Davon Godchaux Bio
Davon Montel Godchaux is an American professional football defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 11, 1994, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, he has built a steady career as an interior defensive lineman since entering the league in 2017. Godchaux played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) before being selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Over the course of his NFL career, Godchaux has played for the Miami Dolphins from 2017 to 2020, spent four seasons with the New England Patriots from 2021 to 2024, and was traded to the New Orleans Saints in March 2025. Known for his run-stopping ability and durability along the defensive line, he has remained a consistent presence on NFL rosters. Off the field, he is married to former model Chanel Iman and is a father.
Early Life and Background
Davon Montel Godchaux was born on November 11, 1994, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, a small city along the Mississippi River. He grew up in the same community where he would later become a celebrated high school football player. His Louisiana roots helped shape his early development as an athlete, and the region’s strong football culture gave him a clear path into the sport from a young age.
Godchaux attended Plaquemine Senior High School, where he became one of the top defensive linemen in the state. As a junior in 2012, he compiled 60 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks, earning first-team All-State honors for Class 4A. His senior season, however, was cut short when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the season opener, forcing him to miss the remainder of the year. Despite the injury, he was selected as a U.S. Army All-American and participated in the All-American Bowl.
Coming out of high school, Godchaux was regarded as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 22 defensive end prospect in the nation by ESPN. He received scholarship offers from several major programs, including Mississippi, Auburn, and UCLA, before ultimately committing to LSU. His decision to stay in his home state set the stage for his college career.
Path to American Football
Godchaux chose LSU over multiple SEC and Pac-12 suitors, signaling his readiness to compete at the highest level of college football. He joined the LSU Tigers and quickly worked his way into the starting lineup. By the third game of his true freshman season in 2014, he had earned a starting role along the defensive front. Over the next three seasons, he became a fixture in the Tigers’ defensive line rotation.
As a junior in 2016, Godchaux recorded 62 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one pass defensed, and two fumble recoveries, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He started 26 games across his three college seasons, gaining valuable experience in LSU’s 3–4 defensive scheme. Following the 2016 Citrus Bowl, he declared for the 2017 NFL draft, ready to make the jump to the professional level.
Davon Godchaux Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Davon Montel Godchaux entered the NFL when the Miami Dolphins selected him in the fifth round, 178th overall, of the 2017 NFL draft. He had arrived at the NFL Combine with high expectations but pulled a hamstring that prevented him from completing all of the on-field drills. Despite the setback, his college production and physical profile were enough to earn him a roster spot in Miami.
Godchaux spent his first four professional seasons with the Dolphins, contributing as a defensive tackle from 2017 through 2020. The 2020 season proved challenging, as he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on August 5, 2020, activated two days later, and later moved to injured reserve on October 16, 2020. His time in Miami laid the foundation for the rest of his NFL career.
New England Patriots Era (2021–2024)
On March 23, 2021, Godchaux signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots, beginning the next chapter of his career. He quickly became a reliable presence on New England’s defensive interior, providing run defense and pass-rush support. His strong play led the team to extend his contract on July 27, 2022.
On July 31, 2024, Godchaux and the Patriots agreed to a two-year, $16.5 million contract extension, reflecting his value to the organization. Across four seasons in New England from 2021 to 2024, he established himself as a dependable starter and a respected veteran in the locker room. His time with the Patriots helped cement his reputation as one of the league’s consistent interior defenders.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Godchaux was traded to the New Orleans Saints, marking his return to his home state of Louisiana. The move brought the Plaquemine native back to familiar territory, both geographically and culturally. He joined a Saints defensive line seeking experienced leadership and run-stopping ability.
Godchaux’s arrival in New Orleans provided the team with a proven veteran presence along the interior defensive line. His familiarity with the region and his track record of durability made him a logical fit for the Saints’ defensive plans. As he continues his career with New Orleans, he remains a steady contributor on the defensive front.
Driving Style and Strengths
While defensive tackles do not drive vehicles in competition, Godchaux has built his professional reputation on consistency, leverage, and run-stopping fundamentals. At 191 centimeters tall, he combines size with the technique needed to anchor against double teams and disrupt running lanes. His experience across multiple defensive schemes in Miami and New England has made him a versatile interior lineman.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Godchaux’s career highlights are his multi-year contract extensions with the New England Patriots, including a two-year, $16.5 million deal in 2024, and his trade to the New Orleans Saints in March 2025. Being named a U.S. Army All-American in high school and earning first-team All-State honors as a junior were also defining early milestones. He has started 26 college games and has continued to be a regular contributor at the NFL level.
Davon Godchaux Career Wins
Detailed individual win totals and statistical breakdowns for Davon Montel Godchaux across his NFL seasons are not fully verified through the available sources. As a defensive tackle, his primary contributions are measured in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, and run defense rather than game-by-game victories. Verified career records include 26 college starts at LSU, 62 tackles and 6.5 sacks in his junior season, and four seasons of NFL service with the Miami Dolphins followed by four seasons with the New England Patriots.
NFL Career Highlights
Godchaux’s first NFL opportunity came when the Miami Dolphins selected him 178th overall in the 2017 NFL draft. His most recent major contract came in the form of a two-year, $16.5 million extension with the New England Patriots in July 2024. His most recent team change was a trade to the New Orleans Saints on March 12, 2025. These milestones outline the key turning points of his professional career.
Other Wins and Performances
At the high school level, Godchaux earned first-team All-State honors for Class 4A in Louisiana as a junior and was selected as a U.S. Army All-American. In college, he earned a starting role by his third freshman game and finished his LSU career with 26 starts across three seasons. These accomplishments laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to the NFL.
Davon Godchaux Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Davon Montel Godchaux’s parents and extended family are not fully documented in verified sources. He was raised in Plaquemine, Louisiana, and developed his football career in the same community. His Louisiana upbringing provided the foundation for his path into the sport.
Personal Life
Davon Montel Godchaux began dating former model Chanel Iman in 2022, and the couple announced their engagement on May 30, 2023. Their daughter, Capri, was born on September 19, 2023. Godchaux and Iman married in a civil ceremony in New York on January 10, 2024, before celebrating with family in the Caribbean. The couple has also been noted as having a son together, expanding their family life off the field.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Davon Montel Godchaux following his March 12, 2025, trade to the New Orleans Saints. Returning to his home state of Louisiana, he joined a defensive line looking for veteran stability and run-stopping ability. His experience across multiple NFL schemes should make him a reliable contributor from the start of the season.
As the season unfolds, Godchaux is expected to play a key role in the Saints’ defensive rotation. His track record of durability and consistent performance in Miami and New England provides a strong foundation for his outlook in New Orleans. With his contract running through the current period, he is positioned to be a long-term presence on the Saints’ defensive front.
For the Saints, adding a player of Godchaux’s caliber addresses a clear need along the interior defensive line. His familiarity with the region and the team’s defensive identity should help him transition quickly. The 2025 season offers Godchaux the opportunity to finish his career in his home state while continuing to contribute at a high level.