Matthew Stafford has been away from the Detroit Lions since 2021, but this week, he made an unexpected move connected to his former team.
Stafford hasn’t played for the Lions in years, having been traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Since then, he has remained the Rams’ quarterback, winning a Super Bowl in his first season and continuing to have strong performances. Given his success in Los Angeles, one might assume Stafford has no reason to reflect on his time in Detroit.
However, Stafford recently made a heartfelt gesture toward a Detroit fan, showing that his connection to the city remains strong.
Detroit Lions Still Hold a Special Place for Matthew Stafford
Stafford has been in the spotlight this week after NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport reported that, according to sources, the quarterback intends to return for the 2025 season rather than retire.
“From The Insiders in Mobile: Rams QB Matthew Stafford plans to return and play in 2025, sources say, though a deal likely needs to be worked out,” Rapoport posted on social media on January 29.
While fans of the Rams may be excited by this news, one Detroit Lions fan had even more reason to celebrate after receiving an unexpected gift from Stafford.
Stafford’s Thoughtful Gift to a Lions Fan
Lions fan Bryson Machonga had to sell his autographed Matthew Stafford jersey this season to afford tickets to take his daughter to an NFL playoff game. According to the Detroit Free Press, Stafford heard about the story and responded in a remarkable way.
Stafford and the Rams sent Machonga a new autographed Lions jersey, replacing the one he had sold.
At first, Machonga thought the message from the Rams was a scam—it’s not every day you receive a personal text from an NFL team. However, after confirming with an official from the Rams, he realized that Stafford and his team genuinely wanted to help.
‘Reconfirmed’ Stafford’s Character
“I was over the moon… total disbelief at first. But then it turned into absolute joy and excitement,” Machonga told the Detroit Free Press.
He added that the gesture “just reconfirmed who Matthew Stafford is. He didn’t have to do this. He had nothing to gain. He’s not even our quarterback anymore… yet he went out of his way during a playoff week.”
Machonga had sold his autographed jersey to purchase tickets for himself and his 8-year-old daughter, traveling from Appleton, Wisconsin, to see the Lions face the Washington Commanders in an NFL divisional playoff game.
Despite the Lions losing the game, Machonga said they had an unforgettable experience. He also shared that Stafford’s gift was extra special—the Rams quarterback sent him a game-worn Lions jersey from 2014, the season when Stafford led the team to an 11-5 record, his best with Detroit. Along with the jersey, Stafford included a personal message of appreciation for Machonga.
