Detroit Lions fans are voicing their frustration after quarterback Jared Goff was named only a Pro Bowl alternate despite putting together one of the most productive seasons of his NFL career.
While the Lions are on the brink of missing the postseason, Goff’s individual performance has been nothing short of impressive—and many believe he deserved far more recognition.
Jared Goff’s 2025 Season Numbers Tell the Real Story
Statistically, Jared Goff delivered an elite campaign for Detroit:
4,036 passing yards
32 touchdowns
5 interceptions
According to ESPN research, those numbers place Goff among the NFL’s most efficient quarterbacks this season. He also helped guide the Lions to an 8–7 record, keeping them in playoff contention deep into December.
However, after Detroit’s 29–24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, the Lions’ playoff odds dropped to under 10%, per NFL projections.
Lions Fans Furious Over Pro Bowl Voting Results
The controversy erupted on Tuesday, December 23, when the NFL announced the 2026 Pro Bowl rosters. Goff was notably not selected as a starter, instead being named the first alternate.
That decision didn’t sit well with Lions fans, who took to social media to express their outrage.
“Jared Goff is the biggest snub this year,” one fan wrote on X.
“How did Goff not get selected?” another questioned.
“The Goff disrespect is crazy,” a third added.
Many fans also criticized the selection of Sam Darnold over Goff, calling the decision “wild,” “preposterous,” and a clear robbery.
Detroit Lions Players Named to the 2026 Pro Bowl
Despite the Goff snub, Detroit was still well-represented on the Pro Bowl roster.
Pro Bowl Starters:
Jack Campbell (LB)
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB)
Aidan Hutchinson (EDGE)
Penei Sewell (OT)
Alternates:
Jared Goff (QB – first alternate)
Brian Branch (S – first alternate)
Jameson Williams (WR – fourth alternate)
Kerby Joseph (S – fifth alternate)
Sam LaPorta (TE – fifth alternate)
NFC and AFC Quarterbacks Selected Ahead of Goff
For the NFC, the quarterbacks selected were:
Sam Darnold (Seahawks)
Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
Matthew Stafford (Rams)
For the AFC, the selections included:
Josh Allen (Bills)
Justin Herbert (Chargers)
Drake Maye (Patriots)
The omission of Goff from the starter list continues to fuel debate among fans and analysts alike.
Jared Goff Addresses Controversial Ending vs. Steelers
Following the loss to Pittsburgh, Goff also spoke about the controversial offensive pass interference call that wiped out what appeared to be a game-tying touchdown.
The play involved Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose push-off against Jalen Ramsey resulted in the decisive penalty.
“In my opinion, that’s a bad call, but those happen,” Goff said.
“They’ve got a tough job. Calls go our way sometimes, but that one hurts.”
Final Thoughts
Even if the Detroit Lions fall short of the playoffs, Jared Goff’s season has firmly reestablished him as one of the NFL’s most reliable quarterbacks. Whether or not Pro Bowl voters agree, Lions fans believe the respect—and recognition—should already be there.
