Mariah’s father for permission to date his daughter when he was approximately 15 years old.
The couple maintained their relationship throughout high school and later attended Penn State University.
While Chris played college football, Mariah pursued her studies in nutrition and exercise science.
Their relationship continued after Godwin was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2017 NFL Draft.
When Did Chris Godwin Get Married?
Chris Godwin married Mariah DelPercio in May 2021 during a wedding ceremony in Malibu, California.
The couple became engaged in March 2020 after Godwin proposed during a trip to Cape Town, South Africa.
Their marriage followed approximately nine years together, having started their relationship during their teenage years.
Mariah has remained an important source of support throughout her husband’s NFL career, including during his recovery from serious injuries.
The couple has also worked together to support charitable initiatives, particularly those involving vulnerable animals and young people.
How Many Children Does Chris Godwin Have?
As of now, Chris Godwin has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Ace Kahlo Godwin.
Chris and Mariah welcomed their first child on January 2, 2025.
Becoming a father represented an important new chapter in Godwin’s personal life, particularly following the death of his own father the previous year.
Ace Kahlo Godwin – Chris Godwin’s Son
Ace Kahlo Godwin was born on January 2, 2025. He is the first child of Chris Godwin and his wife, Mariah.
The couple publicly announced their son’s arrival in January 2025, receiving congratulations from fans and members of the NFL community.
In March 2025, Ace appeared alongside his parents when Chris signed a new three-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mariah held their two-month-old son during the team’s official press conference, highlighting the importance of family in Godwin’s decision to remain in Tampa Bay.
Another memorable moment occurred on September 28, 2025, when Godwin returned to action against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Before the game, Chris spent time on the field with Mariah and Ace, allowing his son to experience an NFL game alongside his father.
In a Father’s Day message published in 2025, Godwin reflected on becoming a parent and expressed his hope of developing the same meaningful relationship with Ace that he had enjoyed with his own father.
Who Are Chris Godwin’s Parents?
Chris Godwin’s parents are Rod Christopher Godwin Sr. and Lisa Godwin. Both played important roles in his upbringing and development as a football player.
Godwin has publicly credited his parents with teaching him discipline, perseverance, respect, and the importance of working hard.
Chris Godwin’s Father: Rod Christopher Godwin Sr.
Rod Christopher Godwin Sr. was Chris Godwin’s father. He was one of the most influential people in the wide receiver’s life.
Rod supported his son’s football ambitions from childhood, attending games and encouraging him to pursue his goals.
During a 2021 interview with Philadelphia television station 6abc, Rod expressed pride in watching his son prepare to play in Super Bowl LV.
Chris also recalled attending an earlier Super Bowl with his father as spectators and discussing his dream of participating in the championship game.
That dream became reality when Tampa Bay faced the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2021.
Rod was known for enthusiastically supporting his son during games, whether Chris was playing youth football, high school football, college football, or in the NFL.
What Happened to Chris Godwin’s Father?
Rod Christopher Godwin Sr. died in January 2024 following a battle with cancer.
His death occurred shortly after the Buccaneers’ 2023 NFL season ended in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Godwin later discussed the emotional impact of losing his father in an interview with ESPN.
He explained that adjusting to life without his father’s presence and encouragement had been extremely difficult.
In February 2024, Godwin also shared a public tribute to his father, expressing gratitude for the love, lessons, and support he had received throughout his life.
The loss continued to influence Godwin’s personal and professional decisions.
Why Did Chris Godwin Add “Jr.” to His Jersey?
In 2025, Chris Godwin began displaying “Godwin Jr.” on the back of his Buccaneers jersey as a tribute to his late father.
The change reflected his desire to preserve the memory of Rod Christopher Godwin Sr. and acknowledge their close relationship.
Godwin explained that his father had taught him the value of hard work and treating other people with respect.
Becoming a father himself also gave that tribute additional meaning, as he hoped to pass those values on to his son, Ace.
Chris Godwin’s Mother: Lisa Godwin
Lisa Godwin is Chris Godwin’s mother. Her identity is confirmed in his official Tampa Bay Buccaneers player biography.
Lisa helped raise Chris and his siblings in Delaware, supporting their education and personal development.
Although she has generally maintained a private public profile, Chris has acknowledged the positive influence of both parents on his upbringing.
In his 2021 interview with 6abc, Godwin credited the way his parents raised him with preparing him for the challenges and opportunities of professional football.
He particularly emphasized the values of working hard and earning opportunities through effort.
Unlike his late father, who participated in several public interviews about his son’s football career, Lisa has rarely discussed her personal life in the media.
Reliable public information about her occupation and professional background remains limited.
Does Chris Godwin Have Any Siblings?
Yes, Chris Godwin has three siblings: one brother, Marcus Godwin, and two sisters, Sharhonda Godwin and Rian Godwin.
All three are identified in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ official player biography.
