Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has candidly shared his feelings of shock and betrayal following his unexpected trade from the Los Angeles Rams after the 2020 NFL season. In the premiere episode of the ‘Quarterback’ Netflix docuseries, Goff, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, recounted his dismay at the handling of the trade by Rams head coach Sean McVay.
“Three weeks after the last game of the season, I got a call from Sean and really did not expect anything,” Goff explained. “He lets me know they’re trading me to Detroit and I’m like, ‘Whoa, okay, alright. What the hell? What’s happening?’ I would say about 30 seconds after that phone call, it was on Twitter.”
Goff expressed his disappointment not only in the trade itself but in the lack of communication leading up to it. “You feel like you’ve been betrayed, or like you’re not wanted,” he said. “And I think for me, ultimately it was the fact that there was not a conversation had, and there wasn’t like a, ‘Hey we’re thinking of moving on’ type of thing. There was nothing.”
The Fallout from a Trade
The abrupt nature of the trade left Goff feeling blindsided, questioning the maturity of the decision-making process. “You wish that it wasn’t such a blindside and that there was some sort of maturity, I guess, to have that conversation and to be able to let me know what was going on and how things went down. And why this is happening,” Goff continued. “It was my first real taste of true adversity and your career is kind of at a fork in the road.”
Sean McVay has since acknowledged that the trade was not handled with the sensitivity it required. In public statements, McVay admitted his regret over the manner in which Goff was informed of the decision, highlighting the complexities and pressures of NFL management.
From Setback to Success
Despite the initial turmoil, Goff has used the trade as motivation, transforming his career with the Detroit Lions. The Lions, under Goff’s leadership, achieved a significant milestone by winning their first playoff game in decades, defeating the Rams at Ford Field. This victory was not just a personal triumph for Goff but also a testament to his resilience and ability to rebound from adversity.
Further cementing his comeback, Goff led the Lions to another victory over the Rams in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL regular season. These wins have helped to redefine Goff’s narrative in the league, showcasing his growth and maturity as a player.
Looking Ahead
The Lions and Rams are set to face off again at SoFi Stadium in Week 15 of the 2025 season, a matchup that promises to be charged with emotion and significance for Goff. As the date approaches, both teams will be keenly aware of the stakes, both in terms of playoff implications and personal narratives.
Goff’s journey from the shock of his trade to his current success with the Lions underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports. His story is a reminder of the personal and professional challenges athletes face, often behind the scenes, as they navigate their careers.
“It was my first real taste of true adversity and your career is kind of at a fork in the road.” – Jared Goff
As Goff continues to lead the Lions, his experience serves as a powerful example of resilience and adaptation in the face of unexpected change. The upcoming clash with the Rams will undoubtedly be a focal point in his ongoing journey, as he seeks to further cement his legacy in Detroit.