Jared Goff, the former quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams is at the epicenter of this revolution. His career has taken turns and twists that no one would have ever expected. Goff was once seen as a string bean high school athlete, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 165 pounds. Now, he’s changed his game to become one of the best quarterbacks in the entire NFL. Most recently, he was named the 34th best player in his region by ESPN. This winning feat cements his legacy alongside some of the best in football.
As for Goff, his story began on the campus of Cal. In 2013, he became the first true freshman quarterback to start for the Bears. His formative years set the stage for a remarkable rise to the top. In 2016, he was picked first overall by the Los Angeles Rams. That big trade sent Goff to Detroit early in 2021. Since then, though, he has cemented his status as a centerpiece of the Lions’ success and one of the faces of their stunning turnaround.
Early Life and High School Career
Jared Goff’s formative years were characterized by athletic potential and a prophetic view into his future from his high school coach, Mike Saia. Saia knew Goff was destined for great things. He thought Goff could be great as a utility player on the basketball court, using that football-born grit. Short and slender as a teenager, Goff’s competitiveness and talent won him a place on the Wolverines varsity basketball team.
As a junior, Goff made an impact as the seventh or eighth man on the deep Wolverines. The team finished the 2010-11 season with an excellent 20-12 record. Wearing No 20 at the school for all four years, Hayes brought energy and toughness to the court. His experiences in high school formed the bedrock of the work that he would go on to do.
Looking back on his childhood, the experiences that made Goff who he is today come rushing back. “We got in a big fight in the pool, and I said, ‘You have to go home,’” he shared about his high school days, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie among teammates.
As a four-star recruit and All-American quarterback, Goff had everyone’s attention. He finally signed to play at Cal, where the 6’4 point guard began to make his real headlines.
College Success and NFL Draft
At Cal, Goff’s renown reached new heights as he quickly emerged as the starting quarterback of the team in his true freshman season. He readily separated himself as the most innovative player with an NFL caliber arm and decision-making skills to match. The wider football community started to pay attention as he guided the Bears to multiple historic wins over strong opponents in his short time there.
Sonny Dykes, Goff’s coach at Cal, praised his toughness during a particularly challenging game against Ohio State: “Ohio State had [Joey Bosa], I mean this is a real Ohio State team. He starts, we get killed, he gets hit no telling how many times in the game and never blinked, never flinched.”
Goff’s performance at Cal culminated in him being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2016. That decision was met with great fanfare as fans were ready—well, everyone except for Ryan Fitzpatrick—and analysts expected a long, successful future with the young quarterback.
His father, Jerry Goff, reflected on Jared’s transition to professional football: “He’s tough, man. This whole transition wasn’t for everybody. It was a hard deal.” This commentary from a former player highlights some of the obstacles faced while transitioning from college football to the NFL.
Trade to Detroit and Resurgence
In January 2021, Goff took a fateful phone call that would alter the course of his career yet again. He learned that the Rams were shipping him to the Detroit Lions. In exchange, the Rams would receive veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. The transition brought its own challenges, but Goff was excited by the chance to be at the helm of a fresh squad.
Ever since joining the Lions, Goff has been steadily improving and proving his resilience. He hasn’t just restored his confidence, he’s at the heart of what’s become the league’s most fearless team. His leadership attributes and poise in crisis situations have turned him into this season’s premier breakout star.
Joey Mahalic, a close associate of Goff, remarked on their friendship: “When you get in with Jared, you are in.” This sentiment speaks to Goff’s impressive ability to create deep connections, both on and off the field.
Goff’s journey has also been marked by moments of celebration. During an event at The Detroit Club, he honored his friend Moore by gifting him an expensive Breitling timepiece as a token of appreciation.
“Just his belief in me and him vocalizing that to me before he really had to and knew what I was or who I was just means a lot,” – Jared Goff
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