This offseason, Christen Harper, the wife of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, has delivered an emotional comeback story of her own. The longtime Sports Illustrated model has opened up about the difficulties she had modeling less than a year after giving birth.

Goff and Harper welcomed their daughter Romy Isabelle Goff in July 2025. The 32-year-old model has since revealed that she felt uncertain about making a comeback to modeling just six months after giving birth. 

“Coming back postpartum was a little scary," Christen spoke to PEOPLE about her emotions during her return to modeling. "You’re just getting used to your new body, but honestly, it just felt so empowering."

Christen added that she was “a little nervous” about adjusting to her new body. However, she expressed how returning for the SI Swimsuit shoot ultimately felt “really amazing" and "freeing in a way.” 

Christen has already been part of two SI projects since giving birth. One, being the 2026 print issue, and then a digital cover for February, which featured the wives of the NFL players.

Goff's wife has been open about the insecurities that many mothers experience after pregnancy through her Instagram account. She also talked about how, instead of criticizing or feeling insecure about parts of her body, she accepts them. 

“I look at every little soft spot on my body with a lot of love,” said Christen.

Returning to modeling after being a mother is a totally new experience for her, who said that one of the most emotional parts of the shoots was having Romy present during the shoots.

Christen went on to explain how the assignment felt more enjoyable because she was able to “sneak away for some hugs in between shots”.

In the process, Christen found her way back to modeling, which had been one of her biggest passions.

Christen Harper’s Legacy With Sports Illustrated Continues to Grow

Christen started off as a model at the age of 20 to help pay for her college. Since then, she has become an established model for Sports Illustrated. She joined the brand after winning their Swim Search competition in 2021 and was officially introduced as a rookie in 2022.

Despite it being her 6th year with the company, Christen still feels the same excitement.

"Every year is just a little more special and a little more fun," she says, adding, "But being my sixth year, it feels like family."

She met Goff in 2019 via a celebrity dating app and soon moved in with him to Detroit after his trade in 2021. They got engaged in 2022 and held a private ceremony on June 22, 2024, in Ojai, California, for their wedding. 

Goff enters the 2026 season after winning the Pro Bowl last year, completing 68 percent of his passes, and throwing for 4,564 yards and 34 touchdowns. Dan Orlovsky believes the Lions quarterback is the premier passer in the NFC North entering 2026.

As Jared Goff prepares for the 2026 season with the Detroit Lions, Christen Harper continues balancing motherhood and her modeling career.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar