UGASports is counting down the days until the Bulldogs’ 2024 season opener. For each day in our countdown, we will reveal the best player in Georgia history to wear that particular jersey number.
With 42 days before kickoff, UGASports selects Randall Godfrey as the best Georgia player to wear jersey No. 42.
#42 RANDALL GODFREY
Position: Linebacker
Hometown (High School): Valdosta, GA (Lowndes)
Height/Weight: 6-3, 237
Lettered: 1992-1995
Stats: 365 total tackles (231 primary, 134 assisted), 4 sacks, 2 interceptions
Career: This was one of the toughest choices so far for UGASports, but selected was one of the most dominating defenders to play for the Bulldogs in the last 35 years. Randall Godfrey came to Georgia from Lowndes High School where he was a 1991 USA Today first team All-American. It didn’t take long for Godfrey to shine at Georgia as he became the full-time starter in week three of the 1992 season. He had double-digit tackle totals in seven games including six straight. Godfrey led the Bulldogs with 114 tackles and was named the SEC Defensive Freshman of the Year. He also had 114 tackles as a sophomore and once again had double-digit tackles in seven games. In 1993, Godfrey also had a pick six against Southern Miss. As a junior, he registered 102 tackles including 19 against Tennessee. Godfrey experienced ankle injuries at the end of the 1994 season. As a senior, he was slowed by a hamstring and played in only seven games, starting five and making 35 tackles. Godfrey had 365 total tackles in his career which ranks him eighth all-time in school history. His 231 primary tackles currently rank third.
Post-UGA Career: Godfrey was a second round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1996 NFL Draft. He played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Cowboys, Titans, Seahawks, Chargers and Redskins. Godfrey was named second team All-Pro in 2000.
Godfrey’s son, R.J., is a member of Georgia's basketball team. He transferred to UGA following two seasons at Clemson.
Honorable Mention: John Brantley, Justin Houston, Bill Krug, Dwayne Simmons, Tony Gilbert
