Detroit, MI — A peaceful family outing turned into a horrific scene of chaos and heartbreak on Sunday evening when a distracted driver using his  phone ran a red light and struck a 61-year-old man crossing the street with his family near downtown Detroit.

Moments later, as emergency crews arrived and confirmed the identity of the victim, the city — and the entire NFL world — stood still: the injured man is the father of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

The incident, which took place just blocks from Comerica Park, has sparked nationwide outrage, renewed debate over distracted driving, and an outpouring of support for one of the NFL’s most beloved quarterbacks.

📱 Eyewitnesses: “He Blew Through the Light Like It Wasn’t Even There”

The crash happened at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Montcalm Street, an area bustling with weekend foot traffic. According to multiple witnesses, the driver — described as a man in his late 20s — was clearly looking down at his phone and made no attempt to stop before plowing into the crosswalk.

“The light was red. We’d all been stopped. He just kept going,” said Dana Holloway, a local mother who witnessed the scene. “People were screaming. The man was thrown several feet. I recognized him from TV.”

Security footage from nearby businesses is now in the hands of Detroit PD, who say the evidence clearly shows the driver’s phone screen illuminated just before impact.

👮‍♂️ Driver in Custody — Facing Serious Charges

The driver was arrested at the scene and reportedly admitted to being on his phone, saying he was “reading a text.” Police say alcohol or drugs were not a factor.

Charges pending include:

• Reckless Driving Causing Injury
• Distracted Driving
• Failure to Stop at a Red Light
• Endangering Pedestrians

Detroit Police Chief Marcus Bell stated:

“This tragedy was entirely preventable. We will pursue justice to the fullest extent.”

🏈 Jared Goff “Devastated” — Lions Team Rallying Around Him

According to sources close to the Lions organization, Goff was notified immediately and left a private offseason team event early to rush to the hospital where his father is currently in critical but stable condition.

Teammates and coaches were visibly shaken. A team spokesperson released a brief statement late Sunday night:

“Our thoughts and full support are with Jared and his family. His father is a beloved part of this organization’s extended family.”

Several players, including Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell, were seen visiting the hospital early Monday morning.

💬 NFL Fans React: “This Isn’t Just a Player. This Is Our Guy.”

Detroit Lions fans are known for their passion — and their support has been immediate and overwhelming. Within hours, #PrayForGoff and #JusticeForHisDad began trending across social media.

• “Jared Goff didn’t just revive this team — he revived this city. We’ve got your back, man.” – @MotorCityFaithful
• “If this doesn’t wake people up about texting and driving, what will?” – @NFLRealTalk
• “From LA to Detroit, Jared’s story has always been about family. Now, his family needs us.” – @GridironPulse

🏥 Medical Update: “Serious But Stable”

Doctors at Henry Ford Hospital confirmed that the victim suffered head trauma, multiple broken ribs, and internal bleeding. Emergency surgery was performed late Sunday night. The next 48 to 72 hours are “critical” for determining the extent of long-term injuries.

The family has requested privacy but is “humbled by the outpouring of love.”

⚠️ Michigan Lawmakers Face Pressure: “Time for Goff’s Law?”

Local politicians and advocacy groups have already proposed new legislation inspired by this tragedy. The “Goff’s Law” Initiative is calling for:

• A statewide ban on phone use behind the wheel — no exceptions
• Harsher criminal penalties for distracted drivers
• Funding for driver awareness campaigns, especially targeting urban areas

As of Monday afternoon, over 150,000 signatures have been collected online.

🔚 Final Word: A City Hurting — and a League Watching

This wasn’t just a random accident. It was the result of a decision — one moment of distraction with permanent consequences.

Jared Goff has long been the face of Detroit’s resurgence, a quarterback who helped revive hope in a city that breathes football. Now, as his father fights for his life, the spotlight shifts to how we protect the people who protect our streets — and our stars.

Let this be a wake-up call. Put the  phone down. Look up. Lives depend on it.