Jared Goff
Jared Goff is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).[1] Born on October 14, 1994, in Novato, California, he played college football for the California Golden Bears, where he started all 37 possible games over three seasons, setting 26 school records including 12,220 passing yards and 96 touchdowns, and earning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors in 2013.[2][1] Selected as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2016 NFL Draft, Goff led the Rams to three consecutive NFC West titles from 2017 to 2019 and appeared in Super Bowl LIII following the 2018 season.[3] Goff's professional career began with early success under head coach Sean McVay, culminating in Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2018, during which he threw for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns each year.[3] In January 2021, he was traded to the Detroit Lions along with assets for quarterback Matthew Stafford and a third-round pick, marking a pivotal shift in his trajectory.[3] With the Lions, Goff revitalized his performance, earning additional Pro Bowl nods in 2022 and 2024, and leading the team to an NFC North division title in 2023—their first since 1993—while guiding them to the NFC Championship Game.[1] In the 2024 season, he topped the NFL with 4,629 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, achieving a league-leading 72.4% completion rate and finishing as a finalist for the AP NFL MVP award.[1][3] Through 9 games of the 2025 season, Goff has started all 9 games for the 6-3 Lions, passing for 2,235 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions with a 74.0% completion rate and a 117.7 passer rating, positioning Detroit as contenders in the NFC.[3][4] Known for his accuracy and poise in the pocket at 6 feet 4 inches and 217 pounds, Goff has amassed 37,293 career passing yards, 242 touchdowns, and a 96.9 passer rating over 151 games as of November 17, 2025.[3] Off the field, he has been involved in philanthropy through his Goff Foundation, supporting youth sports and education initiatives in California and Michigan.[1]Early years
Childhood and family
Jared Goff was born on October 14, 1994, in Novato, California, and raised in the nearby town of Novato in Marin County.[2] He grew up in a supportive family environment, with his father, Jerry Goff, a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for teams including the Montreal Expos, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Houston Astros between 1990 and 1996. His mother, Nancy Goff, worked as a mortgage advisor for Flagstar Bank.[5] Goff has an older sister, Lauren Goff.[6] During his early years in Marin County, Goff attended Pleasant Valley Elementary School and later Sinaloa Middle School in Novato, where he maintained strong academic performance as an A student.[7] His initial exposure to football came through local youth leagues, including San Marin Youth Football, where he began playing as early as the third grade alongside childhood friends.[8] This early involvement, influenced by the region's strong sports culture north of San Francisco, laid the foundation for his passion for the game before transitioning to high school athletics.High school career
Goff attended Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, California, where he played quarterback and also participated in baseball and basketball.[9] As a three-year varsity starter from 2010 to 2012, he amassed 7,687 passing yards and 93 touchdowns, completing 477 of 767 attempts for a 62.2% completion rate while throwing just 18 interceptions, leading the Wildcats to a 39-4 record during his tenure.[9] In his junior year of 2011, Goff threw for 3,179 yards and 44 touchdowns with only four interceptions, earning first-team All-Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) honors, all-state recognition, and first-team All-Metro selection while guiding Marin Catholic to a 13-1 record and a CIF North Coast Section Division III championship game appearance.[9] His senior season in 2012 was even more prolific, as he passed for 3,692 yards and 40 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, securing the MCAL championship, a North Coast Section Division IV title, and a spot in the CIF state bowl game.[9] For his efforts, Goff was named the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Metro Player of the Year, first-team All-Metro, North Bay Player of the Year, second-team All-State, and MCAL Player of the Year.[10][9] A four-star recruit ranked as high as the No. 8 pro-style quarterback nationally by Rivals, Goff drew interest from multiple NCAA Division I programs and received scholarship offers from California, Boise State, Fresno State, and Washington State.[9][11] He committed to the University of California, Berkeley, in March 2012, citing the school's academics and new facilities as key factors, and participated in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.[12][13]College career
2013 season
