Long before they became one of the NFL’s most admired couples, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and his wife, Christen Goff, almost never went on their first date.
During a recent appearance on PEOPLE’s WAG World series, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model opened up about how her relationship with the Lions star began and why she was initially hesitant to pursue him.
Christen, 33, revealed that she met Jared Goff, 31, on the exclusive dating app Raya shortly after getting out of a long-term relationship. At the time, she wasn’t looking for anything serious and was focused on enjoying her independence.
“I wasn’t really looking,” Christen admitted. “I had just gotten out of a long relationship and I was just trying to live my single life.”
The model even joked that she almost skipped the opportunity to meet Goff because he appeared too much like someone she could seriously date.
“I almost didn’t even go out with Jared at first because I was like, ‘This guy looks like boyfriend material,’ and I wasn’t really looking for that,” Christen said. “But I’m glad I did because here we are.”
At the time, Christen was building her modeling and acting career in California, while Goff was starring for the Los Angeles Rams after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Despite matching on a dating app, neither expected the relationship to become something long-term.
“I think both of us were probably not taking it too seriously. You never really think you’re going to meet someone on a dating app — but we did,” Christen recalled.
Their connection was immediate. Goff took her to one of her favorite restaurants for their first date, though he had no idea it was a special place for her.
“We just hit it off right from the start and it’s been amazing ever since,” Christen said. “I can’t believe here we are almost eight years later.”
Today, the couple is married and raising their daughter, Romy, who was born last year. Christen also shared how becoming a father has changed Jared Goff’s perspective on football and life.
According to Christen, while winning remains extremely important to the Lions quarterback, having a family has helped him keep the highs and lows of the NFL in perspective.
“When you have a family and people who love you no matter what, you realize that everything’s the same whether you win or lose,” Christen explained.
She added that fatherhood has helped Goff appreciate how fortunate he is both on and off the field, noting that she has seen a significant change in his outlook over the years.
What started as a casual dating app match has since grown into a lasting marriage, proving that one swipe can sometimes change everything.
