Jared Goff is heading back to the Pro Bowl - and this time, it’s as a late but well-earned addition.
The Detroit Lions quarterback has officially been named to the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games, stepping in for Seahawks signal-caller Sam Darnold, who’s now prepping for Super Bowl 60 in two weeks. Goff was the top alternate for the NFC squad, and while he didn’t crack the initial lineup, his numbers this season made a strong case that he belonged in the mix all along.
Let’s break it down.
Goff’s Season by the Numbers
In a year where quarterback play across the league was anything but consistent, Goff quietly put together one of the most efficient and productive seasons in the NFC. He trailed only Matthew Stafford in passing yards, finishing with 4,564 - just ahead of both Dak Prescott (4,552) and Darnold (4,048).
His completion percentage? A crisp 68.0%, the best among the four quarterbacks in question. That’s not just a stat - it’s a reflection of how in-sync he was with his receivers and how well he executed Detroit’s offensive game plan week in and week out.
Yards per attempt is another telling metric - one that often separates game managers from playmakers. Goff came in at 7.9 YPA, tied with Stafford and just behind Darnold’s 8.5. That shows he wasn’t just dinking and dunking - he was pushing the ball downfield with purpose.
And when it comes to passer rating, Goff’s 105.5 placed him just behind Stafford (109.2), but well ahead of Prescott (99.5) and Darnold (99.1). That’s elite company, and it underscores just how sharp and consistent he was all season.
A Familiar Stage
This marks Goff’s fifth career Pro Bowl selection and his third since joining the Lions. He’s no stranger to the event - and no stranger to standing out once he gets there. Just last year, he shared Pro Bowl MVP honors with Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy, showing he can still shine when surrounded by the league’s best.
Lions Well Represented
Goff joins a strong contingent of Detroit teammates already headed to the Pro Bowl. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, right tackle Penei Sewell, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, and linebacker Jack Campbell were all named to the initial roster back in December.
A few others - Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph - were named alternates. But with injuries sidelining all but Williams, it’s unlikely any more Lions will be added to the festivities.
A New Look Pro Bowl
This year’s Pro Bowl isn’t just another exhibition - it’s part of the expanded Super Bowl week in San Francisco. The games will take place Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 8 p.m.
ET on ESPN. The league has been working to breathe new life into the Pro Bowl format, and bringing it under the Super Bowl umbrella is a bold move that could boost visibility and energy around the event.
For Goff, it’s another chance to showcase his leadership and high-level play on a national stage. And for the Lions, it’s one more sign that their core is not just talented - it’s being recognized among the league’s elite.