You’ve seen him. If you’ve spent any time at all watching daytime TV over the last few years, you’ve definitely seen the tall, muscular guy standing next to a brand-new sedan or gesturing toward a set of designer luggage. That’s Devin Goda. Since 2018, he’s been a staple on the iconic game show, but there is a lot more to the guy than just a winning smile and a well-tailored suit.
Honestly, the transition from professional sports to modeling on a stage as legendary as Devin Goda The Price is Right tenure is a weirdly specific career path. Most guys don't make it from the gridiron to CBS Daytime. It takes a certain kind of charisma that isn't just about being "camera-ready." You have to be able to handle the chaos of a live audience screaming for a Plinko chip while staying perfectly composed.
From the NFL to the Big Wheel
It’s easy to assume every male model on TV just walked off a runway in Milan, but Goda’s background is rooted in the dirt and sweat of Western Pennsylvania. He grew up on his grandparents’ farm. He spent his youth doing actual manual labor, which probably explains that work ethic everyone on set keeps talking about.
He wasn't always dreaming of show business. He was a ball player. At Slippery Rock University, he was a standout wide receiver. We aren't talking about a hobbyist here; he was productive enough to catch the eye of pro scouts. In 2012, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent.
Football is brutal.
Injuries happen fast. A hamstring issue eventually cut his NFL aspirations short, forcing a total pivot. Imagine being in your early twenties, your lifelong dream of playing on Sundays evaporates, and suddenly you have to find a "Plan B." For most, that's a desk job. For Goda, it was the modeling world, which eventually led him to the longest-running game show in television history.
How Devin Goda The Price is Right Debut Changed the Show's Vibe
When Goda joined the cast in 2018, he wasn't just another face. He was the second permanent male model in the show’s history, following in the footsteps of Rob Wilson and James O’Halloran.
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The show had a specific "look" for decades. Changing that formula is risky. But Goda brought a different energy—a mix of "guy next door" and elite athlete that resonated with the audience. People liked that he felt approachable. He wasn't some untouchable fashion icon; he felt like the guy who might help you change a tire if you were stuck on the side of the road.
Breaking the "Mannequin" Stereotype
There is a common misconception that modeling on a game show is easy. It isn't. You aren't just standing there. You have to be in sync with Drew Carey’s timing, manage the movement of heavy prizes, and react naturally to contestants who are often having the most manic moments of their lives.
Goda has often spoken about the "live" aspect of the show. There are no do-overs when a contestant accidentally tackles you because they won a trip to Belize. He’s handled it with a level of grace that comes from being hit by 250-pound linebackers for a living.
- Athletic Background: His footwork helps him navigate the crowded set.
- Farm Roots: He’s surprisingly down-to-earth for a guy who works in Hollywood.
- Consistency: He’s been on the show for over five years, a rarity in the gig economy of entertainment.
The Physical Toll of Being a Professional Model
People joke about it, but staying in "Price is Right shape" is a full-time job. Goda has been open about his fitness regimen. It’s not just about looking good in a tuxedo; it’s about the stamina required for those long taping days.
He’s a big proponent of Muay Thai and high-intensity interval training. If you follow him on social media, you’ll see less "glamour shots" and more "sweating in a boxing gym." He treats his body like the machine it was back in his Baltimore Ravens days.
Interestingly, his diet isn't some weird Hollywood fad. He sticks to the basics: lean protein, complex carbs, and plenty of hydration. It's the farm-boy approach to fitness. Work hard, eat clean, don't overcomplicate it.
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What People Often Get Wrong About the Job
There’s this idea that Devin Goda The Price is Right role is just about pointing at things. "Oh, look, a refrigerator!"
But the models are part of the show's narrative fabric. They are the ones who bridge the gap between the prizes and the people. If a model looks bored, the audience feels it. If a model is genuinely excited for a contestant, the energy in the room spikes.
Goda is known for being one of the more expressive cast members. He gets into it. When someone loses a tough game of Cliff Hangers, you can see the genuine "bummer" face on him. That authenticity is why he’s lasted so long. You can't fake that kind of engagement for hundreds of episodes a year.
Beyond the Stage: The Business of Being Devin Goda
He’s not just a TV personality. Goda has leveraged his platform into a legitimate brand. He’s represented by Wilhelmina Models, one of the top agencies in the world. He’s done campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein and Under Armour.
But he seems to keep one foot out of the "Hollywood bubble."
He spends a significant amount of time back East. He’s vocal about his love for his family and the rural lifestyle. It’s a weird dichotomy: one day he’s under the bright lights of a Los Angeles studio, and the next he’s probably in a pair of boots on a farm.
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This groundedness is likely why he doesn't have the "diva" reputation that can sometimes plague daytime television. Producers and crew members often cite him as one of the easiest people to work with on the CBS lot.
The Impact of Social Media
In 2026, being a TV star isn't enough. You have to be a "content creator."
Goda uses his Instagram and other platforms to showcase the "behind-the-scenes" reality of his life. It’s not all polished. He shows the early call times (sometimes as early as 5:00 AM) and the repetitive nature of production. This transparency builds a different kind of loyalty with fans. They feel like they’re in on the joke.
Lessons from the Journey of Devin Goda
The story of Devin Goda isn't just about a guy who got lucky because he's handsome. It's about a guy who had his first dream crushed and refused to stall out.
- Adaptability is King: When the NFL door closed, he didn't mourn it for a decade. He looked at his assets—his height, his look, his discipline—and found a new market.
- Work Ethic Over Everything: Whether it’s 100-degree days on a farm or 12-hour days on a soundstage, the effort remains the same.
- Stay Human: In an industry built on artifice, Goda’s "normal guy" persona is his biggest competitive advantage.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Talent
If you’re looking at Devin Goda’s career and wondering how to replicate that kind of longevity in the entertainment industry, here is the reality:
- Diversify your skill set. Don't just be a "model" or an "athlete." Be someone who can speak, someone who understands production, and someone who is reliable.
- Maintain your physical "vehicle." Whether you're an actor or a spokesperson, your health is your business. Treat it that way.
- Build a reputation for being "low maintenance." The people who get hired over and over again are the ones who don't cause headaches for the producers.
- Don't ignore your roots. Your unique background (like Goda’s farm life) is what makes you memorable in a sea of "generic" talent.
Devin Goda has managed to turn a supporting role on a game show into a sustainable, multifaceted career. He proved that there is a life after professional sports, provided you're willing to stand under some different kinds of lights and point toward the future.