Quarterback Jared Goff has been embraced by sports fans in the city of Detroit ever since his arrival in January 2021, and he’s become one of the most well-liked and popular players on the Detroit Lions, especially after helping Detroit to a pair of consecutive postseason appearances and two straight NFC North Division titles.
While the team took a bit of a step back last season with a 9-8 record resulting in just missing out on a third straight trip to the playoffs, Goff remains in high regard in Detroit sports fandom circles.
On Wednesday night in downtown Detroit, Goff made a special appearance at another sporting event, and as usual, was well received by those in attendance at Little Caesars Arena for some NBA playoff action.
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff Was Welcomed At The Detroit Pistons Playoff Game
The Detroit Pistons, who are back in the NBA postseason for the second straight season after an impressive 60-win campaign, welcomed Goff to Little Caesars Arena during Wednesday evening’s Game 2 of the opening round against the visiting Orlando Magic.
The crowd erupted into cheering as longtime Pistons PA announcer John Mason introduced him on the venue’s video screen.
Last season, which was the Pistons’ first trip to the NBA postseason since 2019, the crowd at Little Caesars Arena erupted when head coach Dan Campbell was pictured sitting court side.
Goff was hardly the only local celebrity on hand to take in the Pistons playoff game. Multiple members of the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team, who recently captured the national championship, were in attendance, including head coach Dusty May and stars Yaxel Lendeborg and Elliot Cadeau.
Additionally, former Piston and Detroit mayor Dave Bing along with former Michigan Fab Five member Jalen Rose were all on hand showing support to the Pistons, who are hoping to knot their best-of-seven opening round series against the Magic at one game apiece.
Jared Goff Is Already Looking Forward To The 2026 NFL Season
Goff, who made an appearance at his football camp over the weekend and was cheered by several young players, said that he’s looking forward to Phase 2 of the Lions offseason.
“Yeah, it will be great to get together. We’ve had some great conversations up until this point,” said Goff. “To be able to get together in the same room, hang out and talk ball and get on the same page. Have guys in the building and working out. All that stuff is great. I’m excited for it.”
The Lions made a major change in the offensive personnel department, removing John Morton as offensive coordinator and later hiring former Arizona Cardinals coordinator Drew Petzing in his stead.
“Well, the next two weeks is really just lifting and running,” said Goff. “Pretty limited on what we are allowed to do. As soon as Phase Two starts, we can get on the field and really start digging into some stuff. That is what I am looking forward to.”
During the 2025 NFL season, Goff threw for 4,564 yards, completing 393 of 578 passes (68.0%) for 34 touchdowns; he also threw eight total interceptions while earning a 105.5 passer rating.
Fans Erupt As Lions QB Jared Goff Surprises With Special Local Appearance