In a jaw-dropping moment of honesty that has reignited debate among NFL fans and insiders alike, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has finally opened up about the infamous trade that sent him packing from Los Angeles to Detroit in 2021. And according to Goff, the split wasn’t just about football. It was personal.
Speaking on a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Goff laid bare the emotional rollercoaster he endured when the Rams dealt him in exchange for Matthew Stafford, a move that stunned the league and ultimately led the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory. But while LA was celebrating, Goff says he was blindsided — and bitter.
“It felt like I got dumped over text,” Goff confessed. “I didn’t even get a phone call until it was already happening. And it wasn’t even McVay or Snead [Rams head coach and GM] reaching out first. It was my agent. I thought I was their guy. I gave everything to that franchise.”
The former No. 1 overall pick had led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2018 season and had just signed a massive contract extension a year before the trade. But things soured quickly after an inconsistent 2020 campaign, and behind closed doors, trust began to erode.
“They stopped believing in me,” Goff said. “They started game-planning like I was a problem to manage instead of a player to win with. It became clear — they were looking for a way out.”
The fallout from the trade stung, but it ultimately set Goff on a path to redemption in Detroit. Since joining the Lions, Goff has revitalized his career, leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances and becoming a beloved figure in the Motor City. Still, the scars from the LA split haven’t faded.
“There’s no hate,” Goff clarified. “But I won’t forget how it went down. It taught me how this business works — loyalty is conditional. If you’re not their favorite toy anymore, they’ll find a new one.”
Goff’s explosive comments have drawn a wide range of reactions. Some have applauded his transparency and leadership, especially in light of his resurgence in Detroit. Others argue that LA made the right call, citing Stafford’s immediate Super Bowl success.
Either way, one thing is certain: Jared Goff is no longer staying silent. He’s owning his story, his comeback, and his place among the NFL’s most resilient quarterbacks. And with Detroit entering a new, uncertain era, Goff’s leadership and edge may be more valuable than ever.