Jared Goff arrived at the University of California, Berkeley, in early 2013 as a four-star recruit and the nation's No. 8 pro-style quarterback. As a true freshman, he quickly adapted to the college level by winning the starting quarterback competition over redshirt freshman Zach Kline and junior Austin Hinder during fall camp under new head coach Sonny Dykes.[14] Goff made his collegiate debut on August 31, 2013, against No. 22 Northwestern at Memorial Stadium, completing 39 of 64 passes for 450 yards and two touchdowns in a high-volume performance that showcased his arm strength and poise, though the Bears fell 44-30.[15][16] Throughout the 2013 season, Goff started all 12 games for the Cal Bears, who struggled to a 1-11 overall record and 0-8 mark in the Pac-12 Conference amid defensive woes and offensive line inconsistencies.[17] He completed 320 of 531 passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, setting school freshman records for passing yards, completions, and attempts while establishing himself as the focal point of the Bears' up-tempo attack. For his performance, Goff was named the Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year.[18][2] Notable outings included a 260-yard, three-touchdown effort against USC on November 9, where he orchestrated several scoring drives in a 62-28 loss, and a season-high 504 yards with two touchdowns versus Washington State on October 5.[15] Goff's transition to college football was marked by the demands of learning the intricate Bear Raid offense, a no-huddle, spread system imported from Dykes' time at Louisiana Tech that required rapid decision-making and precise route timing.[19] Despite the playbook's complexity—often cited as one of the most challenging in college football—he impressed coaches with his quick grasp during training camp and maintained proficiency amid the Bears' 99.2 plays per game average, the highest in the nation.[19] The physicality of Pac-12 defenses and the faster game speed posed initial hurdles, as Goff absorbed 38 sacks while facing constant pressure, contributing to turnovers in losses like the 55-16 defeat at Oregon on September 28, where rainy conditions and early mistakes limited him to 11 yards before a partial-game benching.[15][20] The grueling 1-11 campaign, Cal's worst since 2000, tested Goff's resilience early in his career, forcing rapid maturation through adversity and poor team support, yet he credited the experience with building his mental toughness for future success.[21] In the finale against Stanford on November 23, Goff threw for 194 yards and one touchdown before exiting with a separated shoulder in the 63-13 loss, capping a season of growth amid frustration.[15]2014 season
In 2014, Jared Goff solidified his role as the starting quarterback for the California Golden Bears, appearing as the full-time starter in all 12 games of the season. Under head coach Sonny Dykes, Goff demonstrated significant development in his accuracy and arm strength, benefiting from a deeper understanding of the offensive playbook and an improved offensive line that provided better protection.[22][23] This growth contributed to a marked improvement in the Bears' passing attack, which ranked among the nation's most prolific units despite the team's overall struggles. Goff completed 316 of 509 passes for 3,973 yards, throwing 35 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, achieving a 62.1% completion rate.[24] His standout performances included a school-record 527 yards and five touchdowns in a 60-59 shootout victory over Washington State on October 4, marking one of the highest-scoring games in college football history.[25] Another highlight came on September 27 against Colorado, where he threw for 458 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in a 59-56 double-overtime win that snapped an 18-game Pac-12 losing streak.[26] The Golden Bears finished the season with a 5-7 overall record and 3-6 in Pac-12 play, failing to secure bowl eligibility for the second straight year.[27] Notable victories included a season-opening 31-24 upset over Northwestern on August 30, Goff's first win against the Wildcats after a loss the prior year, where he passed for 281 yards and three touchdowns.[28] These efforts underscored Goff's emergence as a dynamic playmaker, setting the stage for further national recognition in subsequent seasons.2015 season
Goff entered his junior season as the starting quarterback for the California Golden Bears, building on the improvements from his sophomore year where he had established himself as a consistent performer in the Pac-12. He started all 13 games, leading the conference in passing yards with 4,719 on 341 completions out of 529 attempts for a 64.5% completion rate, while throwing 43 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.[17][29][30] Goff's performance earned him first-team All-Pac-12 honors and recognition as a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's top college football player. He was also named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week twice during the season, first for a 453-yard, six-touchdown effort against Oregon State and later for a school-record 542 passing yards and five touchdowns in a high-scoring win over Arizona State. Goff had multiple 400-yard games, showcasing his ability to drive the Bears' air raid offense against conference defenses.[31] The Golden Bears finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, securing a bowl berth for the first time since 2009, and capped the year with a 55-36 victory over Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl, where Goff threw for 467 yards and six touchdowns in his final college game. Following the bowl win, the team ended 8-5 overall. On December 31, 2015, Goff announced his decision to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.[32][33]College statistics and awards
