🚨BREAKING: NFL President Roger Goodell Reportedly Plans to Retire Jersey Number “16” Worldwide After Jared Goff’s Retirement — Critics Say It’s “Absurd,” Fans Say It’s “Deserved”

Detroit, Michigan – June 20, 2025 — In a move that’s both baffling and breathtaking, NFL President Roger Goodell is reportedly considering the global retirement of jersey number “16” following the eventual retirement of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

According to multiple sources close to NFL operations, Goodell and a select group of league executives are “exploring” the idea of banning number 16 across all professional football leagues worldwide — a tribute meant to honor Goff’s legacy as one of the most “underrated yet transformational figures” in modern football history.

This possible decision — still unofficial — has sent shockwaves through the sports world and triggered a massive online backlash, with fans, analysts, and former players weighing in on what some call “a gross overreach of symbolism.”

📜 Why Number 16 — and Why Goff?

While number 16 has historically been worn by legends like Joe Montana, it has recently become synonymous with Jared Goff, who revived the Detroit Lions, led them to their first NFC Championship in decades, and became a symbol of quiet leadership, resilience, and stability in a chaotic league.

“Jared Goff didn’t just win games,” said former teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown.
“He changed the culture. He gave Detroit hope again.”

NFL insiders suggest Goodell sees Goff’s journey — from being traded by the Rams and doubted by critics to resurrecting a historically underperforming franchise — as “an archetypal football redemption arc.”

💥 Social Media Explodes: “Is This a Joke?”

As expected, the internet had thoughts:

• @GridironRealTalk: “Retiring #16 for Goff? Lmao. Y’all high?”

• @NinersForever12: “If Montana didn’t get it retired league-wide, no one should.”

• @DetroitStrong_: “Say what you want, but Goff earned it. Detroit is behind him 100%.”

Former players also chimed in. Hall of Famer Michael Irvin blasted the idea on live TV:

“What’s next? Retiring the number 8 because someone has good manners?”

Even Goodell’s own press team refused to comment directly, only stating, “The commissioner is always open to honoring transformational players in appropriate ways.”

🙌 Detroit Stands By Its Hero

In Motor City, the response has been electric. Murals of Goff wearing his #16 have appeared overnight on buildings downtown. A grassroots petition titled “#Forever16” has already gained over 500,000 signatures in 24 hours.

“It’s not about stats. It’s about spirit,” said longtime Lions fan Derek Mason.
“And Goff gave this city its soul back.”

According to leaked drafts, the proposed rule would:

• Retire #16 across all NFL teams

• Strongly encourage CFL, XFL, and IFAF leagues to follow suit

• Halt production of #16 jerseys after Goff’s final game

• Rename Ford Field’s south tunnel entrance: “The Goff Gate”

🌍 Global Football Leagues Push Back

Despite Detroit’s enthusiasm, the proposal is meeting resistance internationally. Several leagues in Europe and Canada have already voiced opposition.

The Canadian Football League (CFL) issued a firm statement:

“While we respect Jared Goff’s achievements, the retirement of a jersey number must reflect universal relevance, not localized sentiment.”

German Football League (GFL) president Klaus Berner called the proposal “comically American.”

🤯 Marketing Stunt, Tribute, or Both?

Some critics suggest this is another NFL media ploy. Notably, rumors of a biographical film titled “Goff: Beyond The Trade” have surfaced, with Apple TV+ allegedly involved.

“This isn’t legacy. It’s branding,” said sports marketing expert Jenna Li.
“They’re turning jersey numbers into storytelling devices — and profits.”

Since the leak, Jared Goff’s #16 jersey has jumped to No. 2 in league-wide sales, trailing only Patrick Mahomes.

🔮 What Happens Next?

The proposal is reportedly slated for review during the NFL Commissioner’s Executive Retreat in Aspen next month, where key owners and officials will vote on “symbolic jersey recognition reforms.”

If approved, this would mark the first time since Jackie Robinson’s #42 in baseball that a jersey number is retired across an entire professional sport globally.

Whether you see it as poetic or preposterous, one thing is clear:
Jared Goff and the number 16 are now part of a football controversy unlike any other.