Jared Goff has emotional response to Lions’ NFC North title
Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) smiles on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 30-24 on Sunday to clinch their first division title since 1993. It was an emotional occasion for the team, particularly quarterback Jared Goff.
Goff spoke to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network after the win, and became emotional during the interview when reflecting on the players that had been part of the Lions’ 3-13-1 season just two years ago.
My @nflnetwork 1-on-1 with an emotional Jared Goff after the #Lions — a three-win team two years ago, with a castoff QB — clinched their first division title since 1993.
What a moment for Detroit, with bigger goals still ahead. @NFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/fJtzm3aATY
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 24, 2023
“It’s a lot of hard work,” Goff said while choking up. “It’s emotional, but it’s just the beginning for us. It’s the first checkmark for us. I get emotional thinking about all the guys that went through 3-13, went through 1-6 early last year.”
The Lions were in a very difficult spot when Goff arrived in 2021. Goff himself was seen as a draft bust whose acquisition in the Matthew Stafford trade was mostly to help balance salaries. That turned around to the point that Goff was getting some MVP buzz earlier in the season.
The Lions will not be satisfied with a division title, as they will now have the opportunity to host a playoff game at Ford Field for the first time. The organization has not won a postseason game since 1991.