Over his three seasons at the University of California, Berkeley, from 2013 to 2015, Jared Goff appeared in 37 games, starting all of them, and established himself as one of the Pac-12 Conference's premier quarterbacks through consistent statistical production and record-setting performances.[34] His career passing statistics reflect a progression in efficiency, with a completion percentage improving from 60.3% as a freshman to 64.5% in his junior year, alongside a passer rating that rose from 123.2 to 161.3, demonstrating enhanced accuracy and decision-making under pressure.[17] Goff's rushing contributions were minimal and often negative due to sacks absorbed, totaling -114 yards on 170 carries with one touchdown.[17]Career Passing Statistics
| Year | Games | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | TDs | INTs | Yards/Attempt | Adjusted Yards/Attempt | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 | 320 | 531 | 60.3 | 3,508 | 18 | 10 | 6.6 | 6.44 | 123.2 |
| 2014 | 12 | 316 | 509 | 62.1 | 3,973 | 35 | 7 | 7.8 | 8.56 | 147.6 |
| 2015 | 13 | 341 | 529 | 64.5 | 4,719 | 43 | 13 | 8.9 | 9.44 | 161.3 |
| Career | 37 | 977 | 1,569 | 62.3 | 12,200 | 96 | 30 | 7.8 | 8.10 | 144.0 |
Per-Season Rushing and Efficiency Metrics
Goff's mobility was not a strength, as evidenced by his negative net rushing yards each season, primarily from pressures in the pocket; however, his passing efficiency metrics highlight steady improvement, with adjusted yards per attempt climbing from 6.44 to 9.44 over his career.[17]| Year | Carries | Yards | Yards/Carry | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 59 | -62 | -1.1 | 1 |
| 2014 | 55 | -44 | -0.8 | 0 |
| 2015 | 56 | -8 | -0.1 | 0 |
| Career | 170 | -114 | -0.7 | 1 |
Professional career
Pre-draft process and 2016 NFL Draft
Goff participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on February 26, 2016, where he measured 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 215 pounds, and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.82 seconds.[36] He did not participate in throwing drills at the combine, opting instead to showcase his skills at the University of California's pro day on March 18, 2016, where he completed 61 of 69 passes, demonstrating strong arm strength, accuracy, and mobility to NFL scouts.[37] Scouting reports highlighted Goff's accuracy and poise in the pocket as key strengths, noting his ability to deliver catchable balls with excellent touch and anticipation on timing routes.[38] Analysts rated his arm strength as above average but not elite, capable of making most NFL throws, though it was sometimes criticized for lacking velocity under pressure or on deep outs.[39][40] By late 2015, mock draft projections positioned Goff as the consensus top quarterback prospect and a likely No. 1 overall pick, with experts praising his rhythm passing and decision-making in evaluations from October onward.[41] On April 14, 2016, the Los Angeles Rams traded up from the 15th overall pick to the No. 1 spot with the Tennessee Titans, sending their 2016 first-round pick (No. 15 overall), two 2016 second-round picks (Nos. 43 and 45 overall), 2016 third-round pick (No. 76 overall), 2017 first-round pick, and 2017 third-round pick in exchange for the Titans' 2016 first-round pick (No. 1 overall), 2016 fourth-round pick (No. 113 overall), and 2016 sixth-round pick (No. 177 overall).[42] The Rams selected Goff first overall on April 28, 2016, in Chicago, marking the 22nd time a quarterback was taken at the top of the common draft era.[43] Goff signed his rookie contract with the Rams on June 9, 2016, a four-year, $27.9 million fully guaranteed deal, including an $18.6 million signing bonus.[44][45]Los Angeles Rams tenure (2016–2020)
2016 season
Goff entered the 2016 NFL season as the backup quarterback to Case Keenum for the Los Angeles Rams, remaining in that role for the team's first nine games while the Rams compiled a 4-5 record.[46] After a Week 10 loss to the Carolina Panthers, head coach Jeff Fisher announced a quarterback change, naming the rookie Goff the starter effective Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins on November 20.[46] Goff started the final seven games of the season, going 0-7 as the Rams lost each contest, often by large margins.[3] In those starts, he completed 112 of 205 passes for 1,089 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions, finishing with a 54.6% completion rate and a passer rating of 63.6.[47] The Rams ended the year with a 4-12 overall record, their third consecutive losing season under Fisher.[48] Throughout his limited action, Goff struggled to adapt to the professional level, particularly the faster pace of NFL defenses and the need for quicker decision-making, which led to turnovers including a 3.4% interception rate—among the highest for qualifying rookie quarterbacks.[49] Following the disappointing campaign, the Rams fired Fisher on December 11 and hired Sean McVay, then the Washington Redskins' offensive coordinator, as their new head coach on January 12, 2017, marking a significant organizational shift.[50]2017 season
