"Jamo."
The Athletic's Robert Mays couldn't even finish asking Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff which player within the offense has seen rewarding growth, similar to the one Goff has had during his time in Detroit. Goff knew that however the rest of the question was worded, the answer had to be wide receiver Jameson Williams.
In his sit-down interview with "The Athletic Football Show" on YouTube, Goff spoke on a variety of different topics, including reading defenses, his desire to keep playing into his 40s, and new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Toward the end of the nearly 20-minute interview, Goff was asked that question about growth, where the QB said of Williams, "The most rewarding teammate journey I've ever been a part of."
Goff spoke about Williams' humble beginnings in Detroit, coming off an ACL tear prior being drafted and his early career struggles, saying, "I'm sure (Williams would) be the first to say he wasn't up to the standards he wants to be."
Williams had just one reception in nine games in his rookie season -- a 41-yard touchdown reception. Williams' second season also got off to a delayed start, this time being suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL's gambling policy. In his remaining 12 games, including ten starts, Williams only recorded 24 receptions totaling 354 yards and two touchdowns.
An impressive turnaround for Williams
With the "bust" label floating above his head, Williams never let up, putting in the work to salvage his NFL career. Now, having compiled back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, his hype train is charging at a bullet train pace. It's that effort and time-investment that Goff finds so rewarding about his WR's ascent:
"I think to watch him learn how to work and how to put the time in. And he's always been a good teammate. He's always been a good guy, but how much is required at this level and to watch him learn that and then want to ask the right questions.
And, like, we're in a meeting the other day and he stops the meeting to ask a question. And I just kind of giggle, like, the guy four years ago would never even consider to ask that, nor would he even know why he was asking that question."
READ MORE: Everything Drew Petzing said about Jameson Williams' growth amid excellent camp
Williams has continued to work this offseason to add muscle and improve his catching ability. That work has paid off, as he's produced some of the best highlight reel catches so far in training camp.
He's beginning to look like a complete WR, which is a frightening prospect for opposing defenses knowing the elite talent they already have to deal with on that Lions' offense. Few have admired the path it took Williams to get to that point more than his own QB.
"He's one of my favorites of all time, and I'm so happy that he's my teammate, and he's come a long way."
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