Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin and his wife, Mariah, help shelter animals find forever homes
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is teaming up with his wife, Mariah, to make an impact off the field by giving back to the Hillsborough County community. The Team Godwin Foundation, founded by the NFL player and his wife, recently donated more than $12,000 to the Hillsborough County Pet Resources Foundation to help support shelter animals.
As part of their foundation, the Chris and Mariah Godwin Recovery Initiative Fund provides critical veterinary care for animals who have endured cruelty, neglect, or life-threatening medical conditions. The donation will go directly toward emergency care, diagnostic testing, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment plans tailored to each animal's unique needs.
Pet Resource Center (PRC) staff gathered alongside the Godwins to recognize their donation and thank the foundation for their continued commitment to the community. The couple says the donation reflects their deep belief in lifting others up.
"It's really rewarding," said Chris. "We're so fortunate to be in the position that we're in and donate to causes that we're so passionate about."
Team Godwin Foundation
Grounded by teamwork and rooted in compassion, The Team Godwin Foundation makes it their mission to support at-risk youth and animals through partnerships, programs, and community engagement. The Godwins say the work is deeply personal. As lifelong animal lovers, the couple has opened their home to rescue pets, experiencing firsthand the joy that comes from giving vulnerable animals a second chance. The couple says they take comfort in knowing the funds will go to a great cause.
"We have so much respect and admiration for the people at the Pet Resource Center," said Mariah. "To be able to put our name on something that supports PRC's mission and the work they do for Tampa's animals, it means a lot to us."
The Team Godwin Foundation works hand-in-hand with Hillsborough's PRC to support their critical rescue operations. Their partnership provides funding for medical care, supplies, facility improvements, and adoption programs. The foundation also sponsors adoption fee waivers and promotional events that help animals find their forever homes.
"It's really nice to work with the Pet Resource Center, who cares for animals in the same way we do," said Chris. "Ultimately our goal is to get more pets adopted."
Lend a helping hand
PRC serves thousands of residents each year through pet adoptions, lost-and-found services, low-cost veterinary care, and community outreach initiatives designed to keep pets healthy and housed. It's the only open-admission facility in the county and accepts domestic animals regardless of breed, size, or medical condition.
Learn more about the Team Godwin Foundation, including ways to support the nonprofit's mission.
Interested in supporting the PRC? View the Pet Advocacy & Volunteering page to learn how you can help. To view pets available for adoption, visit the PRC in-person or search the online kennel.