Jared Goff Embraces Detroit as the Defining Chapter of His Career and Wants to Retire as a Lion
The Detroit Lions have found success in recent years behind quarterback Jared Goff's inspired play and steady leadership.
After a string of lackluster campaigns, the Detroit Lions have become a strong contender in the NFC in recent years. It's undeniable that quarterback Jared Goff has been the driving force behind the steady ascent.
Last season, the Lions topped the NFC with a 15-2 record, tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best in the league. While they got upset in the divisional round of the playoffs after running into the Washington Commanders, they showed how dangerous they can be with Goff at the peak of his career.
The 30-year-old signal-caller is in his fifth year in Detroit. He will play in his 70th game with the Lions when they go up against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. For Goff, it's a reminder of how much he has embraced Motor City.
“I've certainly become a Lion now in my career. When I look back on it, it's going to be majority Lions, and hopefully a lot more majority as we go on. But yeah, it's been a fun journey here. It's been fun to grow into and be part of the city, and now, I guess, flip the scale on that way. It's cool,” said Goff in a video shared by WXYZ Detroit's Brad Galli.
Goff spent his first five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, playing 69 games, before he was traded to the Lions in 2021, along with draft picks, in exchange for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Detroit missed the playoffs in Goff's first two years before making back-to-back appearances for the first time since 1994 and 1995.
The Lions will look to improve to 4-1 against the Bengals. In their rout of the Cleveland Browns, 34-10, in Week 4, Goff passed for 168 yards and two touchdowns. While they got the victory, the four-time Pro Bowler stressed that their offense “can be so much better.”
With him at the forefront, it won't be difficult.
Jared Goff backs Jameson Williams after a quiet week 4 performance
This was their third win with more than 30 points to make it a 3-1 record. But
He did turn those limited chances into 10 catches for 214 yards and a touchdown, proving he’s still a massive, big-play threat. But he has one weakness, which is the lack of targets.
Week 4 was particularly slow for Williams, even in a tough matchup against the Cleveland Browns’ strong defense. He was targeted eight times but only caught two passes for 40 yards and even lost three yards on his only rushing attempt. But that hasn’t made Goff lose faith in his player, as he said.
“We would love to go to (Williams) as much as possible. He’s as good a player as there is in this league, so I don’t think this game was something different,”
Goff also said he isn’t worried about Williams getting down on himself, calling the young receiver the “Steady Eddie” type, someone who stays calm and focused. Goff wrapped up by saying the Lions will “keep believing” in Williams’ abilities, giving him another chance to improve in week 5.
Indianapolis Colts All-Pro Suddenly Retires
Veteran cornerback Xavien Howard joined the Indianapolis Colts in August when they really needed secondary help. He started all four games for the Colts this year, but on Wednesday he decided to call it quits and retire from the NFL.
Howard provided a statement to Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald explaining his decision.
“Throughout my career I’ve always played football for the love of the sport,” Howard said. “I enjoyed everything that came with being a part of the NFL, it was my passion for the game that drove me. I love and appreciate the Miami Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the chance to play pro football. I cannot thank the Indianapolis Colts enough for letting me continue to live out my dream but my dream has now changed.
“I’ve been getting closer to God and asking that He directs my path. I am a man of faith and I believe wholeheartedly that He doesn’t make mistakes. He has led me to ending my career. I am now putting God and my priorities first. When I was away from the game in 2024, I fell in love with taking my kids to school, doing activities with them and watching them grow up. Up to that point I had always put my family after football. I’m no longer willing to do so. So today I am retiring from the National Football League.”
Xavien Howard says he wants to spend more time with his kids
Howard was a second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins back in 2016 and was first-team All Pro in 2020 and second-team All Pro in 2018. Outside of winning a championship, Howard has certainly had an incredible career.
“My purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football,” Howard said. “I’ve had a hell of a career, and even though it’s ending in a unique way, I’m cool with that because for once I’m putting my family first and I’m proud and excited about that decision.”
Howard was released by the Dolphins following the 2023 season in which he suffered a foot injury. He wasn’t on a roster in 2024 and didn’t get back into the NFL until he signed with Indianapolis.
Xavien Howard had a rough day on Sunday against the Rams
While Howard has had an exemplary NFL career, he was struggling this season with the Colts. According to Pro Football Focus, his 34.2 overall grade was dead last among 102 qualifying corners. Not only that, opposing quarterbacks had a 139.2 passer rating when throwing his way.
“We will evaluate everyone every game,” Colts’ defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said this week. “Certainly, X is a player on the team, so he’s certainly going to get evaluated.
“Credit to the Rams and their receivers and Matthew. Stafford is one of the better quarterbacks that have been around and certainly worthy of Hall of Fame consideration at some point. But yeah, not only X, but everybody will always be evaluated each week based on performance…it’s not just one guy.
“We’ll always take a look at those things and move forward accordingly.”
Even though Howard wasn’t playing very well, it’s still someone else the Colts will have to replace in the secondary.