In 2017, Jared Goff entered his second NFL season under new head coach Sean McVay, who implemented a dynamic offensive scheme emphasizing play-action passes, pre-snap motion, and quick decision-making to accelerate the young quarterback's growth following a challenging rookie year marked by inconsistency and a 4-12 team record.[51] McVay's system, influenced by his time with the Washington Redskins, tailored protections and route concepts to Goff's strengths, allowing him to operate from a clean pocket more effectively.[52] This resurgence was bolstered by key acquisitions like wide receiver Robert Woods, who provided a reliable target alongside holdovers such as running back Todd Gurley, whose dual-threat ability drew defensive attention and opened passing lanes.[53] Goff served as the full-time starter for all 16 games, completing 296 of 477 passes for 3,804 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, achieving a 62.1% completion rate and a 100.5 passer rating.[54] These figures represented a marked improvement, with Goff ranking fifth in the NFL in passer rating and throwing multiple touchdown passes in 10 games.[53] The Rams finished the regular season with an 11-5 record, clinching the NFC West title and securing their first playoff berth since 2004.[55] Goff's highlights included a Pro Bowl selection, earned after initially being named a first alternate and replacing injured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.[56] In the postseason, he made his playoff debut against the Atlanta Falcons in the Wild Card round, completing 24 of 45 passes for 259 yards and one touchdown in a 26-13 loss, demonstrating poise despite the team's offensive struggles without Gurley due to injury.[57]2018 season
In the 2018 season, Jared Goff delivered a breakout performance as the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, appearing in all 16 games and starting each one. He completed 364 of 561 passes for 4,688 yards, throwing 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while achieving a 64.9% completion rate and a 101.1 passer rating. These statistics highlighted his growth from the previous year, contributing to the Rams' league-best 13-3 regular-season record and securing the NFC West title. Goff's prolific output earned him a Pro Bowl selection for the 2019 game, and he emerged as a legitimate candidate for NFL MVP honors midway through the season due to his efficiency and leadership of the high-powered offense.[59][60] Building on the foundation established in 2017, Goff guided the Rams to a deep playoff run as the top NFC seed. In the divisional round, he threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-22 overtime victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The following week in the NFC Championship Game, Goff completed 25 of 40 passes for 297 yards and one touchdown, orchestrating a game-winning field goal drive in overtime to defeat the New Orleans Saints 26-23 and advance to Super Bowl LIII as NFC champions. However, the Rams' Super Bowl appearance ended in disappointment with a 13-3 defensive battle loss to the New England Patriots. Goff finished 19 of 38 passing for 229 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception, as the Rams' offense managed just three points.[61] The season marked the peak of the Sean McVay-era "Rams House" offensive scheme, which emphasized pre-snap motion and play-action to maximize Goff's quick release and decision-making.[62]2019 season
In the 2019 season, Jared Goff started all 16 games for the Los Angeles Rams, completing 394 of 626 passes for 4,638 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, achieving a 62.9% completion rate and an 86.5 passer rating.[3] The Rams finished with a 9-7 record, securing the NFC's No. 6 wild-card seed despite a midseason slump that saw them lose six of eight games from Weeks 4 to 11.[63] Goff's performance reflected increased pressure following the team's Super Bowl LIII appearance the prior year, with his touchdown-to-interception ratio declining amid defensive lapses and offensive line inconsistencies that contributed to 41 sacks taken. On September 3, 2019, Goff signed a four-year, $134 million contract extension with the Rams, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time with an average annual value of $33.5 million; the deal included $110 million guaranteed and extended his tenure through the 2024 season.[64] This security came as the team navigated challenges, including injuries to key receivers Brandin Cooks (concussion and ankle issues, missing four games) and Cooper Kupp (knee injury, out for six weeks), which disrupted the passing attack and forced Goff to rely more on running back Todd Gurley, whose workload was managed due to his own knee concerns.[65] Turnovers rose for Goff, with 16 interceptions marking a career high at that point, often in high-leverage situations against top defenses like those of the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens.[66] In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 26-20 in overtime during the wild-card round on January 5, 2020, where Goff went 24-for-35 for 282 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions, capping a game-winning drive with a field goal setup. However, their season ended in the divisional round with a 20-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers on January 12, 2020, as Goff completed 21 of 31 passes for 193 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in cold conditions at Lambeau Field, hampered by a Rams defense that allowed Aaron Rodgers to throw for 241 yards and two scores. The early exit underscored the Rams' regression from their 2018 peak, setting the stage for roster reevaluation.2020 season
