Taylor Swift Mentions Jared Goff, QB's Phone Explodes

Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 4:43 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Jared Goff name-dropped by popular musician.

Taylor Swift's Shout-Out to Jared Goff Sparks Viral Frenzy, Lions QB's Phone Overwhelmed with Notifications

In a surprising crossover moment that bridged the worlds of pop music superstardom and professional football, Taylor Swift made headlines by name-dropping Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff during a high-profile appearance. The incident, which quickly went viral, led to an avalanche of attention for Goff, with the signal-caller revealing that his phone essentially "exploded" under the weight of incoming messages, calls, and social media notifications. This unexpected intersection of celebrity culture and NFL fandom highlights the immense cultural influence of Swift, whose every word can catapult even tangential figures into the spotlight.

The mention occurred during Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), where she was honored for her groundbreaking work in music videos. Amidst thanking her team, fans, and collaborators, Swift took a moment to weave in a lighthearted reference to the NFL, tying it to her well-publicized relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. However, it was her offhand nod to Goff that stole the show for football enthusiasts. Swift, known for her clever lyrics and cultural commentary, alluded to Goff in the context of quarterback prowess and fan loyalty, drawing a parallel between the dedication of sports fans and her own "Swifties." Specifically, she quipped about how Kelce's on-field heroics reminded her of other standout QBs like Goff, praising the Lions star's resilience and leadership in turning around Detroit's fortunes. "Shout-out to guys like Jared Goff, who just keep grinding and making magic happen on the field," Swift said, eliciting cheers from the audience and immediately setting social media ablaze.

For Goff, the 29-year-old quarterback who has been instrumental in the Lions' recent resurgence, the mention came as a complete shock. In a subsequent interview, he described the immediate aftermath: "I was just sitting at home, watching the VMAs like everyone else, and then my phone starts going off like crazy. Texts from friends, family, teammates—even people I haven't talked to in years. It was insane." Goff, who led the Lions to a division title and a playoff victory in the previous season, admitted he wasn't expecting to be name-checked by one of the world's biggest celebrities. He humorously noted that his device was inundated with everything from congratulatory messages to memes blending Swift's song lyrics with highlights from his career, such as his game-winning drives against tough opponents.

The reaction from the NFL community was swift and enthusiastic. Lions head coach Dan Campbell, known for his motivational style, reportedly joked in a team meeting about how Swift's endorsement might be the ultimate good luck charm heading into the new season. Teammates like wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back David Montgomery piled on the fun, teasing Goff about potentially getting Swift to attend a Lions game or even collaborate on a hype video. On social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, fans created mashups of Swift's hits like "Shake It Off" with Goff's touchdown celebrations, further amplifying the buzz. The hashtag #SwiftGoff quickly trended, amassing millions of views and sparking debates about which quarterback—Goff or Kelce's teammate Patrick Mahomes—deserves more pop culture acclaim.

This isn't the first time Swift's influence has spilled into the sports world. Her relationship with Kelce has already boosted NFL viewership, with games featuring the Chiefs seeing spikes in attendance and ratings, particularly among younger demographics and female fans. Analysts have dubbed this the "Swift Effect," where her presence at Arrowhead Stadium turns routine matchups into must-watch events. By mentioning Goff, Swift inadvertently extended this phenomenon to the Lions, a franchise that has long been overshadowed in the league but is now gaining momentum under Goff's steady hand. The quarterback, who was traded to Detroit from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, has transformed from a perceived castoff to a Pro Bowl-caliber player, throwing for over 4,000 yards in consecutive seasons and fostering a gritty, resilient team culture.

Goff himself embraced the moment with characteristic humility. "I'm flattered, honestly," he said. "Taylor Swift is a global icon, and for her to even know who I am is pretty cool. It just shows how connected everything is these days—music, sports, pop culture. My wife and I are big fans of her music, so this was a fun surprise." His spouse, model Christen Harper, echoed the sentiment on her social media, sharing a photo of the couple listening to Swift's latest album with a caption praising the singer's empowering messages.

The broader implications of this shout-out extend beyond mere entertainment. It underscores the growing synergy between entertainment and athletics, where a single mention from a figure like Swift can generate unprecedented exposure. For the Lions, this could translate to increased merchandise sales, ticket demands, and even recruitment appeal for free agents who see Detroit as a rising destination. Marketing experts point out that Swift's fanbase, which skews young and diverse, could help the NFL tap into new audiences, much like how her attendance at Chiefs games has already done.

As the story continues to unfold, Goff has handled the spotlight with poise, focusing on the upcoming season where the Lions aim to build on their playoff success. He mentioned using the viral moment as motivation, saying, "If Taylor Swift thinks I'm doing something right, that's all the validation I need. Now, let's go win some games." Meanwhile, Swift's camp has remained playfully coy about the reference, with insiders suggesting it was a spontaneous nod to her growing interest in football lore, inspired by conversations with Kelce.

In an era where celebrity crossovers dominate headlines, this episode serves as a reminder of Swift's unparalleled ability to shape narratives. From sold-out tours to influencing voter turnout, her words carry weight, and for Jared Goff, they turned an ordinary evening into a whirlwind of fame. As the Lions prepare for their next challenge, the echoes of Swift's mention will likely linger, blending the rhythms of pop anthems with the roar of the gridiron. Whether it leads to more collaborations or just a fun footnote in NFL history, one thing is clear: when Taylor Swift speaks, the world—and apparently, quarterbacks' phones—listens intently.

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Taylor Swift Mentions Jared Goff, QB's Phone Explodes

Taylor Swift's Shout-Out to Jared Goff Sparks Viral Frenzy, Lions QB's Phone Overwhelmed with Notifications