NFL CAREER – Goodwin assumed leadership of the offensive line in 2008, taking the reins as the club's starting center and stewarding a unit that surrendered only 13 sacks. He distinguished himself in both pass protection and run blocking and also made all of the line calls. In his career, Goodwin has opened 28 of 100 contests, including all 13 games at center that he appeared in last season. He joined the Saints in 2006 after being signed as an unrestricted free agent from the New York Jets, where he showed his versatility by also starting 10 games at left guard. Goodwin was a solid performer at the University of Michigan, starting 20 of 29 career games while playing every position on the offensive front other than left tackle.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Re-signed by Saints to a three-year contract, 2/27/08; Signed by the Saints to a two-year contract (UFA-NYJ), 3/27/06; Signed to one-year contract by New York Jets (RFA), 4/5/05; Signed to three-year contract by New York, 7/24/02; Selected by New York in fifth round (154th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.
2008 – Started all 13 games he appeared in, missing three contests with an injured knee…Offensive line allowed only 13 sacks - a club record - despite the Saints leading the NFL in passing attempts…Injured his left knee at Carolina, Oct. 19, and on the inactive list for the next three games…Returned to action vs. Green Bay, Nov. 24, and the Saints would score 51 points…Played in his 100
th career game vs. Carolina, Dec. 28.
2007 – Played in 13 games, starting two…On active roster but did not play in three contests…Appeared primarily on special teams until vs. Atlanta, Oct. 21, when he subbed for injured C Jeff Faine and threw a key block on a 24-yard touchdown run by RB Pierre Thomas…Started in victory at San Francisco, Oct. 28…Had a standout performance vs. Jacksonville, Nov. 4, helping offense to big day while taking on DT tandem of John Henderson and Marcus Stroud...Returned to special teams units for remainder of season.
2006 – Appeared in all 16 games, primarily on special teams, also played center vs. Carolina, Dec. 31.
2005 – Saw action on offensive line and on special teams for first five weeks…Came off bench in Week Six at Buffalo after C Kevin Mawae was injured…Had fourth career start (at LG) at Atlanta, Oct. 24, where he started the rest of season.
2004 – Saw time on special teams and as reserve at guard …Made first career start at right guard vs. San Francisco, Oct. 17, and started the next two games.
2003 – Played in 15 games, mostly on special teams, and was also in rotation at right guard.
2002 – Played in 13 of 16 games, primarily on special teams.
COLLEGE – Began career at Ohio University before transferring to Michigan in 1998…Started 20 of 29 career games…Played four positions (center, right guard, left guard and right tackle) for the Wolverines…All-Big 10 as a senior…Sat out 1998 under NCAA transfer rules…Started every game at right guard as a freshman at Ohio.
PERSONAL – Brother, Harold (1995-96) played at guard at Michigan…Sports Management and Communications major...“Top 100” choice as a senior at Lower Richland (S.C.) as a senior…Born Dec. 2, 1978 in Columbia, S.C.