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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is ready to let go of the narrative that surfaces every time he faces his former team.
Speaking to reporters before Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, Goff faced a series of questions about his run-in with the team that traded him for Matthew Stafford years after drafting him first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Michigan, December 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
“It seems like a long time ago and I think we kind of talked about it earlier in the year and how good my career is going now. [I’ve] spent more time here. It certainly seems like a long time ago,” he said Wednesday, before being asked separately if he still felt an “emotional charge.”
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“No, not so much anymore,” he replied. “And really, we played them in that playoff game and it was so big and the next year we played them again, and it seemed even less, and so now it’s even further away.”
But Goff was asked a third time about the history of the game. This time he intervened.
“We’re still talking about it – all right, go ahead,” he said before letting the reporter finish his question.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff speaks with reporters after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Detroit, Michigan, December 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
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Goff has played against his former team three times since that blockbuster trade, which saw Stafford lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory. In regular season games, the score is tied at one win apiece, but Goff led the Lions to another victory over the Rams in a wild-card game in the 2024 playoffs.
During his tenure with the Rams, Goff was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017 and 2018, with the latter season ending with a Super Bowl appearance. He would be traded after just two more seasons.
Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Goff when talking about his former quarterback this week, adding that he was “really happy” with the way his career is going in Detroit.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, center, passes under pressure from the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
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“There were a lot of good memories and a lot of really good ball that he played here that I will always cherish. I’m really happy for him. He’s married and has a beautiful little girl now. It’s great to see. I think I remember those things, and then you’re also reminded when you need to be able to grow up and handle things better. I’ll never run away from that. What I’m grateful for and appreciative of is that he’s been given so much grace and understanding towards me. I’m happy for Jared.”
The Rams host the Lions on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
