A Look At The Detroit Lions Legend’s | Matthew Stafford (2009-2020)

Matthew Stafford | The Detroit Lions’ Franchise Quarterback

Matthew Stafford is a quarterback who has spent his entire NFL career with the Detroit Lions. He was drafted first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft and has been a cornerstone of the Lions’ franchise ever since. In this blog post, we will take a look at Stafford’s career, his impressive stats, and the awards he earned throughout his time in the NFL.

Career

Matthew Stafford was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 1st overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as the team’s starting quarterback and has been a mainstay at the position ever since. Throughout his career, Stafford has been one of the most prolific passers in the league and has been a key player in the Lions’ offense.

Stats

Matthew Stafford’s stats are impressive, to say the least. He has thrown for over 40,000 yards in his career and has thrown for over 4,000 yards in eight seasons. He ranks in the top 25 all-time in NFL history in both passing yards and touchdown passes. Stafford has also been a durable player, appearing in over 140 games throughout his career.

Stafford | Gets His Ring

After 12 seasons in Detroit, Stafford was traded to the LA Rams in a blockbuster trade that netted the Lions two 1st round picks and Jared Goff. Many believed that Stafford had the goods to win in this league but the Lions constant changes in coaching staff and offensive coordinators was enough for Stafford to finally request a trade following the 2020 season. Stafford immediately got off to a hot start and never looked back.

Stafford got his best birthday gift ever when he finally got his ring in Super Bowl LVI. He had just turned 34 on February 7, 2022 and they clinched the title six days later at their home stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals. He also joins fellow Detroit legend and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander in winning a title immediately after joining a new team. 

With the Lions long out of the playoff picture, Michiganders rallied around Stafford and started living vicariously through his success. Although he was no longer wearing the Honolulu blue, he was still a Lion in our hearts. Stafford fully recognized the fans followed him to LA, an to say he was thankful, is an understatement.

“It was amazing, there’s no reason for them [Lions Fans] to cheer for me anymore and the fact that they did was just a true testament to who they are as people and who they are as fans,” Stafford said. “To have that support all the way across the country here playing in this game means the world to me and my wife. They helped us through a bunch of tough times and are a huge reason why I’m sitting here today.”

Awards

Matthew Stafford’s play has earned him recognition from the NFL and its fans. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and has been a two-time Pro Bowl alternate. In 2011, Stafford was awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award after leading the Lions to their first playoff appearance in over a decade.

In conclusion, Matthew Stafford has been a cornerstone of the Detroit Lions franchise for over a decade. His impressive stats and numerous awards are a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport of football. Stafford’s contributions to the Lions will always be remembered and he will forever hold a place in the hearts of Detroit fans as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever wear the Lions uniform. Despite his impressive career thus far, Stafford’s best days may still be ahead of him, and Lions fans will be excited to see what he accomplishes in the future.

Career Highlights & Awards

• Super Bowl champion (LVI)
• NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2011)
• Pro Bowl (2014)
• Detroit Lions All-Time Team
• First-team All-American (2008)
• Second-team All-SEC (2008)

Career NFL statistics

• 7,128      | Passing attempts
• 4,508      | Passing completions
• 63.2%     | Completion percentage
• 333         | Touchdowns
• 169         | Interceptions
• 52,082    | Passing yards
• 90.9        | Passer rating