The biggest storyline for Sunday’s Rams-Lions game is the battle between Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff against their former teams. That’s the headliner, but the connections between the Rams and Lions go well beyond just those two players.
There are a total of eight player and coach connections between these teams, including Josh Reynolds, Aubrey Pleasant and Zac Robinson. Take a look at all of the players and coaches who have spent time with both organizations over the years, some longer than others (tip of the hat to the Rams media guide).
1
Rams QB Matthew Stafford
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford calls a play against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 at Ford Field.
Lions Vs Minnesota
Lions QB from 2009-2020
Stafford began his NFL career in Detroit as the Lions’ No. 1 overall pick in 2009. He spent 12 seasons with the team before requesting a trade in 2021, which landed him with the Rams. During his Lions tenure, he threw for 45,109 yards with 282 touchdowns and 144 interceptions, leading them to the playoffs three times but failing to win any of his three postseason starts as a wild-card team each time.
2
Lions QB Jared Goff
(AP Photo/Scott Eklund)
Rams QB from 2016-2020
Like Stafford, Goff was also a first overall pick. The Rams traded up to draft him No. 1 in 2016, finding their starting quarterback for the next five years. He was traded to the Lions as part of the Stafford deal in 2021, throwing for 18,171 yards and 107 touchdowns with 55 interceptions in five years with the Rams. Goff led the Rams to the playoffs three times in five years and reached the Super Bowl once.
3
Lions WR Josh Reynolds
(AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Rams WR from 2017-2020
Reynolds left Los Angeles as a free agent in 2021 after playing 64 games with the Rams in his first four NFL seasons. A former fourth-round pick, Reynolds was mostly the team’s No. 4 receiver but he did catch 113 passes for 1,450 yards and nine touchdowns with the Rams. He signed with the Titans in 2021 but asked for his release that year, which led to him joining the Lions.
