Citing family, WR Goodwin opts out
The Eagles are going to roll without their fastest receiver this season as Marquise Goodwin, acquired from the 49ers, has informed them he wants to opt out of playing due to the coronavirus.
The news broke on the NFL Network, which said Goodwin was unwilling to put his family, including a five-month-old daughter, Marae, at risk. Goodwin and his wife, Morgan Goodwin-Snow, had suffered two miscarriages before Marae was born. Goodwin played in a game just hours after after his son, Marquise Jr., was stillborn in 2017.
“FAMILY OVER EVERYTHING!” Goodwin tweeted. “I stand firm on what I say. I MEAN WHAT I SAY! I DO WHAT I SAY! #FOE not just some word play for me, but real action. I finally had to prove that to myself.”
Goodwin (5-9, 183) is eligible for a $150,000 stipend, basically an advance on the one-year $1.35 million contract he signed with the Eagles. While his contract rolls to 2021, it’s not guaranteed. Goodwin, who turns 30 in November, doesn’t receive his eighth accrued season.
Goodwin last summer claimed the $1 million prize for winning the inaugural 40 Yards of Gold race/publicity stunt among 16 active NFL players. Goodwin, who seven years ago ran 4.27 on his first try at the combine, has missed a dozen games over the past two seasons.
The Eagles added him to rotate with injury-prone speedster DeSean Jackson. Now it’s up to rookie Jalen Reagor to complement Jackson.
“With Marquise, I feel like every man has their own responsibilities and their own preferences to do certain things,” Reagor said. “I wish him and his family the best. Me personally, no, I didn’t have (consideration of) opting out.”
The list of opt-outs leaguewide is opening eyes. No team has been hit harder than the New England Patriots: Safety Patrick Chung, linebacker Dont’a Hightower, offensive linemen Marcus Cannon and Najee Toran, and running backs Brandon Bolden and Danny Vitale all opted out.
Offensive tackle Andre Smith and wide receiver-kick returner De’Anthony Thomas of the Baltimore Ravens opted out, as did Dallas wide receiver Stephen Guidry and cornerback Maurice Canady. The list of opt-outs includes defensive linemen Eddie Goldman (Bears), Star Lotulelei (Bills), Kyle Peko (Broncos), Eddie Vanderdoes (Texans), Caleb Brantley (Washington) and Michael Pierce (Vikings).
Guards Laurent Duvernay Tardif (Chiefs) and Chance Warmack (Seahawks), offensive tackle Anthony McKinney (Titans) and wide receiver Devin Funchess (Packers) also opted out.
Eagles rookie Jalen Hurts, the second-round quarterback out of Oklahoma, said he “chatted” with Goodwin but didn’t want to speak for his veteran teammate.
“I’m fully, fully supportive with what he feels is best for his family,” Hurts said. “I know he’s had some things that he’s had to overcome. And I know he cherishes his relationship with his wife and with his daughter.”