Jared Goff Deserves His Due: Why Herbstreit's Praise Hits Close to Home

The Disrespected Veteran

When Kirk Herbstreit took to The Pat McAfee Show to defend Jared Goff as a top-seven NFL quarterback, he wasn't just reciting numbers from a spreadsheet. He was delivering a call to action—arguing that recognition is earned, not inherited.

I've spent my career dissecting what makes a great quarterback, and Herbstreit's words resonate deeply with the competitive spirit that defines my own reporting. Goff may be overshadowed by more glamorous narratives, but that doesn't change his value as a player—especially when you consider the context of his journey.

"When he left the Rams and went to Detroit, because Stafford right away won a Super Bowl and everybody gave Matthew his accolades, and they should have," Herbstreit said. "But I almost feel like Goff, because of the optics of that, has never been treated with the respect that he deserves."

That's where the heart of the argument lies. In sports, especially at the highest levels, reputation is everything—and Goff has been painted into a corner by association. But let's not forget: this man has built his own legacy, one play at a time.

A Numbers Game That Matters

It's not just about appearances or public perception—it's about what happens on the field when it counts most. Since joining the Detroit Lions in 2021, Goff ranks second all-time in passing yards among active quarterbacks, trailing only Aaron Rodgers.

• Passing Yards: Second all-time in the league
• Passing Touchdowns: Third in the league
• Quarterback Rating: Fourth overall
• Completion Percentage: Fifth highest

These aren't just figures—they're proof of consistency, command, and leadership. Goff's numbers don't just show up in headlines; they define a standard.

The Line of Scrimmage: Command Under Pressure

What really sets Goff apart is how he operates at the line of scrimmage. He's not flashy—he's deliberate. He's methodical. And most importantly, he's adaptable.

In his first game back in 2026, Goff threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns in a crucial overtime victory against the Saints—a performance that reminded fans why we fell in love with him in the first place.

Herbstreit isn't wrong when he says that Goff “almost reminds me” of greats like Peyton Manning. Not quite at the same level, sure—but close enough to earn our attention and appreciation. He doesn't need to be perfect; he needs to be consistent. And Goff delivers exactly that.

The Real Battle: Recognition vs. Reality

Here's what separates a good reporter from a great one: understanding the human element behind every story. Goff's journey isn't just about talent—it's about resilience, loyalty, and a willingness to accept his role without bitterness.

We've all seen players rise to fame, then fade away. But what happens when a player sticks around, improves, and quietly becomes the backbone of a franchise?

Goff did exactly that. He didn't make headlines with a trade or flashy highlight reel—he made them with his work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Herbstreit's Vision: The Future of NFL Leadership

On Thursday night, as Herbstreit prepares to call the Lions-Bills game on Prime Video, he'll be watching Goff in action again. And I couldn't agree more with his assessment.

"I really wish the league and the fans of the league would pay more attention to what Jared Goff is doing," Herbstreit said. "Not just the numbers, but watch him tonight at the line of scrimmage."

This is exactly why I'm passionate about sports journalism—because stories like Goff's deserve a platform. We're not just talking about football here; we're talking about character.

Why This Matters for the League and Fans

Goff's case represents a broader issue in today's NFL: how quickly players are forgotten or misjudged. When we look at rankings, awards, and praise, we often focus on what's happening now rather than what's happened over time.

Herbstreit understands that Goff's performance has been consistent, underappreciated, and absolutely essential to his team's success. That's the kind of narrative we need more of in sports media—real talk, not just hype.

We're not here to rewrite history or ignore achievements—but we are here to elevate those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, especially when it comes to veteran leadership.

Final Thoughts: Let's Give Goff His Due

As a coach and analyst, I know what separates champions from competitors. It's not always flash or fame—it's the quiet moments of excellence that matter most. That's where Goff thrives.

I'll be watching closely this week, just like Herbstreit will, because I believe in giving credit where it's due—and that includes recognizing someone who's doing everything right, even when no one's paying attention.