Matthew Stafford is genuinely pleased to see the Detroit Lions thriving these days.
On this week’s episode of the “Let’s Go!” podcast with Jim Gray, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback spoke candidly about preparing to face the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2009 and leaned on him for more than a decade before the two sides parted ways.
Now a leading contender for this season’s NFL MVP award, Stafford didn’t dodge the nonstop discussion surrounding the trade that sent him to L.A. and brought Jared Goff plus multiple high draft picks to Detroit. In his view, the blockbuster deal truly worked out for both organizations.
“I’m grateful for where I am, and it’s clear Detroit made the most of the assets they got,” Stafford said. “Their organization is in as strong a position as it’s been in years. Both teams are winning, both have excellent coaches, and both seem to be exactly where they hoped they’d be after the trade. I think people will look back and say the same thing for a long time.”
It’s hard to dispute that assessment.
Goff — initially treated by many as a throw-in to facilitate the deal — has reinvented himself in Detroit and played a huge role in transforming the Lions into legitimate contenders. After starting 1–6 in 2022, Detroit rallied to finish 9–8. The Lions then went 12–5 with an NFC North crown in 2023, and followed that with a franchise-record 15–2 season and another division title in 2024.
The draft picks acquired from the Rams also became foundational pieces: first-round selections that turned into Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams. Each has become a pillar of the Lions’ resurgence.
The Rams, meanwhile, got exactly what they hoped for as well. Stafford immediately elevated Sean McVay’s offense, leading Los Angeles to a Super Bowl championship in his first season with the team.
Now 37 and in his 16th NFL season, Stafford is playing at an elite level once again. He leads the league with 35 touchdown passes, ranks fourth in passing yards (3,354), and holds the NFL’s fifth-highest QBR (68.8).
When asked whether he felt Detroit squandered his prime years, Stafford quickly shut down the idea.
“Not at all. Everyone in that building was doing everything they could,” he said. “Some seasons felt promising, others didn’t come together. But it wasn’t for a lack of effort.”
Stafford left Detroit with nearly every major passing record in franchise history — 45,109 yards, 282 touchdowns and 165 games played — but the team made only three playoff appearances and never earned a postseason win during his tenure. Still, he refuses to assign blame.
“I was just one person trying to help us win,” he said. “My role wasn’t any more important than anyone else’s.”
Stafford and the NFC-leading Rams (10–3) will host the Lions on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium.
