By Blessing 
Jared Goff Shares a Heartfelt Story About His First Call With Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been through a lot in his NFL journey, from playing under the bright lights of Los Angeles to embracing the grit and grind of Detroit. And while his career path hasn’t always been smooth, his transition to the Motor City has brought out some of the best football—and most meaningful moments—of his life.
Recently, Goff opened up on the Glue Guys podcast (aired on March 13), offering fans a deeper glimpse into his mindset during one of the most pivotal times in his career: the moment he was traded to Detroit and the emotional phone call that followed.
From LA to Detroit: A New Chapter
Back in March 2021, Goff was part of a headline-making trade that sent him to the Lions in exchange for Matthew Stafford, along with several valuable draft picks. The move sent shockwaves through the league. Going from sunny California to cold, blue-collar Detroit wasn’t something Goff had anticipated, but in hindsight, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Now, almost four years later, Goff is not only playing at a high level but also seems to have found a true home in Detroit. And it all started with a phone call—one that stuck with him ever since.
Goff Recalls First Call From Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes
During the podcast, Goff talked about how the trade initially unfolded. He had just gotten off the phone with then-Rams head coach Sean McVay, and within seconds, the news of the trade was already spreading across social media.
“A minute later, it’s on Twitter. I mean, not even 30 seconds later,” Goff recalled. That moment, understandably, came with a flood of emotions.
But then something changed. In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, he got a call from two people who would soon become huge parts of his life and career: Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.
“Brad and Dan are calling me, but I was getting a million phone calls. I was kind of like declining everything at that point,” Goff said with a chuckle. His phone was blowing up, and he wasn’t in the mindset to answer any calls—until his agent stepped in.
“My agent texts me or is on the phone and he’s like, ‘Brad’s trying to get a hold of you. Can you answer his call? He keeps getting sent to voicemail.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, yeah, sure, okay. Got it, okay.’”
When he finally picked up, he was met with overwhelming enthusiasm.
“And he’s on the phone like ‘Hey Jared, Jared,’ he’s so excited. ‘Finally, I got you. You know, we’re so excited for you. We’re so excited to have you here,’” Goff shared. “And then I can hear Dan, ‘Jared, I can’t wait to have you here. We’re so excited.’”
A Moment That Changed Everything
That phone call was more than just a welcome—it was a moment that reignited Goff’s confidence and spirit. He described the emotional impact it had on him almost immediately.
“That feeling of like someone breathing life into you and telling you how excited they are to have you on their team and what an opportunity we have here to build this thing up from the ground… That right there is the moment,” Goff said, reflecting on the conversation.
He said he felt an instant connection, and from that moment on, he was all in.
“Let’s do this,” Goff recalled thinking. “If those two guys believe in me, then that’s all I need.”
Goff Reflects on Leadership and Growth
Later in the conversation, Goff also reflected on his early NFL experiences, especially the dynamic within quarterback rooms. He spoke about Case Keenum, the veteran quarterback he once replaced in Los Angeles, and praised Keenum’s leadership and humility.
“He has the ability, like you said, to drop the ego, too. Like, he knows he’s coming in to help the starter now, right? … He’s trying to tear the defense apart on scout team. But there’s a chemistry in the quarterback room where there is one guy in charge, and you need to know where you fit in that. And he certainly knows,” Goff explained.
It’s clear Goff has grown not just as a quarterback but as a leader, one who appreciates the value of team culture and mutual respect.
Eyes on the Future
As the Lions gear up for another promising season, the bond between Goff, Campbell, and Holmes continues to be a cornerstone of the team’s identity. Their belief in him lit a spark that’s still burning, and Detroit fans are hopeful that Goff’s story will end with a trip to the Super Bowl—something the franchise has never accomplished.
For Goff, the journey from Los Angeles to Detroit was more than a trade—it was a turning point. And that first call? It might just have been the moment everything changed.