Drafted in the third round (67th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Iowa, Charles Godfrey made an immediate jump into Carolina’s secondary. A converted college cornerback with striking closing speed and tackling power, Godfrey stepped straight into the starting lineup as a rookie and anchored the back end of the defense across seven seasons in Charlotte.

Godfrey spent his first two years at free safety before shifting to strong safety in 2010. That position switch unlocked the best football of his career. Reading quarterbacks efficiently and playing downhill, Godfrey produced a breakout 2010 campaign, intercepting five passes, forcing two fumbles, and racking up 84 tackles. Over the next two seasons, his range over the top and willingness to support against the run made him a steady fixture in defensive coordinator Sean McDermott's secondary.

Injury adversity struck in 2013 when Godfrey suffered an Achilles tear in Week 2, prematurely ending his season. Upon returning in 2014, the Panthers transitioned him to nickel cornerback, but he was ultimately released midseason in October 2014. He subsequently finished his career with the Atlanta Falcons (2014–2015).

Over his seven years in Carolina, Godfrey accumulated 384 total tackles (302 solo), 11 interceptions, 30 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, and 3.0 sacks.