“From a winless season to division champions twice in a row, the Lions’ growth has been amazing,” Harper said.
Christen Harper, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and wife of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, reflected on the Lions’ dominant 31-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The victory secured Detroit’s second straight NFC North title and marked a historic achievement as the Lions clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history.
Harper, 31, recalled a pivotal moment in Goff’s Lions career by posting a throwback video on her Instagram Stories. The clip, from a 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot, showed Harper pausing on the beach to watch Goff’s game-winning touchdown pass against the Vikings. At the time, the Lions were 0-10-1, and the 29-27 win marked their first victory of the season.
Jared Goff Gets Emotional Discussing Coach Dan Campbell
Harper’s Viral Reaction – From Winless to Victorious
“From our first win four years ago when I was shooting @si_swimsuit for the last time to now!!!” Harper wrote. “So proud. Division champs back-to-back!!!”
Since that 2021 victory, the Lions’ transformation has been remarkable. Goff, who joined Detroit in a headline-making trade from the Rams in 2021, has been crucial in reshaping the team under head coach Dan Campbell.
Goff and Harper’s Journey to Success
Off the field, the couple has had an exciting journey. Goff and Harper got married in California last June, two years after Goff proposed during a vacation in Mexico. Harper, named Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Co-Rookie of the Year in 2022, maintains a close friendship with fellow honoree Katie Austin.
On the field, Goff proved his doubters wrong by guiding Detroit to a stellar 15-2 record this season. In May 2024, he signed a $212 million contract extension with $170 million guaranteed, cementing his role as the face of the franchise.
The Road Ahead
With home-field advantage and a first-round playoff bye, the Lions are primed for a strong postseason. For Harper and Goff, the path from a winless 2021 to NFC dominance reflects perseverance, dedication, and mutual support.
“Shut up! Shut up!” Harper had yelled in that viral 2021 video. “This is our first win! This is wild!” Today, those words carry new weight as the Lions continue their quest for NFL greatness.
