Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers in memorable fashion on Thursday night.

While he did record one interception, Goff looked pretty stellar against Green Bay – recording 283 yards and three touchdowns on 32-of-41 passing.

The difference between him and Jordan Love was pretty apparent all night.

In addition to thriving on the field, Goff is also doing quite well off it. His wife, Christen Harper, stole the show on Thursday with her outfit to the Lions’ game.

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Needless to say, with his personal life going swimmingly and Detroit looking like the second-best team in the NFL, everything appears to be going Goff’s way nowadays.

Jared Goff’s Football Career: From College Star to NFL Quarterback

Jared Goff has established himself as a prominent quarterback in the NFL. After a standout college career at the University of California, Berkeley, Goff was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2016 NFL Draft.

His professional journey has been marked by notable achievements, including leading the Rams to Super Bowl LIII and earning Pro Bowl selections.

Goff’s career took a new turn when he was traded to the Detroit Lions in 2021. This move presented fresh challenges and opportunities for the talented quarterback.

With the Lions, Goff has continued to showcase his passing skills and leadership on the field.

From his early days at Marin Catholic High School to his current role with the Detroit Lions, Goff’s football career has been a testament to his dedication and skill development.

His journey through college and professional ranks has captivated fans and analysts alike, making him a significant figure in the NFL landscape.

Early Life and High School Career

Jared Goff‘s journey to NFL stardom began in Novato, California. His early years and high school career laid the foundation for his future success in football.

Early Years and Family Background

Jared Thomas Goff was born on October 14, 1994, in Novato, California. He grew up in a sports-oriented family. His father, Jerry Goff, played Major League Baseball as a catcher for several teams.

This athletic background influenced young Jared’s passion for sports. From an early age, he showed a natural aptitude for football, particularly as a quarterback.

High School Football at Marin Catholic

Goff attended Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, California. He quickly became a standout player on the football team.

As the starting quarterback, Goff led Marin Catholic to impressive victories. He displayed exceptional arm strength and accuracy, catching the attention of college recruiters.

During his senior year, Goff threw for 3,692 yards and 40 touchdowns. His performances helped Marin Catholic reach the state championship game.

Recruitment and College Selection

Goff’s success at Marin Catholic attracted interest from several college programs. He received offers from multiple schools, including Boise State and Washington State.

Ultimately, Goff chose to stay in California. He committed to the University of California, Berkeley (Cal).

His decision was influenced by Cal’s strong academic reputation and the opportunity to play in the Pac-12 Conference. Goff enrolled at Cal in 2013, ready to take his football career to the next level.

College Football Career at UC Berkeley

Jared Goff’s college football career at UC Berkeley was marked by record-breaking performances and steady improvement. He quickly established himself as a prolific passer and leader for the California Golden Bears.

Freshman Season

Goff won the starting quarterback job as a true freshman in 2013. He set Cal single-season records with 3,508 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.

Despite his individual success, the team struggled to a 1-11 record.

Goff completed 320 of 531 passes, showcasing his accuracy and high-volume production. He threw for over 300 yards in seven games, including a season-high 450 yards against Washington State.

Sophomore Breakthrough

In 2014, Goff took a significant leap forward. He threw for 3,973 yards and 35 touchdowns, both school records at the time. His improved play helped Cal achieve a 5-7 record.

Notable performances included:

• 458 yards and 7 TDs vs Colorado
• 527 yards and 5 TDs vs Washington State

Goff’s sophomore campaign solidified his status as one of the Pac-12’s top quarterbacks.

Junior Year and Rise to Prominence

Goff’s junior season in 2015 cemented his place among college football’s elite quarterbacks. He set Pac-12 single-season records with 4,714 passing yards and 43 touchdowns.

Key highlights:

• Led Cal to an 8-5 record and Armed Forces Bowl victory
• 6 games with 400+ passing yards
• Career-high 542 yards vs ASU

His exceptional play propelled Cal to its first bowl game since 2011 and garnered national attention.

Awards and Honors

Goff’s stellar career at UC Berkeley earned him numerous accolades:

• 2015 First-team All-Pac-12
• 2015 Manning Award finalist
• Cal career records for:
  • Passing yards (12,195)
  • Touchdowns (96)
  • Completions (977)

He finished his college career ranked third all-time in Pac-12 history for passing yards and touchdowns, solidifying his legacy as one of Cal’s greatest quarterbacks.

NFL Draft and Early Career

Jared Goff’s journey to the NFL began with high expectations and a steep learning curve. His transition from college star to professional quarterback involved significant milestones and challenges.

2016 NFL Draft Experience

The Los Angeles Rams selected Jared Goff as the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

This decision made him the franchise’s new face and potential savior.