In the 2020 season, Jared Goff served as the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, appearing in 15 games and compiling 3,952 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while posting a 67.0% completion rate.[3] The Rams finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, securing a playoff berth after a victory in Week 17 without Goff on the field.[67] Goff's performance was marred by turnovers and inconsistencies, particularly in the latter part of the season, contributing to the team's uneven results amid offensive line struggles and defensive adjustments.[68] Goff sustained a broken thumb on his throwing hand during the Week 16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on December 27, 2020, which required surgery the following day and sidelined him for the regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.[69] Backup quarterback John Wolford started in his place for Week 17, leading the Rams to an 18-7 win that clinched their playoff spot, a decision framed by head coach Sean McVay as precautionary due to the injury despite Goff's potential return.[70] In the Wild Card playoff game against the Seahawks on January 17, 2021, Wolford again started, but an injury to him prompted Goff to enter in relief; Goff completed 14 of 21 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown, orchestrating a 30-20 comeback victory.[71] However, in the Divisional Round against the Green Bay Packers, Goff started but threw for only 174 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in an 18-32 defeat, marking the end of the Rams' postseason.[71] Following the season, on January 31, 2021, the Rams traded Goff to the Detroit Lions in exchange for quarterback Matthew Stafford, a 2021 third-round draft pick, a 2022 first-round pick, and a 2023 first-round pick.[72] This deal concluded Goff's tenure with the Rams, where he had been extended with a four-year, $134 million contract in 2019 prior to the 2020 campaign.[45]Detroit Lions tenure (2021–present)
Trade acquisition
On January 31, 2021, the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions agreed to a blockbuster trade that sent quarterback Jared Goff to Detroit in exchange for Matthew Stafford, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and first-round picks in 2022 and 2023.[72] The deal became official on March 18, 2021, the first day of the new league year, allowing the Lions to assume Goff's existing contract while the Rams handled his $2.5 million roster bonus due that day.[73] This move came shortly after Goff had been benched for John Wolford late in the 2020 season with the Rams. The Lions, fresh off trading away their longtime starter Stafford, were rebuilding under new general manager Brad Holmes—hired in January 2021—and head coach Dan Campbell, who was introduced in February. The acquisition positioned Goff as the franchise's new signal-caller in a post-Stafford era focused on long-term development and cultural reset. Goff made his introductory press conference appearance on March 19, 2021, where he conveyed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating he held no resentment toward the Rams and viewed Detroit as the ideal place for a fresh start alongside the team's new leadership.[74] He emphasized his readiness to contribute immediately, describing the transition as feeling "like it was supposed to happen this way."[75] During the 2021 offseason, Goff engaged in voluntary workouts and virtual meetings to build rapport with teammates and adapt to the Lions' new offensive system under coordinator Anthony Lynn, which incorporated more shotgun formations and play-action elements tailored to his strengths.[76] He was praised for his quick grasp of the scheme during organized team activities in May, including precise timing with receivers like Tyrell Williams.[77] The Lions inherited Goff's four-year contract extension originally signed with the Rams in 2018, which carried through the 2024 season with base salaries escalating from $25.65 million in 2021.[78] To manage cap space, they restructured it in late March 2021 by converting $20 million of his 2021 base salary into a signing bonus, generating approximately $15 million in immediate relief while spreading the hit over future years; this adjustment included voiding options that extended potential guarantees.[79] Goff later earned a $15.5 million roster bonus in March 2022 as part of ongoing contract incentives.[80]2021 season
Goff entered the 2021 season as the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions following his trade from the Los Angeles Rams, taking over a team in the midst of a rebuild under new head coach Dan Campbell.[3] He appeared in 14 games, all starts, completing 332 of 494 passes for 3,245 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, achieving a 67.2% completion rate and a 91.5 passer rating.[81] The Lions finished with a 3-13-1 record, marking their fourth consecutive season without a winning record.[82] The season presented significant challenges for Goff amid an offensive line that struggled to protect him, resulting in a league-high 35 sacks taken, the most among quarterbacks that year.[81] This high sack rate, averaging 2.5 per game, highlighted the Lions' rebuilding phase, with a young and inexperienced roster contributing to inconsistent performance early on. Despite the difficulties, Goff delivered key highlights in the latter part of the season, leading the Lions to their first victory under Campbell in Week 13 with a 29-27 walk-off win over the Minnesota Vikings, where he threw for 296 yards and 3 touchdowns.[83] He followed with a 30-12 upset over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15, completing 21 of 26 passes for 212 yards and another 3 touchdowns, and capped the year with 305 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 37-30 victory against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.[84][85] Under offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn's scheme, which emphasized a balanced attack, Goff showed notable improvement in the final stretch, throwing 9 touchdowns with just 1 interception across his last four starts and demonstrating better command of the offense.[86] This late-season surge provided optimism for his adaptation to the Lions' system despite the overall team struggles.2022 season
