Jared Goff's grudge toward the Los Angeles Rams has waned with time. He admitted as such ahead of the fourth clash against his former club.
However, the star quarterback ostensibly hasn't just released any bitterness he once felt. Goff sounds thankful for the blockbuster trade that sent him from Los Angeles to the Detroit Lions in 2021, and so has his father, Jerry.
ESPN's Eric Woodyard wrote a great feature piece about the day Jared got rerouted to Detroit, among other "untold stories," ahead of the Lions-Rams tetralogy. It highlighted the 2016 No. 1 overall pick's unconventional path to stardom, unrelenting competitive edge, and above all, making the most of a tough situation.
Many viewed Goff as nothing more than a bridge to the next young signal-caller when he landed in Detroit. His arrival was widely considered a means to an end and to keep the seat warm for the eventual successor. Yet, the Lions have been more successful than they ever have with him under center, which Jerry made sure to acknowledge and respect.
Jared Goff's dad struck chord with Lions fans about QB thriving in Detroit
Even those close to Goff thought he was being left for dead in Detroit, including his dad, as Woodyard points out. The Lions had been an NFL laughingstock for decades, illustrated by him guiding them to their first playoff win since 1991 in 2023.
Jerry gave credit where it was due, praising Jared for turning a perceived doomsday scenario into his oyster.
""He's tough, man. This whole transition wasn't for everybody. It was a hard deal. It was not easy, and not everybody can do it, and that's what we're so proud of. ... For him to bring this city to relevance, he loves Detroit, and he loves the fans. He loves being here, and it will always be special to his heart for sure.""Jerry Goff via ESPN's Eric Woodyard
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Detroit was in a perpetual rebuild until Jared entered the picture. That includes franchise legend Matthew Stafford's 12-year tenure before being on the other side of the famous Rams-Lions swap.
Not long ago, competing for division titles and contending for the Super Bowl annually was a pipe dream, to say the least. The Lions faithful are well aware of this; so is Jared and his family.
Those who have tried to uplift the storied Lions organization ahead of Jared have failed miserably. Their improbable ascension together has seemingly made him appreciate Detroit more than he could have ever imagined, regardless of how or why they joined forces.