A viral claim began circulating online on May 31, 2025, after the Facebook page Detroit Gridiron Heroes posted an eye-catching story: Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had allegedly turned down a $270 million proposal from Elon Musk during a high-profile charity event.
According to the post, Goff supposedly stunned the audience with the bold remark, “Keep it and spend it on something that actually helps people!” The post quickly gained traction, amassing tens of thousands of reactions and shares. The dramatic rejection and Goff’s alleged statement sparked widespread debate across social media.
However, the entire story is fabricated.
Snopes was alerted by multiple readers who questioned the authenticity of the claim. Upon review, the fact-checking outlet determined that no credible evidence supports the incident. The Facebook post linked to an article hosted on tintinhthanh.online, a site previously noted for publishing fabricated sports news. That article offered fictional details and quotes attributed to unnamed insiders, claiming Goff had ethical concerns about the offer’s purpose.
One particular fabricated element included a supposed social media response from Musk, where he was said to have respected Goff’s decision and promised to redirect the funds to charity. No such message was found on Musk’s official X (formerly Twitter) profile.
Further investigation showed this rumor had evolved over time. The earliest version appeared on April 2 via a post from Detroit Lions Nation, which claimed Musk had offered Goff $10 million—an amount that was later inflated to $270 million by late May. Another Facebook page, Great Lakes Warriors, republished a similar story days later, also pointing to the same unreliable blog.
A thorough search using major search engines like Google and Bing produced no legitimate media coverage of this supposed event. Numerous red flags were present: there was no confirmed date or venue for the event, the monetary figure was unusually large, and the narrative contained clearly fictionalized celebrity reactions. The $270 million figure also conveniently echoes Musk’s reported political donations from 2024, further casting doubt on the story’s authenticity.
As of now, trustworthy news outlets have focused on Goff’s training and readiness for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, particularly as he adjusts to new offensive coordinator John Morton. No credible reports mention any kind of offer—charitable or otherwise—from Elon Musk.
In summary, while the story of Jared Goff rejecting a massive offer may have captured the internet’s imagination, there is no truth to it. It’s a viral hoax based on fabricated details and untrustworthy sources.
