Career Timeline of Jared Goff: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jared Goff, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jared Goff is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Detroit Lions. Goff played college football at the University of California, where he set Pac-12 records. He was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 2016. Goff led the Rams to a Super Bowl LIII appearance in 2018 and earned Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2018. He was later traded to the Detroit Lions.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1991: Lions' Playoff Victory

In 1991, The Detroit Lions secured their first playoff victory since 1991.

2011: Cal's First Winning Season Since 2011

In 2015, Goff led the Bears to a 7-5 regular-season finish, which clinched Cal's first winning season since 2011.

2013: Improved Season

In 2014, Goff helped lead the Golden Bears to a 5-7 season, which was a four-win improvement compared to the 2013 season.

2013: Started all twelve games in the 2013 season

In the 2013 season, Goff started all twelve games, and although the team finished 1–11, he set Cal single-season records for passing yards, yardage gained, total offense, passes completed, and passes attempted.

2014: Starting Quarterback and Record-Setting Season

In 2014, Goff was again the starting quarterback for the Golden Bears, setting new school records with 3,973 yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 62% completion rate.

November 14, 2015: Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week Honor

On November 14, 2015, Goff was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 453 yards and six touchdowns in a victory over Oregon State.

2015: Set Pac-12 Single-Season Passing Records

In 2015, Goff set a new Pac-12 single-season passing-yardage record with 4,714 yards and a new conference record for touchdown passes in a season with 43. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors.

February 2016: Projected as Early First Round Pick

In mid-February 2016, most analysts projected Goff to be selected in the early first round of the NFL draft.

June 9, 2016: Signed Four-Year Deal with Rams

On June 9, 2016, Goff signed a four-year deal with the Rams worth $27.9 million in guaranteed money, including an $18.6 million signing bonus.

November 20, 2016: Professional Debut Against Miami Dolphins

On November 20, 2016, Goff made his professional debut and first NFL start against the Miami Dolphins, completing 17 of 31 attempts for 134 yards in a 14–10 loss.

2016: Declared for the NFL Draft

After his junior season, in 2016, Goff announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

2016: Projected as Top Quarterback

Going into the 2015 season, Goff was projected as the top quarterback for the 2016 NFL draft.

2016: Backup Quarterback to Case Keenum

In 2016, Goff spent the first nine games as the backup to veteran quarterback Case Keenum.

2016: Selected First Overall by the Rams in the 2016 NFL Draft

In 2016, Goff was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL draft.

2016: Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams

In 2016, Jared Goff was selected as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL draft after playing college football for the California Golden Bears.

2016: End of Thanksgiving Losing Streak

In 2024, Goff and the Lions ended their Thanksgiving losing streak since 2016.

2017: Breakout Season and Playoff Appearance

In 2017, Goff had a breakout season, leading the Rams to their first playoff appearance since 2004.

January 6, 2018: First Playoff Game

On January 6, 2018, Goff played in his first playoff game, completing 24 of 45 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Falcons.

January 22, 2018: Named to First Pro Bowl

On January 22, 2018, Goff was named to his first Pro Bowl as an injury replacement.

2018: Continued Success in 2018 Season

In 2018, Goff threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over the Oakland Raiders, followed by back-to-back 354 yard games in wins over the Cardinals and the Los Angeles Chargers. He was selected to his second straight Pro Bowl.

2018: NFC West Champions

In 2018, the Rams finished atop the NFC West with a 13-3 record and made the playoffs with a first-round bye as the #2 seed.

April 23, 2019: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 23, 2019, the Rams picked up the fifth-year option on Goff's contract.

2019: Goff's 2019 Season

In 2019, Jared Goff finished the season with 4,638 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He also had 40 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Rams finished with a 9–7 record. Goff also led the league with 626 pass attempts and his 394 pass completions set a single season franchise record at the time.

2019: JG16 Clothing Line Launched

In the summer of 2019, Jared Goff launched his own line of clothing called "JG16".

March 2020: Donation to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

In March 2020, Jared Goff donated $250,000 to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank during the coronavirus pandemic.

2020: Most Guaranteed Money in a Contract

In 2019, Goff agreed to a four-year extension worth $134 million featuring $110 million guaranteed, which at the time was an NFL record for the most guaranteed money in a contract, but was later surpassed by Patrick Mahomes in 2020.

2020: Goff's 2020 Season

In 2020, Jared Goff finished the season with 3,952 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He also had 99 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He played in 15 games and started in all of them.

March 18, 2021: Goff Traded to Detroit Lions

On March 18, 2021, Jared Goff was traded to the Detroit Lions along with draft picks in exchange for Matthew Stafford. Sean McVay, the Rams head coach, informed Goff of the trade right before it was announced on social media.

2021: Trade to the Detroit Lions

In 2021, Goff was traded from the Rams to the Lions.

2022: Pro Bowl Honors

In 2022, Goff earned Pro Bowl honors.

2022: Goff's 2022 Season and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2022, Jared Goff finished the season with 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, starting in all 17 games for the Lions. He was named to his third Pro Bowl as an alternative, replacing Jalen Hurts. Goff also set a Lions franchise record for most consecutive home games with two or more passing touchdowns.

2022: Future Draft Pick

In 2022, the Rams' first round draft pick was traded to the Detroit Lions along with Jared Goff and a 2021 third-round pick in exchange for Matthew Stafford.

2023: Future Draft Pick

In 2023, the Rams' first round draft pick was traded to the Detroit Lions along with Jared Goff and a 2021 third-round pick in exchange for Matthew Stafford.