Standout right tackle Luke Goedeke has cemented himself as a pillar on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line after returning from injury. Goedeke aggravated a foot injury in Week Two against the Houston Texans, after suffering the initial injury in the season opener. He was placed on injured reserve on September 18 and missed six games.
Just prior to the start of the 2025 regular season, Goedeke signed a four-year contract extension, rewarding his contributions on the field. Originally a second-round selection out of Central Michigan in the 2022 NFL Draft, he served as the starting left guard for the first half of his rookie campaign before being moved to his natural spot at right tackle in the last game of the season. After undergoing a learning curve during his first year facing a hellacious gauntlet of talented three-techniques, Goedeke won the starting job at right tackle in 2023 and has formed a stout tandem with linemate Tristan Wirfs. Deemed the "enforcer" by teammates in the run game, Goedeke sets the tone.
"It is part of shaping me into who I am," reflected Goedeke. "It just made me battle-tested for future adversity that I may face. It feels like it was so long ago. Just looking back on it, that was four years ago. Time in the NFL flies…It is night and day difference."
Goedeke can play low to high with a good center of gravity and he has outstanding athleticism at the second level to create seams for rushers. He generates power from his lower body and packs a lethal punch on initial contact. Goedeke plays with a fiery competitive disposition and moves opponents off their spot. He is effective on pulls with smooth footwork and has the anchor to counter bull rushes. Against the Cardinals in Week 13, Goedeke played a pivotal role in opening lanes for Bucky Irving and extending blocks when quarterback Baker Mayfield scrambled.
"He has the dawg in him for sure," said Goedeke of Mayfield during the Players’ Table Show. "He will die on the sword out there for us or on a shield out there for us. Throughout the week, I think we were all kind of a little unsure, asking, 'Is Baker going to play this week?' So, when we knew that he would play eventually, it was a big sigh of relief. He is a generational talent; he really helps our offense and is kind of the heartbeat of our offense. To have him out there, it gives you a sigh of relief, just a lot more comfortable with him out there as well."
The Bucs got back in the win column against the Cardinals, halting a three-game skid, and face a division opponent in four of their final five games on the 2025 slate, including both matchups with the 7-6 Carolina Panthers. In the upcoming stretch, Goedeke will play a vital role in dictating the pace at the line of scrimmage.
