Lions’ Jared Goff teases reporter after backhanded compliment ahead of NFC Championship game

The Detroit Lions might lack name recognition to some, but they certainly don’t lack star power. 

It’s a point one reporter was attempting to ask Lions quarterback Jared Goff about when the question appeared more like a backhanded compliment.

Jared Goff of the Lions runs to the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on Jan. 7, 2024, in Detroit. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

During a Wednesday press conference ahead of Sunday’s NFC Championship game, Goff made light of the situation when a reporter asked about the Lions’ roster compared with the Niners'. 

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"You’ve got a lot of really good players, obviously, but maybe not –"

"Oh, thank you," Goff said prematurely.  

"You’re welcome – maybe not viewed, though. as the superstars, like maybe the 49ers have or other teams –"

"Alright, never mind," Goff interrupted, prompting laughs from around the room.

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Jared Goff of the Lions looks to pass against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on Jan. 7, 2024, in Detroit. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Once the laughing subsided, Goff understood the reporter’s intentions and responded. 

"I think we have a ton of great players who maybe haven’t had the national stage that up to this point a lot of the other guys have. Obviously, they have a ton of good players as well and a ton of Pro Bowlers and All-Pro players over there." 

"We feel like we have a lot of good players, too, though," he continued. 

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The Lions' historic run was highlighted by five Pro Bowl nods and five players receiving All-Pro honors. Offensive tackle Penei Sewell and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown were named to the first team – something Goff was sure to point out in Wednesday’s media availability. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Lions celebrates a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFC divisional playoff game at Ford Field on Jan. 21, 2024, in Detroit. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

The Lions return to the NFC Championship for the first time since the 1991 season and are looking to make a Super Bowl appearance for the first time in franchise history.

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A win on Sunday would also mark Detroit’s first road playoff win since 1957. 

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