Goff, post-extension press conference …. 9/4 … vid & transcript

Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff — Sept 4

(Opening Remarks)

“Just want to thank (Owner/Chairman) Mr. (E. Stanley) Kroenke and the whole Kroenke family, first off and foremost. I think just his generosity and everything he’s meant to our franchise can’t be understated. I think when you look at our whole franchise and any business in general, it starts at the top and it truly does here. The way that they go about their business trickles on through (Chief Operating Officer) Kevin (Demoff), through the front office, through (Head Coach) Sean (McVay), the team and through the leaders. It always starts there, so I want to thank Mr. Kroenke first and everything that he’s been for me since they drafted me. Next, want to thank Kevin, (General Manager) Les (Snead), (Vice President, Football & Business Administration) Tony (Pastoors) – everything they’ve put into this and all the hard work. I know it wasn’t easy for them and I know it took a lot of time and effort. More so than anything, I think the belief that they’ve shown in me since they drafted me has meant more than anything. It’s something that I’ll be forever grateful for and forever appreciative of, and hopefully, I can return some wins for them and make them happy. I’d like to thank my agents with Ryan Tollner and Chase Callahan and all the work that they put in. Again, I know it wasn’t an easy process for them, either. Just daily, working on it and putting in the time and effort and I’m so thankful for them. Then, I’d like to thank Sean. I think I can’t overstate what he’s meant to me and my career. You guys obviously know how it went the first year and then how it’s gone since he got here. I owe him a lot and am forever thankful for him and he understands that. I hope he feels the same way about me.”

(On if he’s surprised with the speed and quietness surrounding getting his deal done)

“Yeah, I think so. First, to answer your first question – it’s been a long process. Like I said before I walked in here, ‘I’m sorry for lying to you guys for so long.’ It was in the works for a few months now. I’m just so happy to be done with it. It’s such a relief and I’m so grateful.”

(If his new contract will make him work harder)

“Definitely. It definitely increases your urgency a little bit when you know that type of commitment, but I don’t feel like it will change my process or anything. But, I do understand the responsibility of it and all that stuff that goes with it.”

(On what it has been like knowing negotiations were ongoing but not speaking about it with the media)

“It’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed watching the media circus around the league and understanding that here we had something going on that was between us and wasn’t involved with people outside of this building. I’ve enjoyed that and I appreciate them for that. I think you guys know, I’m not somebody that ever wants to make anything about myself and this was no different. I go back to my original statement – I need to continue and thank my teammates and thank everyone that’s been in my football life since I was young. I’m just very grateful.”

(On if he wanted to reach an agreement going into his fourth season or if Philadelphia QB Carson Wentz’s deal expedited the process)

“I’m very happy we got it done. I think that’s the best way to put it. I think (Philadelphia QB) Carson (Wentz) getting his done did accelerate the process a bit, but I am very happy that we are done and I can now go out there and just play football and not worry about it.”

(On if he is worried his extension will prevent the organization from spending money in other areas)

“I’m not. I think that is part of the reason why getting it done earlier is beneficial – I do. I’m not the type of guy that ever wants to do that to a team. I think that’s definitely calculated by them and I don’t think it’s something that will hinder us tremendously.”

(On if the various ups and downs of his career since playing collegiately at California have helped shape who he is today)

“Yeah. I think there’s different moments in your career that do, do that. I think getting drafted and winning your first game and winning games last year and getting to the Super Bowl – there’s different things like that that do validate some of that. This is one of those moments for sure. I think it’s definitely something that you think about your whole life. Obviously, the numbers you never dream about, but getting a contract that establishes you as somebody who is a franchise quarterback in this league and somebody who is going to play in this league for a long time – it’s something you dream about. I think everything that you do go through leading up to that point can have an impact on that. To answer your question – yes, I do believe a lot of the stuff that has gone on my freshman year (at California) and my rookie year has led to a lot of good moments.”

(On what he took out of his Super Bowl experience and if it influenced him moving forward)

“A lot of things. I think I’ve talked about this at length – but a million things. I think just understanding that there are going to be times in games where you need to do different things that you weren’t expecting to do. That’s specific to that game and many games last year, it’s not just one. I think ‘Xs-and-Os, it would take me a little bit longer with you. I think overall, just appreciating the moment and understanding that you did go through that and that is part of your career and that it is part of your career and part of your legacy. Hopefully you get a chance to go back and a chance to win it.”

(On how far he thinks he is from being a quarterback that can win a Super Bowl game)

“Hopefully not very far at all.”

(On what he thinks of the idea of him and Coach McVay working together the next couple of years)

“I’m excited about it, I hope he is too. We’ve talked back and forth as this has gone on. He’s joked that I’m stuck with him, I told him, ‘I think I’m okay with that’. It will be a good marriage and I’m happy he is being rewarded like he should be. I’m happy to be with him for a long time. I know he joked with you guys about me owing him dinner, I probably owe him a few dinners at this point. Again, I’m just so appreciative for him and everyone in this building.”

(On why it works so well with him and Head Coach Sean McVay)

“I think I do my best, but I think it starts with him (Head Coach Sean McVay) and just the way he is as a leader and communicator. Obviously, his football mind is special, but I think beyond that his communication and leadership skills are second to none. I try to mimic him in some of those ways. Then I think we do balance each other out at times where he is high energy and I’m relatively even-keeled. I think that can blend together well at times.”

(On if it’s been overwhelming with all the attention with Sunday’s game approaching against the Panthers)

“No, I feel good. When the talks initially happened, I think you go through different emotions of being happy and excited. I think that’s when you kind of are overwhelmed at that point. I think at this point, the talks and the numbers have been in my head for so long it’s more of, now you can just relax and play. I think today was a good feeling. I’m so appreciative and happy to be able to play without thinking about it.”

(On if he will relax completely or if there is a new level of pressure)

“I’m relaxed now, yeah. I’ve been through, I think, living up to stuff. I understand that and think I have a good perspective on that, as far as there is a reason why I was the No. 1 pick. When I was going through early on in my career, if you go back to understanding that what you did prior to that is why you are there and it’s no different with this. What I’ve done up to this point is why this happened, so don’t try to be something that hasn’t got you there.”

(On if his ability as a leader to take full responsibility something he’s developed in college or at home)

“I think it’s just part of who I am, but I think again, it goes back to Sean, honestly. When I see him able to take full responsibility being the type of coach he is and always being in the limelight. Him taking responsibility in front of you guys, it makes it a lot easier for me to do it. I think we both do have that type of personality trait, but he makes it easier.”

(On if his contract is signed)

“No.”

(On if he knows when he will sign his contract)

“No, you have to ask them.”

(On if he’s celebrated his contract extension yet)

“I had some friends over last night, briefly, just for an hour or so just hanging out.”