Jared Goff Drops Surprising Truth About Baker Mayfield—Fans Won’t Believe What He Said!

Ever wonder what it’s like to be the NFL’s “what could’ve been” guy, only to come back swinging like a champ nobody saw coming? That’s Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield’s story in a nutshell — two first-overall picks burdened with sky-high expectations who somehow didn’t quite fit the puzzle in the places that drafted them. Crazy, right? Both quarterbacks faced the tough road of doubters and shaky fanbases ready to write them off, yet here they are, starring for playoff hopefuls and proving the naysayers dead wrong. Now, as they gear up to face each other in a nail-biting Monday night divisional showdown between the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s clear these guys share more than just draft pedigree—they share a journey of redemption and resilience that’s as compelling as any game-winning drive. So, will old wounds heal or flare up under the lights? Stick around… because this matchup’s about more than just football; it’s about respect, rivalry, and rewriting the narrative.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks with Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions following the game at Ford Field on September 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. — (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield entered the NFL as first overall picks with championship expectations, but neither flourished with the franchises that selected them.

Both quarterbacks endured stretches where fan confidence eroded and their futures seemed uncertain.

Now leading playoff-contending teams, they have exceeded expectations and silenced critics who once doubted their abilities.

The two will meet Monday night when the Detroit Lions host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a high-stakes divisional matchup.

When asked about facing Mayfield, Goff acknowledged their shared experiences navigating difficult transitions and rebuilding their reputations.

“He’s a good friend and a ton of respect for it. I think we both kind of, I’m sure, I don’t want to speak for him, but can recognize that there’s some dark days in that transition, and coming out the other side of it, for both of us is a lot of respect from my end for sure. I hope he’s the same, but yeah, I’m a big fan of his and he’s done a great job,” Goff said.

Jared Goff calls Baker Mayfield a "good friend" and is proud they've both found new homes where they're shining.

"There's some dark days in that transition, and coming out the other side of it, there's a lot of respect from my end for sure. I'd hope he'd say the same," he said. pic.twitter.com/O4WnFdewjj

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 16, 2025

Goff was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 2016 and showed flashes of brilliance during his tenure there.

However, the Rams ultimately viewed him as a disappointment and shipped him to Detroit in 2021 alongside two first-round picks to acquire Matthew Stafford.

Los Angeles won a Super Bowl with Stafford immediately, but Detroit has arguably gained more from the trade.

Goff has driven sustained team success while those draft picks became offensive weapons, Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Mayfield’s path has been similarly turbulent since Cleveland selected him first overall in 2018.

The Browns traded significant assets to acquire Deshaun Watson, essentially declaring Mayfield expendable despite his contributions.

After brief stops with Carolina and Los Angeles, Mayfield landed in Tampa Bay and has since established himself among the league’s elite quarterbacks.

His success has made Cleveland’s decision look increasingly questionable, given Watson’s struggles.

Monday’s matchup will feature two quarterbacks who proved their doubters wrong and found success after leaving the teams that gave up on them.

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