One of the first things the Cowboys did at the start of free agency was to re-sign players they consider essential. And one of those hires was cornerback CJ Goodwin. Although he has little participation in defensive snaps, Goodwin has a very important role. In fact, he is the best player in Dallas’ special teams unit.
In the past two seasons, Goodwin has been the leader in tackles in this unit for the Cowboy team. In addition, he starred in two of Dallas’ best special teams plays of 2020: a 73-yard punt return against the Steelers, as well as Greg Zuerlein’s famous “watermelon kick” recovery against the Falcons.
Cedrick Wilson + C.J. Goodwin = 73-yard punt return for the Cowboys
Cowboys 13, Steelers 0pic.twitter.com/dwDESX7mqR
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) November 8, 2020
Because of this performance, the Cowboys did not hesitate to want CJ Goodwin to continue. Last March, the cowboy team offered the 31-year-old cornerback a two-year contract. And Goodwin did not hesitate to sign that contract.
“It was an easy decision for me”Goodwin said in an interview for the Cowboys website. “We just had to come to an agreement. Honestly, I feel blessed to be here. “.
Cowboys announced a cluster of roster moves today. CB C.J. Goodwin officially signed his two-year contract. WR Malik Turner, not tendered as a restricted free agent, also signed.
Waived: TE Cole Hikutini, C Marcus Henry, WR Jon’Vea Johnson and WR Chris Lacy.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 19, 2021
Coming to the NFL as an undrafted rookie in the 2014 Draft, CJ Goodwin has been through the practice squads of several teams: Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Arizona, New York Giants, San Francisco and Cincinnati. In fact, the cornerback came to Dallas from the Bengals’ practice squad in 2018. However, a broken forearm limited his participation to just two games that season.
However, things changed for Goodwin in 2019. That year, the cornerback appeared in 16 games for the first time in his professional career, this as part of the special teams in Dallas. In this unit he registered seven tackles, three of which occurred in a game against the Chicago Bears.
Because of this performance, Goodwin was re-signed with the Cowboys in 2020. For the second year in a row he was the special teams player with the most tackles, registering nine in total. Besides, he stood out notably for the aforementioned plays against Atlanta (week 2) and Pittsburgh (week 9).
Unreal onside kick. Falcons didn’t expect it to go 10 yards. It Javad-golf-sliced past the line. #Cowboys pounced. Scrumtrulescent.#CowboysNation @wfaa #DALvsATL pic.twitter.com/BocctVRkr5
— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) September 20, 2020
Although he has played very few defensive snaps in Dallas, CJ Goodwin is very comfortable with his role within the special teams unit of the Cowboy team. What’s more, he is proud of it.
“I take pride in it, that’s my job”Goodwin said. “And I want to be a leader on and off the field for these kids, young and old. This makes me proud, and I always try to be the best in the league at what I do. “.
Besides, the cornerback also feels valued by the cowboy team. Looking at how his career was before arriving in Dallas, there is no doubt about it. If he wasn’t there, he might still be moving from one practice squad to another throughout the league.
“I feel valued as an individual and I feel that my position as a special teams player is valued”Goodwin said of his new contract with the Cowboys. “Honestly, I feel like I’ve been making a name for myself in the last few years. I’m making some plays and trying to be dominant in the position. “.
Of course, CJ Goodwin also feels that he has grown as a player since joining the Cowboys in 2018. That has given him the confidence to become a key member of the unit currently coordinated by John Fassel.
“I have improved my technique in special teams and my confidence has skyrocketed”said the cornerback during an interview last March. “That has changed in recent years. I feel like I am one of the best at what I do. I still need to have that confidence in defense. I know I don’t play such an important role in defense, but I know I can get there “.
This year, the Cowboys special teams are expected to continue the positive progression seen since the arrival of John Fassel as coordinator. And although the cowboy team added new specialists, CJ Goodwin will remain in his role. This, at least, for two more seasons.
