As a radio host and journalist, I’ve interviewed many musicians. I always love interviewing musicians, so it’s all smiles here. But, interviewing Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was really a totally different experience. I’m going to take you inside my interview with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff to let you know what the experience was like.
Inside My Interview with Detroit Lions Quarterback Jared Goff
In addition to being on the radio at WRIF in Detroit, hosting a podcast about rock and metal music and writing about music, I’m also a sports reporter. I host a podcast about the NFL called “The Squad with Anne Erickson.” I’ve also written a ton about the NFL over the past few years, so it’s definitely a huge part of my life, both personally and professionally.
So, let’s go inside my interview with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
A week before the NFL Draft in Detroit, I got an email from a publicist in New York City inviting me to a charity event with Jared Goff and Jared Jewelers. At first, I actually kind of ignored it, because I get a ton of emails that turn out to be just not what they say in that initial contact. But, thankfully, they followed up with me, and I saw it was a legit invitation.
Jared Jewelers and Goff held a special event on Tuesday, April 23, at The Detroit Club in downtown Detroit, in which the two gave a $50,000 check to Give Merit, a Detroit-based non-profit that helps improve high school graduation rates in the Motor City through their FATE program.
This is far from the first time Jared Jewelers and Goff have worked together. Following the Lions’ 2023 season, Goff “went to Jared” and gifted his offensive line with “Breitling Super Chronomat” watches valued at around $11,500 from Jared Jewelers.
At the Detroit event, on top of giving the $50,000 donation to Give Merit, Goff and Jared Jewelers gave three longtime Lions supporters – Detroit Lions security director Elton Moore, U.S. Military veteran and Wisconsin resident Michael Robinson and lifelong Lions fan Leon DeFever – Breitling timepieces, which are available at select Jared store locations. They gifted these special people with the same models that Goff gave to his offensive line earlier this year. Goff also personally signed the inside lid of the boxes.
So, that’s the backstory. I had actually never been to The Detroit Club before, and it was so beautiful. I loved it. It’s very vintage. They also had some great food out, and since I’m so into desserts, I couldn’t resist the brownies.
The publicist with Jared Jewelry was fantastic. He greeted me when I arrived and assured me that I’d have some time with Goff for an exclusive interview after the presentation.
Interviewing Goff was different from when I have interviewed bands like Metallica or The Smashing Pumpkins. As much as I love rock and metal music, there’s something more universal about sports, especially the NFL. Whereas some people haven’t heard of Metallica, believe it or not, everyone has heard of the Detroit Lions.
I’m happy to say that Goff was an absolute pleasure to interview. He’s exactly what you would expect. He’s soft-spoken, kind and very down-to-earth. You would never know he’s the second highest-paid NFL player right now.
During my interview with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, we talked about the NFL North, which is becoming more competitive, his charity work and his love for Michigan. I also asked about his fiancée, Christen Harper, and he gushed over her support.
“When I was traded, she came out with me and moved out here and changed a lot of her life,” Goff in my one-on-one interview. “She was only my girlfriend at the time. Now, she’s my fiancée.”
He added, “She made that jump. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
We won’t forget it either, guys. I’m glad to have you both official Michiganders.
Listen to my interview with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff below.