Let Them Roar: Matthew Stafford Braces for Detroit Fans, Aims to Leave Them Heartbroken
Matthew Stafford is gearing up for the Detroit Lions fans to bring the noise once again.
The Los Angeles Rams quarterback, who spent 12 seasons with the Lions, faced boos when he returned to Ford Field last January for an NFC wild-card game. Those boos turned to cheers as the Lions edged out a victory by one point, breaking a 32-year playoff drought and sending their former star back to his new team.
This time, Stafford’s wife, Kelly, and their three daughters won’t be attending to avoid the negative reception. But Stafford welcomes the jeers. “I want to hear all of it,” he said confidently.
He’s likely to get his wish on Sunday night when the Rams take on the Lions in Detroit. Fans are buzzing with excitement, finally supporting a Super Bowl-contending team after years of heartbreak.
The Lions, last year’s NFC North champions, are building off a season that saw their first two playoff wins since 1957. They spent the offseason improving both sides of the ball.
“Our expectations haven’t changed,” said Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who arrived in Detroit in 2021 as part of the trade for Stafford. “But there’s definitely more attention on us now.”
