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Ex-Lions QB Joey Harrington Applauds Goff’s Impact on Franchise
A Quarterback Who Understands the Pressure
Joey Harrington knows firsthand what it means to be the quarterback for the Detroit Lions. The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft spent four years trying to lead the team through a difficult era. That experience gives him a unique perspective on what Jared Goff has accomplished—and he believes Goff deserves more recognition for his role in transforming the franchise.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, Harrington reflected on Detroit’s long-standing struggles and how the arrival of head coach Dan Campbell, general manager Brad Holmes, and Goff has finally given the city a winning team.
“It’s been fun to watch, to be honest,” Harrington told MLive. “There are so many of us who, I mean, frankly, have tried for the last couple of decades to do what Dan and his staff have done… It’s fun to sit back now and watch that team and that city enjoy something that, frankly, has been long overdue.”
Goff Has Taken Detroit to a Place It’s Never Been
When Goff arrived in Detroit as part of the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Rams, many saw him as a temporary solution—a bridge quarterback until the Lions found their future franchise leader. Instead, he has silenced critics by delivering three consecutive winning seasons, two playoff appearances, and back-to-back NFC North titles.
Most impressively, Goff guided the Lions to a 15-2 record in 2024, their best in franchise history. He also had them just two quarters away from their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
Despite these achievements, Goff has faced criticism, particularly after the Lions’ shocking playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. Some have questioned whether he is the right quarterback to take Detroit all the way. Harrington dismissed those doubts, offering a strong endorsement of Goff’s ability and leadership.
“Look, Jared is one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now,” Harrington said. “He took the Lions to, frankly, a place that they have never been before, and what he is doing is nothing short of fantastic.”
Blocking Out the Noise and Just Being Himself
One of the things Harrington admires most about Goff is his ability to stay true to his game. He isn’t trying to be a flashy, mobile quarterback or force plays that don’t fit his style. Instead, he plays with confidence in his own strengths, and that has been more than enough to make the Lions contenders.
“The fact that he’s able to block out those ridiculous thoughts—look, he is one of the, I mean, pick a number, 10 best people in the world at what he’s doing right now,” Harrington said. “It’s nothing short of fantastic what he has been able to accomplish.”
Harrington emphasized that rather than questioning whether Goff is “good enough,” fans should appreciate what he has done for a franchise that has spent decades searching for consistent success.
“So, to say that Jared isn’t enough or that Jared isn’t something—man, if it’s me, I’m sitting there and I’m going to appreciate and admire the fact that he’s been able to do something that none of us were able to do before him.”
Is Detroit’s Super Bowl Window Still Open?
Following Detroit’s disappointing playoff exit and the departures of key coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, some analysts have suggested the Lions may have missed their best opportunity to win a Super Bowl.
Harrington, however, isn’t buying that narrative. He believes the team’s foundation remains strong, and with the talent still in place, another deep playoff run is very much in the cards.
“When you lose that many guys on defense and you still win 15 games, I think that says something about the type of talent, the type of cohesiveness, the type of coaching that they have,” he said. “Man, I see no reason why they can’t make another run again.”
For now, Goff remains at the center of Detroit’s resurgence, and as far as Harrington is concerned, the Lions are still a team to watch in the race for the Lombardi Trophy.