Elon Musk, the tech billionaire known for his bold and often polarizing opinions, has stirred the NFL world with a controversial take on Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. In a recent interview, Musk rated Goff as “half of Patrick Mahomes” and questioned whether the Lions star deserved his current salary, suggesting that “he can’t command such a high salary for being half as impactful.”

Musk’s Statement Sparks Outrage

Musk’s comment has ignited a firestorm among fans and analysts alike. While Goff’s performance has propelled the Lions to prominence in recent seasons, Musk’s claim drew criticism for its lack of nuance.

Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, has set a nearly unattainable benchmark. Comparing any player to Mahomes inevitably puts them in an unfavorable light, but Musk’s bluntness didn’t sit well with Lions faithful.

Jared Goff’s Surprising Reaction

When asked about Musk’s remarks during a press conference, Goff responded with poise and humor:

• “Elon’s a smart guy, but I didn’t know quarterback evaluation was in his wheelhouse. Maybe he should stick to rockets and cars.”

Goff continued, making light of the situation:

• “Look, I’m not trying to be Mahomes. I’m Jared Goff, and I think I’ve done alright for myself and this team. The Lions are 11-3, so if I’m ‘half a Mahomes,’ I guess I’ll take it.”

His measured response won over fans, who took to social media to praise Goff for not letting the comment distract him from his focus on leading the Lions to a deep playoff run.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

• Fans:
  Lions fans were quick to defend their quarterback, with many pointing out Goff’s significant contributions to the team’s success.

  • “Goff has turned this franchise around. Let Elon stick to Tesla and leave football to the pros.”
  • “Half of Mahomes is still better than 90% of the league. We’ll take it!”

• Analysts:
  NFL commentators were more split in their reactions. Some agreed that Mahomes is in a league of his own, while others criticized Musk’s oversimplification of Goff’s value.

  • “It’s not about being Mahomes; Goff’s leadership and consistency have been key to the Lions’ success.”
  • “Musk’s comparison is like evaluating a luxury sedan based on a Formula 1 car. Both are great, but they’re built for different purposes.”

    

The Bigger Picture

While Musk’s comments might have been intended as a casual remark, they underscore the pressures that quarterbacks face in a league where salaries and expectations are constantly scrutinized. For Goff, this incident serves as yet another reminder of the spotlight that comes with being an NFL quarterback.

However, Goff’s response shows that he’s unfazed by external noise. As the Lions gear up for a potential playoff push, his focus remains firmly on the field, not on debates about his worth.

As one fan aptly put it on social media:

• “Elon Musk might own Twitter, but Jared Goff owns the NFC North.”