Lions News: Jared Goff to host NFL Draft-like ceremony to honor students

Lions News: Jared Goff to host NFL Draft-like ceremony to honor students
Pride of Detroit Pride of Detroit

The NFL Draft is not just an opportunity for teams to get better every year. It’s a celebration of college kids realizing their dreams.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is helping young students have a similar experience, as they take the next step in their educational journey. On Sunday, July 26, Goff will be a presenter for the “2026 Fate Draft Day.”

The event celebrates graduates from the FATE program—sponsored by the non-profit Merit—which is described as follows on their official website:

This four-year, cohort-based program provides innovative programming that blends project-based learning, character development, career exposure, and mentorship into a co-curricular experience that emphasizes the value of education and its role in achieving long-term career and personal goals.

Goff has been a longtime supporter of Merit, and now he will host a draft-like event where graduates will announce the next step in their educational and professional journeys. It will even feature a red-carpet experience for graduates to get the full VIP treatment.

Click On Detroit did a segment on the event, with Merit Co-Founder and Executive Director Kuhu Saha and FATE graduate Martz Rich as guests. Watch it below.

“Making us actually feel like celebrities and athletes is very special to us,” Rich said.

If you want to support FATE, you can donate here. If you’d like to attend the FATE Draft Day on July 26, tickets are available here.