By Moses Joshua 
Detroit QB’s Autograph Antics Add Fuel to Longstanding NFC North Rivalry
The NFC North rivalry between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings just got a little spicier—and Lions quarterback Jared Goff is the reason why.
While the on-field competition has always been intense, it’s rare that off-the-field antics grab as much attention as a big divisional game. Yet, during a seemingly innocent autograph session, Goff made a move that has Vikings fans fired up and Lions loyalists cheering.
A Pen, a Cap, and a Statement
In a video that first surfaced on TikTok and later gained traction on X (formerly Twitter) via The Detroit Times, Goff was seen signing memorabilia for fans during an appearance with Fanatics. All was routine until someone handed him a Minnesota Vikings cap.
Goff didn’t hesitate to sign it—but not before scratching out the Vikings logo in bold ink.
“Oh, man,” he muttered with a smirk, fully aware of the subtle shot he’d just taken.
The reaction online was swift. Lions fans embraced the move with pride, seeing it as a confident flex by their QB. “That’s my QB,” one fan wrote. Others took a more humorous route: “At least he signed it, I’ll give him that lol,” and “Should’ve just signed ‘Daddy,’” one user quipped in the comments, referring to Goff’s recent dominance over Minnesota.
Goff’s Record Speaks for Itself
Goff has quietly built an impressive résumé against the Vikings. With a 7-3 career record against Minnesota, including five consecutive wins as Detroit’s starter, the 29-year-old signal-caller has earned his bragging rights.
His efforts helped the Lions secure the NFC North title last season—a title the Vikings lost in part due to their final matchup with Detroit.
And while some might view his autograph antics as petty, Goff’s track record suggests he’s just leaning into the role of leader in a newly energized Detroit team.
Shifting Landscape in the NFC North
The Vikings, meanwhile, are facing a year of transformation. With former starter Sam Darnold moving to Seattle, the team is handing the keys to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. The rookie quarterback will be stepping into a squad rich with talent—especially on defense, where coordinator Brian Flores has been a disruptive force.
Despite Minnesota’s struggles in pass defense last season (ranking 28th), Flores’ unit finished in the top five in both scoring defense and sacks, while leading the NFL in blitz rate. Their aggressive scheme was boom-or-bust at times, but it proved effective in keeping games close.
The Vikings will open their 2025 campaign against the Bears on Monday Night Football and won’t face Detroit until Week 9. The rematch comes during Week 17 on Christmas Day—an appropriately dramatic setting for what could be a high-stakes clash.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Offers a Different Take
Not all Lions players are leaning into the rivalry in the same way. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who boasts a 6-2 record against the Vikings, took a more respectful tone during a recent episode of The St. Brown Podcast.
“The Vikings, they’re a good team,” he told Minnesota rookie wide receiver Tai Felton. “Coach Flores, your DC, bro? I don’t know what you guys are going to be doing in practice. But in games, bro, he runs the craziest defenses I’ve ever seen in my life.”
St. Brown’s comments highlight the balance of competitive fire and mutual respect that defines many NFL rivalries.
Looking Ahead
While the dust-up over the signed—and defaced—Vikings cap may fade from headlines, it’s likely to stick in the minds of both fanbases until the teams meet again. Goff may have only needed a Sharpie to make his point, but come Week 9 and beyond, the Vikings will be looking to reply the only way that matters: on the scoreboard.
In the ever-shifting landscape of the NFC North, one thing is certain—this rivalry isn’t cooling off anytime soon.