By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s veteran quarterback says familiarity — and time — have erased the sting of his former team.
The Emotion Has Faded
Jared Goff has been a Detroit Lion longer than he ever wore a Los Angeles Rams uniform — and that reality is starting to reshape the way he views one of the most talked-about matchups of his career.
After multiple meetings against the team that traded him away, including a heated playoff showdown, the emotional rush of facing the Rams has dwindled. When asked this week whether playing Sean McVay’s team still comes with added intensity, Goff didn’t hesitate.
“No so much anymore. No,” he said. He explained that the initial playoff rematch in 2023 carried weight, but each meeting since has felt less personal. “The next year, played them again and that felt like even less. So now it’s even further removed… they’re a really good team and we’ll have our hands full.”
The Lions have defeated the Rams in each of the last two meetings, turning what was once a revenge-tinged storyline into another business-as-usual test against a top NFC opponent.
A New Chapter, New Challenges
This phase of Goff’s career has presented unique hurdles — and he has met them head-on. From adapting to Dan Campbell calling plays after Ben Johnson’s departure, to navigating a battered offensive line, to operating without both starting tight ends, Goff has led Detroit’s offense through the turbulence.
The connection between these two franchises remains strong, stemming from the 2021 blockbuster trade that sent Matthew Stafford to L.A. and delivered Goff and valuable draft picks to Detroit. Both sides have reaped rewards since, and both remain among the NFC’s most consistent contenders.
Goff made it clear he respects what his former team continues to build.
“I think we’re both really good teams,” he said. “I’ve got so much respect for those guys… their defense is really impressive… Matthew’s playing really well… we’ve got our hands full and got to find a way to win.”
Watching Stafford — and a New-Look Rams Defense
Goff admitted he still enjoys studying footage of his former teammate.
“He’s one of those guys you like to watch on tape. It’s good.”
But the Rams he watches today look nothing like the team he once led. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has reshaped the unit, pairing disciplined structure with disruptive talent, including standout rookies Jared Verse and Kobe Turner.
“They’re so much different than when I was there,” Goff explained. “They’re just all on the same page… really well coached… and the D-line gets after the quarterback. So, it’s a good recipe.”
A Game About Football, Not Feelings
What was once a storyline fueled by revenge and lingering emotion has now matured into a matchup defined by competition and respect. For Goff, the sting is gone — replaced by a clear-eyed focus on what the Lions need to do to stay alive in the NFC race.
As Detroit travels west for another high-stakes showdown, one thing is certain: this won’t be about looking back. For Jared Goff, it’s simply about finding a way to win.