In addition to being thrilled with his spectacular comeback, Matthew Stafford has a message for the Detroit Lions, where he played for 12 years.
After the Los Angeles Rams secured the No. 6 seed in the playoffs, the quarterback is scheduled to make a triumphant return home on January 14 against the No. 3 Lions. Speaking publicly this week, Stafford expressed his excitement to be back in the postseason and his anticipation to face the team who selected him with the first overall pick in the 2019 draft.
According to ESPN, Stafford stated, “The opportunity happens to be in Detroit, which is fun for me personally.” “I’m sure it will be fantastic over there. It’s been, what, thirty years since there was a playoff game played there. Thus, there will be a wonderful vibe. We’re enthused about the challenge, even though it will be difficult.
Matthew Stafford: “Enjoyable”
After being traded to Los Angeles in 2021 for quarterback Jared Goff and a package of draft picks, Stafford remained friendly with the Lions and their supporters. In a farewell video, he reflected on his career and special times spent with the club, saying “thank you, not goodbye.”
In an interview with reporters this week, Stafford expressed his desire to give back to the team and its supporters.
“Seeing some of the people I know are still around the building and haven’t seen in a while will be fun,” Stafford remarked. “Of course, the situation will be different, and they won’t be wearing their colors. Nevertheless, I am grateful to so many of the individuals who supported me for 12 years and gave me my start in this league.
There will still be a football game to be played, Stafford continued, notwithstanding the continued goodwill between the two parties.
According to Stafford, “once the ball is snapped, a football game is a football game, really, to be honest with you,” as reported by The Athletic. “I’m sure there will be a lot of things I have to respond to inquiries about beforehand, and they will too. But it’s time to go play football once the ball is snapped.
Sean McVay, Jared Goff’s former coach, expresses love
During Stafford’s 12 seasons with the Lions, the team had only three postseason appearances, all of which ended in the first round of the playoffs. In his first season, he led the Los Angeles squad to a Super Bowl victory, demonstrating his rapid success there.
Before the game, Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed his admiration for Goff and said he was excited to play him in the playoffs.
According to The Athletic, McVay stated, “I think if there’s anything, I have more appreciation for him as time goes on.” He truly is a class act, and he has done amazing things for them as well as a lot of really nice things here for us. They are in this situation for a purpose. We’re going to try our hardest to play a clean, well-executed game and attempt to win. Together with coach Johnson, he’s done a fantastic job directing what has been an outstanding attack. Coach (Dan) Campbell, obviously.
Sports writer Nathan Dougherty writes about the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills for Heavy.com. In the past, he worked as an assistant editor for the sports trade publications Coaching Management, Athletic Management, and Training & Conditioning in addition to writing for the Rochester Business Journal. Based in Rochester, New York, he has an intense passion for all things football. Additional information on Nathan Dougherty
