The Detroit Lions’ quarterback, Jared Goff, has secured his future with the team, signing a massive four-year, $212 million contract extension that will keep him with the Lions until 2028. By his side to celebrate this momentous occasion was none other than his girlfriend, Christen Harper, a model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and an actress.
Goff, 29, led the Lions to the NFC Championship game this past season, their first playoff run since 2016, and is now the second-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, behind only Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, who signed a five-year, $275 million extension. This puts Goff ahead of notable quarterbacks like three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, who ranks eighth with a $45 million annual salary, tied with Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons.
Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Goff shared a photo of himself and Harper posing in front of the Lions logo on Instagram, writing, “Blessed. Fired up to continue to play for this city and the greatest fans in the world! Appreciate all the love I’ve received this past week. LFG DETROIT!” Fans were quick to shower the couple with praise, referring to them as “the president and first lady of Detroit.”
With Goff set to marry the love of his life in the near future, many are curious to know more about the soon-to-be-wed couple. Here’s a closer look at their romantic journey.
Christen was by Jared’s side as he signed his maximum extension.
Christen, an actress and model, frequently appears in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition.
The couple attended the NFL Honors event in Phoenix, Arizona, in February 2023, walking the red carpet together.
The soon-to-be-weds are affectionately referred to as ‘the president and first lady of Detroit’ by fans.
How Did They Meet?
The couple began dating in 2019 after connecting on the exclusive celebrity dating app, Raya, while Goff was still a member of the Los Angeles Rams.
Reflecting on the early days of their relationship in an interview with Sports Illustrated, Harper revealed that she was initially hesitant about committing to a new relationship, having just ended a long-term partnership. However, she quickly changed her mind after meeting Goff, stating, “I was truly not looking for anything at the time. I had just gotten out of a long relationship, and I was trying to stay single for a year. Then I met him [Goff], and the rest is history, baby.”
The couple made their relationship public by attending the 2019 ESPYS together, marking their first appearance as a couple on the red carpet.
That same year, Harper publicly celebrated Goff’s birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post.
Jared and Christen have been long-distance, splitting their time between California and Michigan.
Jared proposed to Christen during a romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 2022.
The couple made their red-carpet debut at the 2019 ESPYS in Los Angeles.
How Has Their Relationship Evolved?
In 2021, Goff’s trade to the Detroit Lions marked a significant shift in the couple’s dynamic, as he left the City of Angels for Motor City. The trade also included the Rams’ first-round draft picks in 2022 and 2023, as well as a 2021 third-round pick.
In hindsight, the trade proved beneficial for both teams, as Goff led the Lions to their first playoff victory since 1992, while Matthew Stafford, who went to the Rams, won a Super Bowl ring.
As a result of the trade, Harper had to adapt to a long-distance relationship, splitting her time between her home state of California, where her modeling photo shoots often take place, and Michigan.
Months after Goff’s relocation, Harper shared a glimpse into their lives in Detroit through a ‘life lately’ update on Instagram.
In June 2022, the couple took their relationship to the next level by getting engaged during a romantic vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Harper celebrated her upcoming nuptials with a bachelorette party in the same location in April of this year.
The wedding is set to take place in California during the summer. Both Goff and Harper hail from the Golden State.
Christen shared a ‘life lately’ update on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into their lives in Detroit.
The couple, engaged since June 2022, will exchange vows in California this summer.
Christen (left) celebrated her upcoming nuptials with a bachelorette party in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
How Supportive Are They of Each Other’s Careers?
Throughout the 2023 NFL season, Harper has been a constant presence at Lions games, cheering on her partner from the stands. She was last seen at the NFC title game in San Francisco between the Lions and 49ers on January 28.
Often standing front and center, Harper has shared multiple reels of herself and Goff sharing kisses before and after Lions games, showcasing their enduring love.
Christen, a fixture at Lions games, has shared intimate moments with Jared on Instagram.
Christen walked the runway for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami in July 2022.
Christen and Jared attended the SI Swimsuit 2024 edition in New York City, showcasing their mutual support.
Off the field, Harper has also included Goff in her professional endeavors, bringing him as her plus one to a wedding in 2020.
Goff, in turn, has been a constant fixture at Sports Illustrated Swimsuit-related events, proudly supporting his fiancée. The couple attended the magazine’s Swimsuit Issue Launch Party in New York earlier in May, alongside notable figures like Olivia Dunne, Paige Spiranac, and Brittany Mahomes.
