# Lions QB Jared Goff Becomes Little Caesars' Detroit-Style Pizza Ambassador NFL star endorses hometown-inspired pizza chain in new marketing campaign - **Source:** [Forbes - Business](https://brifing.si/source/e0310925-a7af-4d4b-80a7-c80d400e49fa) - **Published:** 2026-09-13 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/555bd793-c2e2-43ab-86b8-bab613e973f2 ## Star Athlete Meets Hometown Pizza Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has signed on as the new face of Little Caesars' Detroit-style pizza line. The NFL star developed a taste for the square, thick-crust pizza during his time with the Lions. This marks Goff's first major food endorsement deal since joining the team in 2021. The partnership leverages Goff's growing popularity in the Detroit area and his authentic connection to the local cuisine. ## Why Goff Was the Perfect Choice Little Caesars sought a spokesperson who genuinely appreciates Detroit-style pizza, making Goff an ideal fit. The quarterback has frequently mentioned his love for the local specialty in interviews. His California roots combined with Detroit adoption create an interesting cross-regional appeal. At 28, Goff represents the chain's target demographic of young professionals and sports fans. ## Detroit-Style Pizza's Rising Popularity The rectangular pizza with cheese to the edges has gained national attention in recent years. Little Caesars, founded in Detroit in 1959, has been promoting it as a signature offering. Industry reports show 18% growth in Detroit-style pizza sales across chains since 2020. The style now accounts for 12% of all pizza restaurant menus in the U.S., up from 7% five years ago. ## Campaign Strategy Details The multi-platform campaign will feature Goff in TV spots, digital ads, and in-store promotions. Creative focuses on Goff's transition from California to embracing Detroit culture. Little Caesars plans special limited-time offers tied to Lions game days. The deal reportedly includes performance incentives based on sales targets and social media engagement metrics. ## Celebrity Endorsement Impact Food brands see average 25% sales lift from athlete endorsements according to marketing studies. Pizza chains particularly benefit from local sports figure partnerships. Domino's reported 14% same-store sales growth after similar deals. Such campaigns typically generate 3-5x return on investment through direct sales and brand awareness. ## Goff's Marketing Potential The quarterback has steadily built his commercial profile since being drafted first overall in 2016. His clean image and Midwest appeal make him attractive to family-friendly brands. Industry experts estimate Goff could earn $2-3 million annually from endorsements. This deal positions him for more local Detroit partnerships in future. ## Competitive Pizza Marketing The $46 billion U.S. pizza industry sees fierce competition for celebrity endorsements. Papa John's has partnered with NFL stars for over a decade. Pizza Hut recently signed Patrick Mahomes to a record deal. Little Caesars' Goff signing represents a strategic play in this ongoing marketing arms race with regional authenticity as differentiator. ## Win-Win Partnership The collaboration benefits both parties - Goff strengthens his Detroit roots while Little Caesars gains credibility. It showcases how regional food traditions can drive modern marketing. The campaign may inspire other chains to highlight local specialties with hometown heroes. Ultimately, it's a celebration of Detroit culture through its two beloved institutions: football and pizza. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffedotin/2026/09/13/lions-star-jared-goff-is-now-a-detroit-style-pizza-pitchman/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._