Although Chris has established a successful professional football career, his siblings have generally remained outside the national spotlight.
1. Marcus Godwin – Chris Godwin’s Brother
Marcus Godwin is Chris Godwin’s brother.
Marcus is publicly identified in the Buccaneers’ official biography as a member of the wide receiver’s immediate family.
However, there is limited verified information about his personal life, education, occupation, or involvement in sports.
Unlike Chris, Marcus has not developed a comparable public profile through professional football.
As of now, reliable reporting does not provide extensive details about his life.
2. Sharhonda Godwin – Chris Godwin’s Sister
Sharhonda Godwin is one of Chris Godwin’s two sisters.
She is identified in the Buccaneers’ official biography alongside his brother Marcus and sister Rian.
Although Sharhonda is part of the athlete’s immediate family, she has maintained a relatively private life.
There is little independently verified public information about her education, career, or personal relationships.
3. Rian Godwin – Chris Godwin’s Sister
Rian Godwin is Chris Godwin’s other sister.
Her name is confirmed in the official Tampa Bay Buccaneers player biography.
Like her siblings, Rian has largely remained outside public attention.
There is limited reliable reporting about her professional background or everyday personal life.
As of now, Chris Godwin’s publicly documented siblings are Marcus, Sharhonda, and Rian.
Chris Godwin’s Childhood and Family Background
Chris Godwin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Delaware, where he developed his interest in football.
He attended Middletown High School and became a standout wide receiver.
During his senior season, Godwin recorded 18 receiving touchdowns, establishing a Delaware high school record.
His performances earned him recognition as Delaware’s Gatorade Football Player of the Year.
After graduating, Godwin attended Penn State University, where he developed into one of the team’s leading receivers.
He played three college seasons before declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the third round with the 84th overall pick.
His parents’ support and the discipline developed during his childhood helped prepare him for the transition into professional football.
Chris Godwin and Mariah’s Team Godwin Foundation
Chris Godwin and his wife, Mariah, share a commitment to charitable work through the Team Godwin Foundation.
Founded in 2019, the organization supports vulnerable animals and at-risk children through advocacy, partnerships, and community initiatives.
Mariah’s involvement in animal welfare began after the couple moved to Tampa, where she volunteered with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Her experiences helped inspire the couple to promote shelter animal adoption and provide assistance to organizations caring for abandoned pets.
The foundation has also supported youth-focused programs intended to create opportunities for young people facing difficult circumstances.
Chris and Mariah have continued expanding the organization’s activities through fundraising events and community partnerships.
Their work reflects shared values that extend beyond their marriage and Godwin’s professional football career.
How Fatherhood Changed Chris Godwin’s Life
Becoming a father in January 2025 gave Chris Godwin a new perspective on his personal and professional responsibilities.
The arrival of his son, Ace, came approximately one year after his father’s death.
Godwin has publicly discussed how that combination of loss and new beginnings affected his outlook on family.
During the 2025 offseason, he explained that he hoped to provide his son with the same encouragement and support he had received from Rod Godwin Sr.
His decision to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2025 also reflected family considerations.
According to an NFL Network interview, Chris and Mariah discussed their options carefully before choosing to continue building their lives in Tampa.
As of now, Godwin continues balancing his professional football career with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chris Godwin’s Family
Who is Chris Godwin’s wife?
Chris Godwin’s wife is Mariah DelPercio Godwin. The couple met in high school and married in May 2021.
Does Chris Godwin have a girlfriend?
No girlfriend has been publicly identified because Chris Godwin is married to his longtime partner, Mariah DelPercio Godwin.
How many children does Chris Godwin have?
As of now, Chris Godwin has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Ace Kahlo Godwin, born on January 2, 2025.
What is Chris Godwin’s son’s name?
His son’s name is Ace Kahlo Godwin. He is the first child of Chris and Mariah Godwin.
Who is Chris Godwin’s father?
His father was Rod Christopher Godwin Sr., who died in January 2024 after battling cancer.
Who is Chris Godwin’s mother?
Chris Godwin’s mother is Lisa Godwin, who helped raise him and his siblings in Delaware.
How many siblings does Chris Godwin have?
Chris Godwin has three siblings: his brother Marcus Godwin and sisters Sharhonda Godwin and Rian Godwin.
Why does Chris Godwin wear “Jr.” on his jersey?
Chris Godwin added “Jr.” to his jersey in 2025 to honor his late father, Rod Christopher Godwin Sr.
Is Chris Godwin related to Mariah’s football coach?
Mariah’s father, Mark DelPercio, coached Chris Godwin at Middletown High School. Mark later became Godwin’s father-in-law when Chris married Mariah.
What is Chris Godwin’s full name?
His full name is Rod Christopher Godwin Jr.
Where is Chris Godwin from?
Chris Godwin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Delaware, where he attended Middletown High School.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
