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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is ready to move on from the narrative that emerges every time he faces his former team.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, Goff faced a series of questions about facing 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, on Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
“It feels like a long time ago and I think we talked about it a little bit earlier this year about how my career is now. [I’ve] spent more time here. It definitely feels like a long time ago,” he said Wednesday, before being asked separately if he still feels an “emotional charge.”
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“No, not much more,” he replied. “And really, we played them in that playoff game and it was such a big deal, and the next year we played them again and it felt like 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 interjected.
“We’re still talking about it — okay, go ahead,” he said before letting the reporter finish his question.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff talks to reporters after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Detroit, Michigan on Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
EX-RAMS STAR JARED GOFF SAYS HE WAS BLIND BY TRADE TO LIONS: ‘REAL TASTE OF REAL ADVERSITY’
Goff has played against his former team three times since the blockbuster trade that resulted in Stafford leading the Rams to Super Bowl victory. In regular-season games, the standings are tied at one win each, but Goff led the Lions to another victory over the Rams in a wild-card game during the 2024 playoffs.
During his tenure with the Rams, Goff earned Pro Bowl nods in 2017 and 2018, with the latter season culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. He would be traded after just two more seasons.
Rams head coach Sean McVay had high praise for Goff when talking about his former quarterback this week, adding that he’s “really happy” with how his career is going in Detroit.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, center, passes while being pressured by 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 made here that I’ll 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’m reminded of those things, and then you’re also reminded when you need to be able to grow up and deal with that, which I’ll never run away from better and thankful. thankful that he has such grace and understanding, I’m happy for Jared.
The Rams host the Lions on Sunday at 4:25 PM ET.