In the 2022 season, Jared Goff experienced a rebound in performance with the Detroit Lions, showcasing improved ball security and efficiency amid a revamped offensive supporting cast. Appearing in all 17 games with 12 starts, Goff completed 307 of 466 passes for 3,275 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions—a total that tied his career low for picks—while posting a 65.9% completion percentage and 94.6 passer rating.[81] His reduced turnovers, down from 19 interceptions the prior year, highlighted better decision-making under new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who emphasized a balanced attack.[87] Goff's season was interrupted by a right ankle injury sustained in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, causing him to miss the final five games as backup David Blough and rookie Hendon Hooker filled in. Despite the absence, Goff ranked among the league's top quarterbacks in several metrics, including first in touchdown-to-interception ratio (2.50), fifth in completion percentage over expected (+5.7%), and tied for sixth in yards per attempt (7.0). The Lions' offense benefited from emerging talents like wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who recorded 1,161 receiving yards, and running back D'Andre Swift, contributing to a more dynamic unit that averaged 26.6 points per game. The team concluded the year with a 9-8 record, securing their first winning season since 2017 but falling short of the playoffs on tiebreakers behind the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. Goff's steady play in 12 starts, including notable victories over division rivals like the Chicago Bears and a high-scoring affair against the Los Angeles Chargers, underscored his growing comfort in Detroit's system and helped build momentum for future campaigns.2023 season
In the 2023 season, Jared Goff delivered a career-best performance, guiding the Detroit Lions to their first division title in 30 years. Starting all 17 games, he completed 407 of 605 passes for 4,575 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, achieving a 67.1% completion rate and a 97.9 passer rating.[81] These efforts helped the Lions secure a 12-5 record, marking the franchise's first winning season since 2017 and Goff's first as a full-time starter in Detroit.[88] The team clinched the NFC North championship with a Week 17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, ending a long playoff drought that dated back to 2016. Goff's leadership shone in the postseason, where the Lions hosted two home playoff games for the first time in franchise history. In the Wild Card round, they edged the Los Angeles Rams 24-23, with Goff throwing for 277 yards and two touchdowns.[89] The Divisional round saw a 31-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, highlighted by Goff's 353 yards and two more scores without an interception.[89] Their run ended in the NFC Championship Game, a 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, where Goff completed 20 of 30 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns.[89] Over the three playoff games, Goff posted a 103.3 passer rating with zero interceptions, demonstrating improved decision-making under pressure.[3] Goff's breakout year earned him his second Pro Bowl selection, as an alternate who participated in the 2023 Pro Bowl Games.[90] The Lions' offense, orchestrated by Goff, ranked fifth in the NFL in scoring with 461 points (27.1 per game), fueled by dynamic play from wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who amassed 1,515 receiving yards, and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, who contributed 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.[88] This high-powered unit emphasized a balanced attack, blending Goff's precise passing with a resurgent running game led by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.2024 season
In May 2024, the Detroit Lions signed quarterback Jared Goff to a four-year contract extension worth $212 million, including $170 million guaranteed, securing his role with the team through the 2028 season.[91][92] Building on the Lions' successful 2023 campaign, Goff delivered a career-high performance during the 2024 regular season, leading the team to a franchise-record 15-2 finish and the NFC's No. 1 seed. In 17 starts, he passed for 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing 72.4% of his passes, the highest rate in the NFL.[93] His efficiency was highlighted by a league-leading passer rating of 111.8 and a historic streak of six consecutive games with at least a 105.0 passer rating and 72.0% completion percentage, the first such achievement in NFL history.[3][94] Goff's standout season earned him his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection, joining Bobby Layne as one of only two quarterbacks in franchise history with multiple such honors.[81] He also set Lions records for single-season passing yards and touchdowns, contributing to the team's league-leading 564 points scored. In the playoffs, the Lions earned a first-round bye as the top seed but were eliminated in the divisional round by the Washington Commanders, losing 45-31 at home.[95] Goff completed 23 of 40 passes for 313 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in the defeat.[96]2025 season
