Ex-Lions quarterback’s post praising Detroit’s playoff victory goes global

Detroit Lions are the toast of Michigan after winning their first playoff game in almost three decades.

One of the team’s past quarterbacks made sure to raise his glass in unison with the crowd at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.

Ex-Lions quarterback Joey Harrington celebrated the team’s playoff victory from the comfort of his own home. He posted on X in support of the Lions’ 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

“Raise a glass to Jared Goff and Dan Campbell,” Harrington wrote. “It’s taken a long time, and Detroit deserves it!”

Harrington was chosen third overall by the Lions in the 2002 NFL Draft. The Oregon graduate was Detroit’s primary starter for four seasons before short stints with the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons. He last appeared in the NFL in 2007.

Harrington is one of the few people who genuinely understands the significance of the Lions’ victory. He was the Lions’ last real multi-season starter before Matthew Stafford emerged as the team’s QB1 years later.

Harrington got a hefty 6-year contract as a rookie, bringing with him the weight of the Lions faithful’s expectations.

The former Lions starter never lived up to such great expectations. During his four years with the organization, he had an 18-37 QB record. Harrington’s greatest season came in 2004, when he threw for 3,047 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Neither Harrington nor Stafford were able to duplicate Goff’s performance on Sunday. Detroit won a playoff game for the first time since 1991, thanks to Goff and the entire Lions team.