SAN FRANCISCO
Lee Heidhues 1.21.2024
There will be plenty of ink spilt and sports talk in the coming week about Jared Goff. The Detroit Lions quarterback who will make a big time return on the national stage to his native territory
Jared will be making a homecoming. Leading his Lions to battle the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Trying to best the favored Niners. The team he grew up following. His hero, according to media reports, 49er Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana. Number 16. The number worn today by Jared Goff.
Two number 16 on the gridiron –
Jared Goff and Joe Montana
Jared was born in Marin County. Attended Marin Catholic HS in Greenbrae.
Played two years at UC Berkeley before turning pro in 2016. First with the Los Angeles Rams. The last three seasons with the Detroit Lions.
The last time Detroit won a championship was 1957. Back then there were only 12 teams in the National Football League. That year the 49ers were instrumental in the Detroit march to the championship. That season the Niners and Lions ended the season with identical 8-4 records. There was a playoff game at the old Kezar Stadium at eastern edge of Golden Gate Park. Before 60,000 fans in the rickety arena the Niners led 27-7 early in the third quarter. Improbably, the Lions roared back and beat San Francisco 27-31.
I was at Kezar Stadium with my step-father and remember the 49ers epic collapse to this day.
The following week the Lions devoured the Cleveland Browns 59-14. That win in Kezar Stadium was the last time the Detroit Lions have won a playoff game on the road.
https://www.profootballhof.com/football-history/1957-playoff-game/
Jared Goff looks to change all that next Sunday.
Lee's Perspective 