Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff and Wife Christen Harper Expecting Their First Child: “Exciting to Do This Together as a Team”
February 9, 2025.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and his wife, Christen Harper, have shared the exciting news that they are expecting their first child together. The couple, who married in June 2024, revealed the big announcement exclusively to PEOPLE at the NFL Honors red carpet event on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in New Orleans.
The 30-year-old quarterback and his 31-year-old wife, a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model, expressed their joy over the pregnancy, confirming that they are expecting a baby girl due at the start of the summer.
“We’re just excited to enjoy this special time together and just soak up every second,” Harper shared.
For Goff, the announcement marks a new chapter in his life, both personally and professionally. After a successful season leading the Detroit Lions to the NFC Divisional Round, Goff is shifting his focus from the football field to fatherhood.
“I’ve always dreamt of becoming a dad,” he said. “Now that it’s real, I know it’ll add a new perspective to life, and it’ll be great.”
An Emotional Announcement at the NFL Honors
Jared Goff and Christen Harper made their pregnancy announcement in style, attending the NFL Honors ceremony dressed elegantly for the occasion. Goff sported a classic black tuxedo, while Harper stunned in a flowing designer gown that subtly highlighted her baby bump.
As they walked the red carpet, the couple exuded excitement, taking time to answer questions about their upcoming journey into parenthood.
“I think we’re just really looking forward to doing this together,” Harper told PEOPLE. “It’s going to be a whole new adventure, and I can’t wait to see Jared as a dad.”
Goff added, “She’s going to be the best mom. I’ve seen how caring and loving she is, and I know our little girl is going to be so lucky to have her.”
From the Gridiron to Fatherhood: A New Perspective for Goff
Jared Goff has had a remarkable career so far, playing a pivotal role in the Lions’ resurgence as a top NFL contender. His leadership and precision on the field helped Detroit make a deep playoff push, though their season ended in a disappointing loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round on January 17, 2025.
While Goff admitted he wishes he were preparing for Super Bowl LIX—where the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will face off—he also acknowledged that this offseason is special for another reason.
“It’s bittersweet not being in the Super Bowl, but at the same time, I get to spend this offseason focusing on my family and preparing for fatherhood,” Goff said. “That’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Many NFL players have spoken about how fatherhood changes their mindset, bringing a new level of purpose and motivation. Could this be the case for Goff?
Former players like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Peyton Manning have all credited their families for giving them a new perspective on the game and life outside of football. Some players even say that becoming a father enhances their leadership skills, as they gain a deeper understanding of responsibility, patience, and commitment.
“Being a dad is going to be a game-changer for Jared,” said an anonymous Lions teammate. “He’s already such a focused and dedicated guy, but I think having a daughter is going to push him to be even better, on and off the field.”
Christen Harper: A Supportive Partner and Soon-to-Be Mom
Christen Harper has built a successful modeling career, making a name for herself in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and various other high-profile campaigns. She has also been a steadfast supporter of Goff’s career, frequently attending Lions games and celebrating his successes.
The couple first met in 2019 through Raya, an exclusive, membership-based dating app. After three years of dating, Goff proposed in June 2022, while on vacation with friends. Their wedding took place on June 22, 2024, in Ojai, California, in a stunning ceremony attended by family, friends, and several of Goff’s NFL teammates.
Now, the couple is ready to embark on their next journey: parenthood.
“Jared and I have always been a team, and we’re going to continue that with our little girl,” Harper said. “I know he’s going to be the best dad, and I’m so excited to watch him in this new role.”
Fans and Teammates React to the Big News
As soon as the news broke, fans, teammates, and fellow athletes flooded social media with messages of congratulations for the couple.
“Congrats, @JaredGoff and @ChristenHarper!! You’re going to be amazing parents!” one fan tweeted.
“Girl dad era loading… can’t wait to see you rock this new role, Jared!” another added.
Several of Goff’s Lions teammates also chimed in.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of Goff’s top wide receivers, posted, “Lil’ Goff incoming! Can’t wait to be an honorary uncle.”
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell also commented, saying, “Goff has always been a leader for this team. Now, he’s going to be a leader at home, too. He’s got all of our support, and we can’t wait to meet the little one.”
What’s Next for the Goff Family?
As Harper’s due date approaches this summer, the couple is gearing up for one of the most exciting offseasons of their lives.
For Goff, this means balancing his offseason training regimen while also preparing to be a first-time dad.
“I’ll still be in the gym, still working on my game,” he assured reporters. “But now, there’s a new motivation behind it all. I want to be the best version of myself—for Christen, for our daughter, and for my team.”
Harper, meanwhile, is focusing on her health and well-being as she prepares for motherhood. She has expressed excitement about decorating the nursery and preparing their home in Los Angeles for their baby girl’s arrival.
“I think the nesting phase has officially begun,” she joked. “We’re already planning out the nursery, and it’s going to be such a fun project.”
A Bright Future for the Goffs
With a growing family and an exciting career ahead, Jared Goff is entering a new chapter filled with joy, responsibility, and endless possibilities.
For Detroit Lions fans, the hope is that fatherhood will fuel Goff’s drive to bring the franchise its long-awaited first Super Bowl title.
And for Goff and Harper, the future is even brighter—because their greatest win is yet to come.
Key Highlights:
Jared Goff and Christen Harper are expecting their first child, a baby girl, due in summer 2025.
The couple shared the news exclusively at the NFL Honors red carpet event in New Orleans.
Goff says he has “always dreamt” of becoming a dad and looks forward to this next chapter.
Harper believes Goff will be an incredible father, saying they are excited to do this together “as a team.”
Teammates, fans, and fellow athletes have flooded social media with congratulatory messages.
Goff aims to balance offseason training with his new role as a father, hoping to lead the Lions to a Super Bowl next season.
Final Thoughts
As Jared Goff prepares for fatherhood, one thing is clear: his dedication, leadership, and love for his family will undoubtedly translate into being an incredible dad.
Lions fans can’t wait to see how this new chapter inspires his game—but most importantly, the Goff family is about to welcome their biggest blessing yet.
Congratulations to Jared Goff and Christen Harper!
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