Jared Goff Opens Up in Netflix’s ‘Quarterback’: A Story of Redemption, Grit, and Heart

In the second season of Netflix’s hit docuseries Quarterback, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff took center stage alongside Kirk Cousins and Joe Burrow, offering fans a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into his life on and off the field.

Through seven compelling episodes, Goff’s evolution from a discarded former No. 1 pick to the face of a surging Lions franchise is front and center — complete with lighthearted moments, painful memories, and unwavering toughness.

A New Chapter in Detroit

Right from the first episode, Goff didn’t hold back in expressing how meaningful it was for him to be embraced by the Lions following a difficult exit from the Rams — the team that once made him the top pick in the draft.

He reflected on how painful it was to be traded without clarity or closure. “Winning a playoff game at Ford Field and having fans wrap their arms around me” was a moment of emotional validation, Goff shared. After the sting of 2020, that support meant the world.

Stepping Into the End Zone

Goff’s leadership and meticulous preparation got plenty of screen time. The docuseries shows him studying film at home, demonstrating the dedication needed to lead one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.

In a memorable trick play, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson designed a red zone gem: Amon-Ra St. Brown threw a pass to Goff, who caught it for his first career receiving touchdown. Goff’s ‘late hands’ technique — a small but crucial detail — helped him avoid the defender tipping the ball.

“That week, we felt good about it in the red zone,” Johnson explained. “Now, what I didn’t know about him was him having those late hands so the defender didn’t find a way to bat that thing down.”

That same game against the Seahawks also featured Goff going 18-for-18 for 292 yards and two touchdowns — a near-flawless performance. Yet in a comical twist, head coach Dan Campbell admitted he had no idea Goff had played a perfect game and forgot to give him a game ball.

‘Purple Red Bus’ and Pain Management

Quarterback isn’t just about throwing passes — it’s a mental grind. From mastering complex terminology to adjusting mid-play, Goff gave viewers insight into how he and his wife Christen work together each week to review and memorize plays.

In one fun moment, Goff shared with her that “purple red bus” was just a halfback toss — a quirky play name in a sea of complicated jargon.

But it wasn’t all light moments. During the season, Goff badly rolled his ankle in a game against the Titans. Despite the pain, he was determined to stay on the field. If he could do his job, he wasn’t coming out. His work with trainer Dave Martin showed the relentless physical work it takes to stay healthy — or at least upright — through the grind of a full season.

“Give Me the Wasp”

Practice footage throughout the series revealed how Detroit crafted plays that turned into game-day success. One example: a play called “wasp,” designed to take advantage of a particular defensive back’s tendency to bite on fakes.

That setup led to a big play by tight end Sam LaPorta during a prime-time matchup. Goff trusted what the film showed, and the Lions capitalized.

Even when things went sideways — like a five-interception performance — Goff never unraveled. His resilience was a consistent thread. In one episode, Campbell is seen giving an emotional pregame talk before the Lions faced the Packers in Week 14, stressing how much he’d be counting on Goff to step up.

Thanksgiving Shootout and ‘Stumblebum’ Trickery

Against the Buffalo Bills, Detroit knew they’d be in for a shootout. But injuries to the defense proved costly in what became only the team’s second loss of the year.

The series also broke down one of the Lions’ sneakiest plays of the season: “Stumblebum.” In this cleverly disguised trick play, Goff pretended to trip while Jahmyr Gibbs fell to the turf — a ruse designed to bait the defense. As the defense overcommitted to the run, Goff popped up and connected with LaPorta downfield. Practice footage showed how many reps went into perfecting that moment.

Blocking Out the Noise

One of the more introspective parts of the series came in Episode 6, which highlighted the external noise quarterbacks face. Though many claim not to pay attention to the critics, Goff admitted he’s heard what people say — particularly doubts about his ability to throw in cold weather.

The documentary also gave a glimpse into Goff’s competitive edge and trash talk. During a blowout win over the Titans, he showed no mercy, later explaining he didn’t feel guilty about running up the score. “Back in 2021, we were on the other end of that more than enough times,” he said.

The cameras also caught quieter moments: Goff fishing, relaxing, and spending time with his dog Quincy, offering balance to the intensity of NFL Sundays.

The Playoff Pain That Lingers

But perhaps the most emotional sequence came at the end. The Lions’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders hit Goff hard — especially the interception returned for a touchdown.

“That one still haunts me,” Goff admitted. “I think about it every morning when I wake up.”

His wife Christen was visibly shaken while watching the game in the stands, surrounded by family. The season had started with so much promise, only to end in heartbreak.

Goff’s presence in Quarterback paints the picture of a leader who’s been through the fire, emerged with perspective, and carries the weight of a city eager for success. The series doesn’t just showcase the throws and touchdowns — it highlights the mental and emotional grind that comes with wearing the “QB1” label in a city like Detroit.

Whether you’re a Lions diehard or a casual NFL fan, Goff’s journey is one that resonates. It’s about redemption, resilience, and redefining what leadership looks like — late hands, trick plays, heartache and all.