Lions quarterback Jared Goff prepared to move on from Rams trade story

Jared Goff Talks About Facing Former Team

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is looking to move past the narratives that pop up every time he faces his old team. In a press conference before the game against the Los Angeles Rams, he answered questions about his experience with the team that traded him for Matthew Stafford just a few years after he was picked first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

“It feels like a long time ago, and I think we discussed how this affects my career earlier this year,” Goff said. “I’ve spent more time here, so it really does feel distant,” he added, responding to a question about whether he still felt any emotional attachment to that chapter of his life.

When asked again, Goff replied, “No, not really anymore. We even played them in a playoff game, which was significant, and when we faced them again the following year, it meant even less. So, it just feels less important now.”

Yet, during another inquiry about their history, he seemed a bit exasperated, joking, “We’re still talking about it? Okay, go ahead,” before allowing the reporter to finish the question.

Since the notable trade, Goff has played against the Rams three times; he actually led the Lions to victory over them in a playoff matchup in 2024. His regular-season encounters with them ended evenly, with one win each. During his tenure with the Rams, Goff made it to the Pro Bowl in 2017 and 2018 and even reached a Super Bowl in his second season.

Rams coach Sean McVay expressed admiration for Goff recently, remarking that he is pleased with how Goff’s career has unfolded in Detroit.

McVay reminisced about the “great memories” they had together, saying, “There were a lot of great moments and outstanding plays that I will always treasure. I’m genuinely happy for him; he’s married now and has a beautiful daughter. It’s wonderful to see how he’s grown up and learned to handle things.”