Twice in one interview after the Lions’ win over the Vikings, Jared Goff had to swallow a lump in his throat. First, talking about Dan Campbell. And again when asked about the fans, who were gathered in the stands above the Peacock postgame set chanting “Ja-red Goff!”
“I love these guys,” said Goff. “You’re gonna make me emotional, but I love these people, man, they love me, and I’ve found a new home here. It’s been a lot of fun.”
Goff went through some dark days after being dumped by the Rams and struggling in his first season with the Lions. Just about everyone agreed he was done. He began rewriting his story the next season and has been one of the best quarterbacks in football since. The fans in Detroit have embraced the California kid as one of their own, especially after Goff delivered the Lions’ first playoff win in more than 30 years last season.
“It’s amazing, it really is,” he said. “Ever since I got here, I think the best thing they do is they hold you accountable, and they’ve done that for me. And then when you deserve the praise, they give it to us. It’s been a lot of fun to play for these guys. We got the best fans in the world.”
The Lions plan to play twice more at home this season as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, before making their way to New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Their people will follow. Goff, who’s playing better than ever, elaborated on the fans and the edge they give the Lions at Ford Field on Tuesday on 97.1 The Ticket.
“It’s such an advantage for us being in front of them and the energy and passion they bring and the feeling they give us pregame, during the game, the whole thing,” he said. “It’s such an insane atmosphere. And that’s not even to mention the false stats and the delay of games that they’re causing. But they know it, and they’re certainly helping us win a lot of these games.
“To get this home-field advantage and to be in front of them and to give them that reward to come out and help us win these games is all you can ask for. I know they’ll be fired up two weeks from now, and we’ll be ready to go, too. Can’t wait to play in front of them for two more games.”
