NFL CAREER – Goodwin will take over the reins in the middle of the offensive line after the seventh-year veteran proved last season that he has the skills and leadership to be the club’s top center. He stepped in after an injury at the position and started two games in the middle for New Orleans in 2007 – both victories – and played most of another, distinguishing himself with outstanding play. Goodwin, re-signed to a three-year contract in the offseason, started 13 of 74 contests with the New York Jets from 2002-05, including 10 at left guard in 2005. He was a top performer at the University of Michigan, showing his versatility by starting 20 of 29 career games while playing every position on the offensive line other than left tackle.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Re-signed by Saints to a three-year contract, 2/27/08; Signed by the Saints to a three-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.

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 the following week 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.