Although some Lions supporters don’t want to see too much love for their former quarterback, Matthew Stafford stated he is looking forward to playing in the wild card game on January 14 in Detroit.
Some supporters have started a campaign to forbid Stafford jerseys from being worn during Sunday’s game against Stafford’s Los Angeles Rams, as SI.com’s John Maakaron reported. Matthew Stafford’s wife, Kelly Stafford, expressed her displeasure with the ad this week and didn’t like the notion.
Kelly Stafford Pushes Back on Jersey Ban
Following the transaction that sent him to the Rams in 2021 for quarterback Jared Goff and a bundle of draft selections, Stafford said goodbye to the Lions in a heartfelt farewell video. However, as Maakaron pointed out, some Lions fans would prefer not to see other supporters show out to the game on Sunday with their old Detroit Stafford shirts.
“It was not in the spirit of goodwill that she and her husband still share with the city and team that drafted him with the first overall pick in 2009,” Kelly Stafford said in response to questions about the ad.
According to Stafford, via SI.com, “Well, this is sad, because it’s the complete opposite of how we feel about this city.” However, Matthew has always been and always will be the larger person. Hoping for a fantastic game with no injuries.
Matthew Stafford Looking Forward to Return
With the team capturing its first-ever NFC North title and first division triumph since 1993, this weekend’s wild card game will mark the Lions’ first home playoff game in thirty years.
Stafford said this week that he’s excited to be part of the game.
According to Stafford, per ESPN, “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.
Stafford went on to say that he hopes to have the opportunity to express his gratitude to the team and the individuals he got to know during his twelve years in Detroit.
“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.
While Stafford played for 12 seasons in Detroit, he was able to throw for 45,109 yards and 282 touchdowns, as well as make two trips to the Pro Bowl. However, the team’s success was more restricted. Under Stafford, the Lions only made it to the playoffs three times, each time losing in the opening round.
With the Rams, he experienced more instant success, helping the team win a Super Bowl in his first year of service. The Rams finished 10-7 this season and made it back to the postseason after a decline in 2022.
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
