Lions' Jared Goff addresses potential controversy involving Bears' Ben Johnson

Shortly after the Chicago Bears improved to 2-1 on the season by earning an impressive 27-7 "Monday Night Football" win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 28, Bears head coach Ben Johnson took a playful shot at Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff when Johnson said that he "has a little history with calling plays with someone not so mobile." 

During the latest edition of the "St. Brown Brothers" podcast, Goff responded to Johnson's comment. 

Jared Goff and Ben Johnson are "good" amid rivalry

"Ben can’t seem to get out of his own way when he’s talking to the media," Goff said while smiling, per Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit. "So I know there was no ill intent to that. He seems to be a lightning rod for them. They pick up everything he says. It’s funny. He messaged me or called me this morning and was like, 'Dude, you know that means nothing.' I’m like, 'Yeah, dude, you’re good. Don’t worry about it.'" 

Before Johnson became head coach of the Bears in January 2025, he served as Goff's offensive coordinator with the Lions from 2022–24. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted, Monday evening was at least the second time Johnson made a comment about Goff’s lack of speed and agility since the coach made the move from the Lions to the Bears. 

“But I’m saving something," Goff continued. "I’ll have to throw something [Johnson's] way at some point, where I’m like, 'Oh, yeah, whatever. But like playcaller, blah, blah, blah.' And I’ll call him and be like, 'Dude, you know I’m just kidding. You know I mean nothing by it.'" 

Jared Goff pokes fun at himself about his physical attributes

In fairness to Johnson, Goff isn't known for his foot speed and his ability to consistently make plays with his legs. Goff was able to laugh at himself about that during the podcast. 

"Probably the lower end of the league," Goff said about his mobility. "But I don’t think [Johnson] was telling any lies when he said I wouldn’t be considered mobile. Am I more mobile than [38-year-old Case Keenum?] I sure hope so. I love you, Case, but he’s in year whatever-he’s-in, and I’m a bit younger (31) and hopefully a bit more mobile than him."

The Bears and Lions won't face each other this season until they meet in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day for a Week 12 clash. If nothing else, it could be fun for outsiders to hear what Johnson and Goff have to say about each other ahead of that contest.