Goff’s selection came after an impressive college career at California, where he set Pac-12 Conference records for passing yards and touchdowns.

The Rams traded up to secure the top pick, signaling their confidence in Goff’s abilities.

Draft day was a whirlwind for the young quarterback, filled with media interviews, photo ops, and the iconic moment of donning the Rams cap on stage.

Rookie Season Adjustments

Goff’s rookie year proved challenging. He spent the first nine games as a backup, learning the NFL ropes from the sidelines.

The Rams coaching staff felt he needed time to adapt to the pro-level playbook and speed of the game.

When Goff finally got his chance to start, the results were mixed. He started the final seven games of the season, but the team went 0-7 during this stretch. His stats reflected his struggles:

• Passing Yards: 1,089
• Touchdowns: 5
• Interceptions: 7

Despite the tough start, Goff showed flashes of potential that kept the Rams optimistic about his future.

Sophomore Year Development

Goff’s second season saw significant improvement. With a full offseason to prepare as the starter, he looked more comfortable in the pocket.

His stats took a major leap forward:

• Passing Yards: 3,804
• Touchdowns: 28
• Interceptions: 7

The Rams’ offense became more dynamic, and Goff’s decision-making improved.

He led the team to an 11-5 record and their first playoff appearance since 2004. This marked turnaround earned Goff his first Pro Bowl selection.

His sophomore success validated the Rams’ draft choice and set the stage for Goff to become a cornerstone of the franchise.

Professional Career Achievements

Jared Goff has established himself as a formidable quarterback in the NFL, amassing impressive stats and leading his teams to

Move to Detroit Lions

Jared Goff’s career took a dramatic turn when he was traded to the Detroit Lions in 2021. The move presented new challenges and opportunities for the quarterback.

Trade Circumstances

The Los Angeles Rams traded Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions on March 18, 2021. This blockbuster deal also included two first-round draft picks and a third-round pick. In exchange, the Rams received quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The trade came as a surprise to many, including Goff himself. It marked the end of his five-year tenure with the Rams, where he had led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2018.

Goff’s contract played a significant role in the trade. He had signed a four-year, $134 million extension with the Rams in 2019. This hefty contract was now transferred to the Lions.

Establishing a Role in New Team

Upon joining the Lions, Goff faced the challenge of filling Matthew Stafford’s shoes. Stafford had been the face of the franchise for 12 years.

Goff quickly embraced his new role as the Lions’ starting quarterback. He worked to build rapport with his new teammates during offseason activities and training camp.

The Lions coaching staff tailored their offensive scheme to fit Goff’s strengths. This included emphasizing play-action passes and quick releases, areas where Goff had excelled in the past.

Adaptation and Performance

Goff’s transition to the Lions was not without its challenges. He had to adapt to a new offensive system, coaching staff, and teammates.

In his first season with Detroit, Goff’s performance was mixed. The team struggled overall, finishing with a 3-13-1 record. However, Goff showed flashes of his potential, especially late in the season.

By 2022, Goff appeared more comfortable in the Lions’ system. His improved play contributed to the team’s resurgence.

The Lions became playoff contenders, with Goff’s leadership and passing ability playing crucial roles. He has only improved since then, helping Detroit become a legit Super Bowl contender in 2023 and 2024.

Goff’s adaptation to Detroit extended beyond the field. He embraced the city and its football culture, earning respect from fans and teammates alike.

Off the Field

Jared Goff has made an impact beyond the football field through entrepreneurship, charitable work, and personal relationships. His ventures and philanthropic efforts showcase a commitment to giving back to the community.

JG16 Clothing Line

Goff launched his own clothing brand, JG16, in 2022. The line features casual wear and athletic apparel inspired by his playing style and personal aesthetic.

JG16 offers t-shirts, hoodies, and hats emblazoned with Goff’s jersey number and logo.

A portion of the proceeds goes to youth sports programs in Detroit and Los Angeles, supporting the communities where Goff has played professionally.

Philanthropy and Community Service

Goff actively participates in various charitable initiatives. He established the JG16 Foundation in 2020, focusing on education and youth development.

The foundation provides scholarships and resources to underprivileged students.

Goff regularly visits children’s hospitals, bringing smiles to young patients. He also hosts annual football camps for kids, teaching them skills and sportsmanship.

Personal Life

Goff is married to model Christen Harper.

The couple met in 2019 and announced their engagement in June 2022. They wed in June of 2024.

Harper frequently attends Lions games to support Goff.

They share glimpses of their life together on Instagram, where Goff has over 500,000 followers.

Goff cites NFL legend Joe Montana as his childhood idol and has met him several times.

In his free time, Goff enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.

Carlos Garcia

A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.