Under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay in 2017, the Los Angeles Rams went through a dramatic transformation. After a disappointing 4-12 season in 2016, McVay’s arrival sparked a turnaround that saw the Rams jump to an impressive 11-5 finish. A big part of that revival was quarterback Jared Goff, who, after a rocky 0-7 rookie season, became the face of the Rams’ new-look offense.

Goff spent five seasons in LA, earning nearly $81 million and guiding the team to a 42-27 record as a starter. He completed 63.4% of his passes during that span, throwing for over 18,000 yards, 107 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions. But when the stakes rose in the postseason, his performance dropped off. Goff went 2-3 in playoff games, completing just 57.4% of his throws for 1,300 yards, four touchdowns, and two picks—an average of 260 yards per game with a 40% win rate in the playoffs.

In the NFL, that kind of performance often leads to a trade—and that’s exactly what happened.

Following a loss to the Packers in the 2021 Divisional Round, the Rams underwent a mindset shift. One of the most memorable images from that game was Aaron Donald breaking down on the sideline—a clear emotional signal that changes needed to be made. That moment became symbolic of the urgency and passion the Rams demanded. And it seemed like Jared Goff wasn’t on the same page.

Despite the coaching staff pushing him to evolve, especially in handling plays under pressure, Goff didn’t meet expectations in 2020. Though he threw 20 touchdowns that year, he also logged 13 interceptions and seven fumbles—costly mistakes that stalled the offense.

The Rams eventually made a bold move: trading Goff, along with three draft picks (including two first-rounders), to the Lions in exchange for veteran QB Matthew Stafford. The deal paid off immediately. The Rams won Super Bowl LVI, while the Lions gained valuable draft assets and a quarterback they believed could grow into a long-term leader.

It looked like a win-win. But now, rather than appreciating his current success in Detroit, Goff is using his appearance on Netflix’s “Quarterback” Season 2 to air his grievances about how his time with the Rams ended. That hasn’t sat well with many Rams supporters—or some former players.

One of those speaking out is retired linebacker LaVar Arrington, who didn’t hold back. On his platform, Arrington dismissed Goff’s complaints:

“Do quarterbacks live in a different reality? You were ‘blindsided’? Welcome to the NFL. This happens to players every day.”

Arrington went on to explain that trades, cuts, and demotions are just part of the professional football experience. While players in free agency have some control, those under contract often don’t. It’s simply part of the business.

He pointed out that Goff has started nearly 70 games for both the Rams and the Lions and has earned almost $400 million in the NFL. Given that, Arrington argues, Goff’s claims of mistreatment don’t really hold up.

In the end, the message is clear: in the NFL, even franchise quarterbacks aren’t immune to business decisions—and not everyone wants to hear them play the victim.