Joey Harrington, who knows the pressures of being the Detroit Lions’ starting quarterback, believes Jared Goff deserves more praise and less criticism. Harrington spoke with MLive on Friday while attending the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indianapolis Convention Center.

Having spent the first four years of his NFL career in Detroit, Harrington understands the deep desire of Lions fans for success. He has been pleased to witness the franchise’s turnaround under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.

“It’s been enjoyable to watch, honestly. So many of us, I mean, frankly, have tried for the last couple of decades to do what Dan and his staff have done because we’ve always known that Detroit needed a winner,” Harrington said. “The fan base was ready. They were passionate and diehard.

“It’s been exciting to watch the team and city enjoy something that’s long overdue.”
The Lions drafted Harrington with the third overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, four years after the retirement of Barry Sanders, whom Harrington called “one of the greatest players in NFL history.”

As the new face of the franchise, Harrington had a tough task leading the Lions, finishing with an 18-37 record during his four years in Detroit.

Considering the team’s struggles during his time and in the years following, Harrington believes the Lions’ revival under the new leadership of owner Sheila Hamp is even more impressive.

“It’s hard to overcome something that seemed so ingrained in the organization, and it took a special coach. It took a special kind of ownership,” Harrington said.

“There have been many changes over the years to make this happen, and credit to Dan and the entire organization for finally finding a way to turn it around.”

While the Lions’ front office and coaching staff have received deserved praise for the franchise’s resurgence, quarterback Jared Goff is another key player in the turnaround.

Acquired in the Matthew Stafford trade with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Goff has led the Lions to three consecutive winning seasons, two playoff appearances, back-to-back NFC North titles, and a franchise-record 15-2 record in 2024.

Goff’s performance in the 2023 postseason had the Lions just two quarters away from their first Super Bowl appearance.

Recently, however, Goff has faced criticism for his performance in the shocking divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, as well as perceived criticism from new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, which Lions players quickly defended him against.

“Look, Jared is one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now. He took the Lions to a place they’ve never been before, and what he’s doing is incredible,” Harrington said.

“And the fact that he’s able to block out those ridiculous comments — look, he is one of the top 10 people in the world at what he does right now. Think about that.
“It’s nothing short of fantastic what he has accomplished. The way he’s come in and just been himself, right? He’s not trying to be someone else.

“He’s not trying to be a mobile quarterback. He’s not trying to make these flashy plays. He’s just being himself, and that’s enough. And that led to, what, 15 wins this year?

“So, to say that Jared isn’t enough or isn’t something — man, if it were me, I’d appreciate and admire the fact that he’s done what none of us could do before him.”
Harrington, who was wearing an NFL Legends Community shirt, attended the combine to mentor young quarterbacks, offering advice, sharing his experiences, and answering questions.

When asked if he had any interest in coaching, Harrington was firm.
“I will never coach,” he said. “That’s too much work.”
“I love being a dad right now,” Harrington added. “I’ve got a couple of boys I enjoy watching. I watch them play soccer on weekends. I run my foundation. Life is good for me. I don’t need to be putting in those kinds of hours and stress anymore. That chapter is closed.”

While Harrington has no desire to coach, MLive asked him to share his thoughts on the Lions’ Super Bowl chances.

Following the surprising loss to the Commanders and the departures of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets, some analysts believe the Lions may have missed their best opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say their Super Bowl window is closed. Maybe I’m not paying enough attention,” Harrington said. “But when you lose that many guys on defense and still win 15 games, that says a lot about the talent, team unity, and coaching they have. I see no reason why they can’t make another run.

“So no, I don’t think their window is closed.”