Career Summary

Tavares Gooden was a Miami linebacker who played six NFL seasons.

Gooden played linebacker at Miami before Baltimore selected him in the 2008 NFL Draft. He went on to play for Baltimore, San Francisco and Houston.

He appeared in 58 NFL games during his professional career.

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Early Life

Gooden is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The NFL and Miami identify Fort Lauderdale, Florida as Gooden's hometown.

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High School

Gooden was a two-time Class 4A all-state player at St. Thomas Aquinas.

At St. Thomas Aquinas, Gooden was a two-time Class 4A all-state selection and first-team All-Broward defensive end.

He also won Florida's 2002 discus state championship.

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College Career

Gooden recorded 137 tackles and 15 tackles for loss in 37 games at Miami.

Gooden played 37 games for Miami and had 137 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and five passes defensed. He played nine starts in 2004 and returned to a starting role after a 2005 injury.

His 2004 season included 83 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.

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Path to the NFL

Baltimore selected Gooden in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

The Ravens selected Gooden with the 71st overall choice, a third-round pick, in the 2008 NFL Draft.

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NFL Career

Gooden played 58 NFL games and recorded 73 tackles.

Gooden appeared in 58 regular-season games and recorded 73 total tackles, including 60 solo stops. He played for Baltimore, San Francisco and Houston.

His 2009 season with Baltimore included 37 tackles and one pass defended.

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Career Accomplishments

Gooden completed six NFL seasons after a productive Miami career.

Gooden played six NFL seasons across three teams after four seasons at Miami.

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Playing Style

Gooden was an athletic linebacker with experience on special teams and at multiple linebacker positions.

Miami described Gooden as one of its most athletic players and noted his special-teams contributions as a freshman. His college career included production at weakside and strongside linebacker.

The Ravens paired Gooden with Ray Lewis during his first training camp after drafting him.

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Legacy

Gooden represented Miami in the NFL after a four-year Hurricanes career.

Miami records list Gooden as a four-year letterman who was drafted by Baltimore and then played six NFL seasons.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27