Godwin began his career with home-town club Castleford in 2001 and also played in Super League for Wigan, Hull, Bradford and Salford before joining Championship club Dewsbury two years ago.
He returned for a loan spell with Salford earlier this year, playing three matches at the height of the club’s injury crisis.
In a statement, Godwin said: “After 15 years playing professional rugby league, I’m sad to announce my retirement from the greatest game of all.
“I’d love to play all my life but my body can’t take much more. My knee has stopped me playing to the standard I set for myself and I had to make the hard decision to call it a day.”
Godwin is the fourth player in a fortnight to announce his retirement following the decision of Adrian Morley, Richard Mathers and Garreth Carvell to hang up their boots.