Entering the 2025 season, Jared Goff was recognized as the No. 15 player in the NFL Top 100 rankings, reflecting his consistent performance and leadership for the Detroit Lions.[97][98] The Lions entered the year with strong Super Bowl aspirations, building on their 2024 NFC Championship appearance and aiming to contend for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LX.[99][100] As of November 17, 2025, through 10 games (following a bye in Week 8), Goff has started all 10 games for the 6-4 Lions, completing 216 of 310 passes for 2,490 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions with a 69.7% completion rate and an 88.2 passer rating.[3] One standout performance came in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, where he earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing five touchdowns on 23-of-28 passing for 334 yards in a 52-21 victory.[101][102] In Week 10, Goff threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions or sacks in a 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders. However, the Lions' offensive line has continued to face challenges, with Goff sacked 20 times through 10 games—a pace projecting toward another high total. In the Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, he endured a season-high five sacks and was pressured on 47.6% of his dropbacks, contributing to 26 total pressures and disrupting the Lions' offensive rhythm. These issues persisted in the Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, where Goff was sacked twice and completed just 14 of 37 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Lions' offensive line has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies, ranking 21st in sack rate at 6.9%, prompting adjustments as the team pushes forward in the ongoing campaign.[103][104][105][106]Playing style
Technical skills
Jared Goff possesses solid arm strength that excels in short-to-intermediate ranges, enabling precise throws with adequate velocity for quick-release passes, though it falls short of elite levels for consistently driving the ball deep. His compact mechanics contribute to a repeatable throwing motion, ranked ninth among NFL quarterbacks in 2025 for smoothness and efficiency. This allows Goff to deliver the ball rapidly, supporting his career completion percentage of 66.1%, which underscores his proficiency in timing-based offenses.[107][3] Goff's footwork emphasizes pocket navigation over athletic mobility, with subtle steps to maintain balance and extend plays without relying on scrambling, as evidenced by his career rushing totals of 574 yards but yielding 12 touchdowns. While not a dual-threat quarterback, he has shown improved awareness in stepping up into clean pockets, contributing to extended sack-free stretches for the Detroit Lions in 2025. However, his limited elusiveness outside structured drops can expose him under duress.[108][109][3] In terms of accuracy, Goff led the NFL in completion percentage during the 2024 season at 72.4%, employing a touch-passing style that prioritizes placement over raw power, ideal for rhythm-driven schemes with play-action elements. His precision shines in structured quick games, where he ranked among the league leaders in success rate against the blitz. This accuracy has evolved from his early Rams tenure, where coaching under Sean McVay refined his deep-ball touch, boosting his yards per attempt on longer throws from subpar levels in 2019 to competitive marks by 2024.[110][111][112] Despite these strengths, Goff's handling of pressure remains a notable weakness, particularly in 2025, where he faced elevated sack rates in high-pressure games, such as a 47.6% pressure rate in a mid-season loss that highlighted vulnerabilities in pocket escape. His performance dips markedly when protections break down early, with a lower passing grade under duress compared to clean-pocket situations. This was evident in the 2025 Week 10 loss to the Eagles, where he posted a career-low 37.8% completion rate amid heavy pressure.[104][113][103][4]Leadership and decision-making
Jared Goff has demonstrated a high football IQ through his proficiency in pre-snap reads, allowing him to effectively diagnose defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Coaches have praised his command of the offense, noting his ability to master complex schemes and anticipate defensive alignments, which has been particularly evident in structured systems that emphasize protection and rhythm passing. This acumen contributed to his low interception rates during the 2022-2024 seasons, where he recorded just 7 interceptions on 587 attempts in 2022 (1.2%), 12 on 605 in 2023 (2.0%), and 12 on 539 in 2024 (2.2%), ranking among the league's lowest turnover percentages for starting quarterbacks in those years.