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Former Hawkeye Charles Godfrey Retires

By Jeremy Karll

Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Travaris Cadet (38) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons free safety Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Travaris Cadet (38) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons free safety Charles Godfrey (30) during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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After eight NFL seasons, Charles Godfrey has decided to call it quits

Former Iowa Hawkeye safety Charles Godfrey has decided to retire from the NFL after eight seasons. He spent seven and a half seasons with the Carolina Panthers and then finished his career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Godfrey played three seasons for the Hawkeyes from 2005-07 and intercepted seven passes – five in 2007 which ranked third in the Big Ten – and recorded 130 tackles, and forced one fumble. He was also named to the Second Team All-Big Ten in 2007.

Related Story: Recap of Iowa's Big Ten Media Day

Godfrey was a third round pick (67th overall) by the Carolina Panthers and played in at least 10 games in each of his first five seasons. In the NFL, Godfrey intercepted 11 passes and forced eight fumbles. Although, he barely made the Falcons’ roster last season and might have been a free agent waiting for an NFL team to call if he didn’t retire.

Last season with Atlanta, Godfrey played in eight games and recorded 12 total tackles. His role and skills have been diminishing since he played in 15 games with the Carolina Panthers during the 2012 season.

Godfrey will leave football remembered as a good safety for the Hawkeyes and a solid NFL player early in his career.