“I have this feeling… and I probably need to let it go soon because I hope to remain in Detroit for a considerable time,” Goff elaborated. “But I have this observation about our local media where they seem to thrive on negativity sometimes. Perhaps it’s what attracts attention and generates revenue. However, it’s no longer necessary. I mean, ‘Hey guys, we have a solid team. We’ve achieved success. We can take pride in that. We can rejoice in that, rather than always focusing on portraying us as perpetual underdogs.'”
According to reports by Kory Woods and Sean Keeley of Awful Announcing, Goff’s remarks stemmed from a question he received about the San Francisco 49ers before the conference title game, which the Niners won 34-31.
During the podcast, Goff expressed his preference for highlighting “how talented our players are” during that specific moment and throughout a streak that saw Detroit secure its first playoff victory since January 1992.
“Teams are going to be targeting us now,” Goff further commented during the episode. “We won the division and all that. And maybe I’m overthinking it because of the chip on my shoulder and my competitive nature, but at that moment, I was just teasing [the reporter]. I actually really like him.”
Goff’s observation about heightened expectations for the Lions going into the 2024 NFL Draft is accurate. As of late Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had Detroit tied for fourth among the betting favorites with +1200 odds to win Super Bowl LIX in February 2025.
Goff has previously discussed carrying chips on his shoulders for various reasons, such as the Los Angeles Rams replacing him with Matthew Stafford after the 2020 season.
What’s particularly intriguing about Goff’s comments is that the Lions were widely perceived as darlings of the national media as far back as last offseason.
However, regardless of Goff’s personal feelings towards those covering the Lions regularly, history indicates that athletes who engage in disputes with local media members typically don’t benefit themselves or their team.
Goff will have ample opportunity to further discuss his remarks between now and the start of the regular season in September.