[114][3] Goff's clutch performance has been a hallmark of his decision-making in high-stakes situations, including several game-winning drives in the playoffs. In the 2017 NFC Wild Card playoff game with the Rams, he engineered a comeback victory over the Falcons, completing 24 of 45 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown to secure a 26-13 win. With the Lions, he led the game-winning drive in the 2023 Wild Card victory against the Rams, finishing 24 of 31 for 277 yards and two touchdowns, and orchestrated a key scoring drive in the fourth quarter during the Divisional Round win over the Buccaneers that same postseason. These moments underscore his composure under pressure, with Goff accumulating 21 career game-winning drives, including two in playoff scenarios.[115][116] In terms of team impact, Goff has served as a mentor to the Lions' young receivers, sharing techniques from his time with elite targets like Cooper Kupp to build chemistry with rookies such as Amon-Ra St. Brown early in his Detroit tenure. His vocal presence has grown under head coach Dan Campbell, who has fostered an environment where Goff takes ownership of the offense, as evidenced by locker room speeches and post-game acknowledgments that highlight his role in rallying the team during tough stretches like the 3-13 record in 2021.[117][118] Despite early career criticisms centered on turnovers—such as 13 interceptions in the 2020 season with the Rams that drew scrutiny from coach Sean McVay—Goff exhibited resilience following his 2021 trade to the Lions, viewing it as a pivotal reset that enhanced his development both on and off the field. This perseverance transformed his reputation from a perceived "bust" after the trade, amid a rebuilding roster and initial skepticism, to a Pro Bowl leader by the 2022 season, earning his third career selection (announced in 2023) after leading the Lions to the playoffs with top-10 passing stats.[119][120][90]Career statistics
Regular season
Goff's regular-season performance as a starting quarterback has shown consistent development over his NFL career, beginning with a challenging rookie year and evolving into high-efficiency passing marked by improved completion percentages and reduced turnovers. His statistics reflect adaptation to different offensive systems, first with the Los Angeles Rams under coaches Jeff Fisher and Sean McVay, and later with the Detroit Lions alongside coordinator Ben Johnson.[3]Passing Statistics
The following table summarizes Goff's regular-season passing statistics from 2016 to 2025, including attempts, completions, yards, touchdowns, interceptions, and passer rating. Data excludes postseason games.[3]| Year | Team | G | GS | Cmp | Att | Cmp% | Yds | Y/A | TD | Int | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | LAR | 7 | 7 | 112 | 205 | 54.6 | 1,089 | 5.3 | 5 | 7 | 63.6 |
| 2017 | LAR | 15 | 15 | 296 | 477 | 62.1 | 3,804 | 8.0 | 28 | 7 | 100.5 |
| 2018 | LAR | 16 | 16 | 364 | 561 | 64.9 | 4,688 | 8.4 | 32 | 12 | 101.1 |
| 2019 | LAR | 16 | 16 | 394 | 626 | 62.9 | 4,638 | 7.4 | 22 | 16 | 86.5 |
| 2020 | LAR | 15 | 15 | 370 | 552 | 67.0 | 3,952 | 7.2 | 20 | 13 | 90.0 |
| 2021 | DET | 14 | 14 | 332 | 494 | 67.2 | 3,245 | 6.6 | 19 | 8 | 91.5 |
| 2022 | DET | 17 | 17 | 382 | 587 | 65.1 | 4,438 | 7.6 | 29 | 7 | 99.3 |
| 2023 | DET | 17 | 17 | 407 | 605 | 67.3 | 4,575 | 7.6 | 30 | 12 | 97.9 |
| 2024 | DET | 17 | 17 | 390 | 539 | 72.4 | 4,629 | 8.6 | 37 | 12 | 111.8 |
| 2025 | DET | 9 | 9 | 202 | 273 | 74.0 | 2,235 | 8.2 | 20 | 3 | 117.7 |
Rushing Statistics
Goff has contributed modestly to the Lions' and Rams' rushing attacks, primarily through designed runs and scrambles, accumulating 12 rushing touchdowns over his career. The table below details his regular-season rushing stats.[3]| Year | Team | Att | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | LAR | 8 | 16 | 1 |
| 2017 | LAR | 28 | 51 | 1 |
| 2018 | LAR | 43 | 108 | 2 |
| 2019 | LAR | 33 | 40 | 2 |
| 2020 | LAR | 51 | 99 | 4 |
| 2021 | DET | 17 | 87 | 0 |
| 2022 | DET | 29 | 73 | 0 |
| 2023 | DET | 32 | 21 | 2 |
| 2024 | DET | 35 | 56 | 0 |
| 2025 | DET | 11 | 23 | 0 |
Postseason
Jared Goff has appeared in 10 postseason games over his career, split between five starts with the Los Angeles Rams from 2017 to 2020 and five with the Detroit Lions from 2023 to 2025, compiling a 5–5 record as the primary quarterback.[122] His playoff performances have shown variability, with stronger showings in high-stakes home games contributing to key victories, though road environments have often amplified challenges under pressure. The following table summarizes Goff's game-by-game postseason statistics:| Date | Round | Team | Opponent | Result | Cmp/Att | Yds | TD | Int | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2018 | Wild Card | LAR | ATL | L 13–26 | 24/45 | 259 | 1 | 0 | 77.9 |
| Jan 13, 2019 | Divisional | LAR | DAL | W 30–22 | 19/31 | 186 | 0 | 1 | 68.8 |
| Jan 20, 2019 | NFC Championship | LAR | @ NO | W 26–23 | 25/40 | 297 | 1 | 1 | 83.0 |
| Feb 3, 2019 | Super Bowl LIII | LAR | NE | L 3–13 | 19/38 | 229 | 0 | 1 | 57.9 |
| Jan 9, 2021 | Wild Card | LAR | @ SEA | W 30–20 | 9/19 | 155 | 1 | 0 | 93.1 |
| Jan 16, 2021 | Divisional | LAR | @ GB | L 18–32 | 21/27 | 174 | 1 | 0 | 105.9 |
| Jan 14, 2024 | Wild Card | DET | LAR | W 24–23 | 22/27 | 277 | 2 | 0 | 134.5 |
| Jan 21, 2024 | Divisional | DET | TB | W 31–23 | 30/43 | 287 | 2 | 0 | 103.5 |
| Jan 28, 2024 | NFC Championship | DET | @ SF | L 31–34 | 25/41 | 273 | 3 | 0 | 107.2 |
| Jan 18, 2025 | Divisional | DET | WAS | L 31–45 | 23/40 | 313 | 1 | 3 | 59.7 |