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 an American football quarterback currently playing for the Detroit Lions. A former standout at the University of California, where he set Pac-12 records, Goff was the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He experienced a career resurgence in 2017, guiding the Rams to their first playoff berth in over a decade, followed by a Super Bowl LIII appearance the next year. Goff earned Pro Bowl selections in both the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1962: Lions at 8-2

In 1962, The Detroit Lions were 8-2 for the first time. This was repeated in 2023, when Goff was QB.

1991: Lions' playoff victory

In 1991, the Detroit Lions secured their last playoff victory prior to January 14, 2024, when Goff led the team to a victory against the Rams.

1993: Lions' division title

In 1993, the Detroit Lions won their division title. In 2023, Goff led the Lions to their first division title since 1993.

2003: NFC West

With the win against the Titans, the Rams clinched the NFC West for the first time since 2003

2004: Last Cal Quarterback to earn first-team All-Pac-12 honors

In 2004, Aaron Rodgers was the last Cal quarterback to earn first-team All-Pac-12 honors before Jared Goff did so in 2015.

2008: Post-Season Win

In 2015, Goff led Cal to a post-season win for the first time since 2008.

2011: Cal's Winning Record

In 2015, Jared Goff led an 8-5 Cal team to a winning record for the first time since 2011.

2012: Quarterback win with 5 interceptions

In 2012, Jared Goff became the first quarterback since 2012 to win a game with five or more interceptions.

January 2013: Enrollment at University of California, Berkeley

In January 2013, Jared Goff enrolled early at the University of California, Berkeley, and joined the Golden Bears for spring practices.

2013: Started all twelve games in the 2013 season

During the 2013 season, Goff started all twelve games under new head coach Sonny Dykes, setting Cal single-season records despite the team finishing 1-11.

2013: Graduation from Marin Catholic High School

In 2013, Jared Goff graduated from Marin Catholic High School, where he played football and achieved impressive statistics in passing yards and touchdowns.

2013: Four-win improvement over the 2013 season

In 2014, Jared Goff helped lead the Golden Bears to a 5–7 season, a four-win improvement over the 2013 season.

2014: Record-Setting Season

In 2014, Jared Goff continued as the starting quarterback for the Golden Bears, setting new school records with 3,973 passing yards and 35 touchdowns and improving the team's record to 5-7.

2014: Stafford's Pro Bowl selection

In 2014, Matthew Stafford was the Lions quarterback selected for the Pro Bowl. Goff was later the first Lions quarterback to receive a Pro Bowl selection since Stafford in 2014.

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

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

2015: Pac-12 Records and All-Pac-12 Honors

In 2015, Jared Goff set new Pac-12 single-season records for passing yardage and touchdown passes, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors.

February 2016: Projected Early First Round Draft Pick

In mid-February 2016, analysts projected Goff to be selected early in the first round of the NFL draft, with the Cleveland Browns or the San Francisco 49ers as potential landing spots. He also reportedly scored a 36 on his Wonderlic exam.

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

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

November 20, 2016: NFL Debut and First Start

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

2016: Declaration for the NFL Draft

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

2016: Projected as top quarterback for the 2016 NFL draft

Going into the 2015 season, Goff was projected as the top quarterback for the 2016 NFL draft by Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay.

2016: Backup Quarterback

In 2016, Goff was the backup to veteran quarterback Case Keenum for the first nine games.

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: Selected First Overall by the Los Angeles Rams

In 2016, Jared Goff was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Draft after the Rams traded up to acquire the pick from the Tennessee Titans.

2016: End of Thanksgiving losing streak

On Thanksgiving, Goff threw two touchdowns in a 23–20 win over the Bears, ending the Lions' Thanksgiving losing streak since 2016.

2017: Breakout Season with the Rams

In 2017, Jared 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, Jared 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, Jared Goff was named to his first Pro Bowl as an injury and Super Bowl replacement for Carson Wentz.

2018: Second Straight Pro Bowl Selection

In 2018, Jared Goff was selected to his second straight Pro Bowl due to his performance.

2018: NFC West

The Rams finished the 2018 season atop the NFC West with a 13–3 record.

April 23, 2019: Fifth-Year Option

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

2019: Goff's performance in 2019 season

In 2019, Jared Goff completed the season with 4,638 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. His 626 pass attempts led the league, and his 394 pass completions set a single-season franchise record.

2019: Launch of "JG16" clothing line

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: Goff's performance in 2020 season

In 2020, Jared Goff finished the season with 3,952 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, also adding 99 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 15 games.

March 18, 2021: Trade to the Detroit Lions

On March 18, 2021, Jared Goff was traded to the Detroit Lions from the Los Angeles Rams, along with draft picks, in exchange for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

2021: Trade to Detroit Lions

In 2021, Jared Goff was traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Detroit Lions.

2022: Pro Bowl Honors

In 2022, Jared Goff earned Pro Bowl honors with the Detroit Lions.

2022: Rams draft pick

In 2022, the Rams traded their first-round draft pick to the Detroit Lions as part of the trade for Matthew Stafford.

2023: Rams draft pick

In 2023, the Rams traded their first-round draft pick to the Detroit Lions as part of the trade for Matthew Stafford.

January 14, 2024: Lions' playoff victory

On January 14, 2024, Jared Goff led the Detroit Lions to their first playoff victory since 1991, defeating his former team, the Los Angeles Rams.

May 16, 2024: Contract extension with the Lions

On May 16, 2024, Jared Goff signed a four-year, $212 million contract extension with the Detroit Lions, including $170 million guaranteed, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season.