Early life and education
Eugene Goodlow was born on August 2, 1958 in Quincy, Florida, United States. He attended Quincy High School, where he excelled in football as a wide receiver. Goodlow later enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, playing college football for the Wisconsin Badgers from 1977 to 1980. During his collegiate career, he was noted for his speed and deep‑ball ability, finishing his senior season with 45 receptions for 917 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Professional football career
National Football League
Goodlow entered the NFL when the Houston Oilers selected him in the first round (19th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, recording 55 receptions for 1,032 yards and six touchdowns, leading the league in yards per reception (18.8). He played for the Oilers for three seasons (1981–1983), accumulating 140 receptions for 2,546 yards and 14 touchdowns in that span.
After a brief hiatus from the NFL, Goodlow returned to the league with the Chicago Bears in 1985, appearing in eight games and recording five receptions for 73 yards. He concluded his NFL career with a total of 158 receptions, 2,929 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns over 56 games.
United States Football League
Following his NFL tenure, Goodlow signed with the United States Football League (USFL) and played for the Los Angeles Express during the 1984 season. He contributed as a deep‑threat receiver, though detailed statistics from his USFL play are limited.
Post‑football activities
After retiring from professional football, Goodlow has maintained a low public profile. Reports indicate he has been involved in community outreach and youth sports mentorship programs in his native Florida, though specific details are not extensively documented in major encyclopedic sources.
Legacy
Goodlow is remembered primarily for his standout rookie season with the Oilers, where he became one of the league’s most prolific deep‑ball specialists. His first‑round draft selection and early productivity are frequently cited in discussions of successful wide receivers emerging from the University of Wisconsin.
