Herd stars over the years: Johnathan Goddard

Over the years, Marshall football fans have come to expect the Herd to feature a dominating defensive end.

Players like Billy Lyon, Albert McClellan and most recently Vinny Curry have made names for themselves getting after the quarterback and dropping the ball carrier in the backfield.

The greatest defensive end to wear the Kelly green and white, however, is almost unarguably Johnathan Goddard.

Goddard was born on May 11th, 1981 in San Diego, Calif.

His family soon moved to Jacksonville, Fla., where he played at Edward H. White High School and showcased the ferocity and drive that would lead to his recruitment by the Herd.

Goddard joined the Herd in 2001.

While his size was more that of a linebacker, Goddard had the heart and drive of a defensive end.

Goddard registered 11.5 sacks in his first three seasons with the Herd, but caught the attention of the nation in his senior year.

In 2004, Goddard had a monster season.

His 16 sacks and 28 tackles for loss not only set Marshall records but ranked tops in the nation.

Goddard was a fan favorite in Joan C. Edwards Stadium, always seeming to answer when the crowd began chanting ‘Godd-ard, Godd-ard, Godd-ard."

The signature play of his career came in one of the Herds biggest games

In 2004 Marshall traveled to Manhattan, Kan. to take on the Kansas State Wildcats, then ranked 6th in the nation.

With the Herd trailing 7-0 and the Wildcats closing in on another score, Goddard jumped the pitch on a botched option play and rumbled 84 yards for the touchdown.

Goddard's game changing play along with strong play by backup quarterback Graham Gochneaur led the Herd to a 27-20 upset of the Wildcats, which was the last time the Herd defeated a ranked team.

Goddard won the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award and was named Second Team All-American and the runner up for the Bronko Nagurski award, which is given to the nation's top defensive player.

His 27.5 career sacks ranked 13th all-time in the country at the time of his graduation.

Though Goddard was a beast in college, his lack of size hurt his transition to the NFL.

Dispite his eye-popping stats, Goddard slid to the 6th round of the 2005 NFL Draft, when he was selected by the Detroit Lions 206th overall.

An injury in the preseason led to him being cut by the Lions.

The next season Goddard was signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad

Goddard was promoted to the active roster Jan. 1, 2006 and made his first start the same day against the Arizona Cardinals, in which he made one tackle.

The tackle would end up being the first and last of his injury-plagued NFL career, which ended the following preseason after suffering a season-ending foot injury.

In 2008 Goddard had a brief stint with the Colorado Rush of the Arena Football League.

Goddard appeared in two games, registering an assisted tackle and pass breakup before being waived by the team on June 4th, less than a month after being signed.

Goddard tragically died on June 11th, 2008 due to injuries resulting from a motorcycle crash.

Though Goddard's life was cut short, his talent and drive will forever be remembered by the Herd Faithful.

Will Vance can be contacted at vance162@marshall.edu