Jared Goff is ‘Fired Up’ to ‘Bring a Super Bowl’ to Detroit

Jared Goff is going to be the Detroit Lions' quarterback for years to come, and he wouldn't have it any other way. In fact, Goff wants to do something no other Lions quarterback has ever done: bring a Super Bowl to Detroit. Goff gushed about his love for the city and Detroit Lions fans during a press conference on Thursday (May 16), which was aimed at having the quarterback talk about his new, big deal with the franchise.

Goff recently took the Detroit Lions to their first NFC championship game in 30 years and also brought home a NFC North championship win. He and the Lions were so close to making it to the Super Bowl but folded under the pressure against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game. Now, the veteran quarterback has signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Lions, plus a $73 million signing bonus. He's the second-highest player in the NFL, just behind Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Goff came from the Los Angeles Rams, and he remembers signing a big deal with them, too, years ago. Back then, it was a four-year, $134 million contract with the Rams under Sean McVay. But, this time, Goff says it's much more special. "Absolutely. A lot more," Goff said about what his contract extension means in Detroit verses Los Angeles in a press conference. "Doing it in a place like this, where the fans are so passionate and care so much, and how honored I am to be their quarterback and be their leader. And to play for Dan and play for Ben, Brunell, and all the other coaches, and play with these teammates, it is really special. It's something I'll remember forever."

So, what is Goff's ultimate goal in Detroit? It's simple: Bring a Super Bowl to the Motor City. "It's a good chapter closing of the last three years if you want to say, but now I'm more driven and more fired up than ever to go even harder and put the pedal to the metal even more to bring a Super Bowl to this city," Goff said in the press conference. "And that's what's most important. One day, I won't be the quarterback here, and (I want to be) able to look back on those days that I am and that I was with no regrets and knowing that I did everything I could to try and make that happen." Listen to my interview with Jared Goff on my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson."

I know it's probably early to talk about the Super Bowl for next season, but really, is it? I actually don't think it's ever too early to start speculating and wishing for your team to make it all the way next year. This year was so very close for my team, the Detroit Lions. But, no cigar. So, maybe next year will be our year. But, aside from the Lions, there are other teams that are on target to be major contenders next season. Some of them didn't even make the playoffs this year. So, what are some early Super Bowl contenders for next season?

Before we get into those contenders, let's look at why next season is already shaping up to be so exciting. For me, the main reason is because a whopping seven teams have new head coaches. That's really going to change the makeup of those teams. The Atlanta Falcons have brought on Raheem Morris. The Carolina Panthers have Dave Canales. The Las Vegas Raiders have knabbed Antonio Pierce. The Los Angeles Chargers have Jim Harbaugh. The New England Patriots have promoted Jerod Mayo. The Seattle Seahawks have brought on Mike Macdonald. The Tennessee Titans have hired Brian Callahan. Finally, The Washington Commanders have hired Dan Quinn.

Of those new coaches, the most interesting to me is Harbaugh for the Chargers. For Harbaugh, this is his final shot at the Vince Lombardi trophy. He just won a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines, and now, he wants a Super Bowl victory. He has a chance with the Chargers' stellar quarterback Justin Herbert. But, it will take time, in my opinion. I mean, it could take time with any of these teams with new coaches. That said, the Houston Texans had a rookie coach this year in DeMeco Ryans, and they almost went all the way, so all things are possible.

Let's get into seven early Super Bowl contenders for next season with my commentary.

One thing I like about this list is that I'm not necessarily even picking teams that made it to the playoffs this year. I'm picking teams that I think could be strong enough next season. The Seattle Seahawks are one of those teams. Their new coach, Mike Macdonald, is the former defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Enough said. This guy is golden. Seattle's defense is going to improve drastically with him at the helm, and they could go all the way very soon.

The Buffalo Bills missed the playoffs by a hair. They played so well against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it just wasn't enough. Josh Allen is a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, but he hasn't taken them there. Will next year be the year? Maybe.

The Houston Texans will be the team to beat very soon. They pulled off an incredible season with a rookie coach and quarterback. They're just getting started. The team got first place in AFC South this season but lost in the divisional round to the Baltimore Ravens.

Speaking of the Baltimore Ravens, I'm still shocked that they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. I think pretty much everyone was surprised. But, Lamar Jackson is back next year, and he's not going to let it slip away again. Next year could be their year.

It was a massive decline for the Philadelphia Eagles towards the end of last season. Everything fell apart at the seems. But, the Eagles have legacy, and they have Jalen Hurts. As long as he's healthy, the Eagles will be back next year ready to fight.

Yikes. Can the Green Bay Packers really be this good already? They almost upset the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs this year. Jordan Love is the real deal. Watch out for this young team next year.

Okay, yes, I'm a Detroit Lions fan, born and raised. But, I think there's reason to believe that the Detroit Lions can and will be back next year. They've had a taste of victory, and they liked it. Plus, golden guy Ben Johnson is coming back to Detroit, and he wants to take the Lions all the way. Jared Goff is playing fantastic football, too. The Lions could really make it to their first Super Bowl next season. What do you think? Let me know here.