As a rookie in 2002, Goodman appeared in 14 regular season games including six starts. He missed the team's first two games with an ankle injury. On the year, he had 48 tackles, an interception, 12 passes defensed, a fumble recovery and six special team tackles. He saw his first regular season against the Green Bay Packers on September 22, finishing with four tackles. He had a pass breakup in the end zone and five solo tackles, including one for a loss, in his first career start against the New Orleans Saints the following week. Against the Packers on November 10, Goodman registered two pass breakups and five tackles (four solo) before being forced out of the game with a thumb injury. The injury would force him to wear a cast on his right hand for the rest of the season. Nevertheless, during season finale against the Minnesota Vikings on December 29, Goodman had a career-high nine tackles and also recorded his first career interception on a pass from quarterback Daunte Culpepper.