Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was with the team for more than a decade, from 2009 to 2020. During that time, he clocked solid numbers, becoming the Lions’ all-time leader in passing yards at 45,109 and touchdowns with 282, according to NFL research. He also had a 74-90-1 record.
So, even though Stafford’s main success came after joining the Los Angeles Rams and winning them a championship title, he is an important part of Detroit Lions history. Or, is he?
It’s worth noting that after the Rams’ loss to the Seahawks, Stafford was asked about retirement and didn’t give an answer either way. “I can’t generalize six months of my life 10 minutes after a loss,” Stafford told reporters, according to ESPN. “So I appreciate the guys in this locker room a whole hell of a lot. Everybody that helped me and helped our team be the success that we were this year. And that’s all I’ll answer for you.”
Well, in a feature published on Sunday, January 25, John Maakaron of SI makes the case that Stafford’s history with the Lions is really insignificant, and if he choses to retire, it shouldn’t have anything to do with his Detroit legacy. Do you agree?
NFL Analyst Blasts Matthew Stafford’s Time With the Detroit Lions
In the piece, Maakaron makes the case that Stafford’s time with the Lions “is just like the snowflakes falling on your windshield. Eventually, they will evaporate when the weather finally warms up, never to be remembered.” That hurts.
“When he eventually retires, he should not have his Lions jersey retired,” he adds, “no entry into the Pride of the Lions and no speeches at Ford Field during primetime games.”
Also after the Rams’ loss to the Seahawks, Stafford was asked how he’s able to perform well late i the season and take his team so far in the postseason.
“I appreciate that and I understand that. I think quarterback wins is an interesting stat,” he said. “It takes everybody. There are certain games where I don’t play up to par but we win the game or certain games where I feel like I played really well and we don’t win the game. It doesn’t always correlate with the quarterback.”
Stafford added, “Obviously, I want to play as good as I possibly can, but I would equate that to our head coach leading the way and our team playing good football at the right time.”
Should Matthew Stafford Be Remembered as a Detroit Lions Player?
So, should Stafford be remembered at all for his time with the Detroit Lions? Honestly, he’s a part of franchise history, no matter what. Even if it seems like forever ago that he was in Detroit, he has to be remembered, at least a little bit, for his time in the Motor City.
“In the end, Stafford had his career success outside of Detroit,” Maakaron added, “and should be simply remembered as a Rams quarterback who failed in Detroit.”
Well, it’s true that the Lions’ years with Stafford weren’t great. But, that’s in the past, and just like with any relationship, we can choose to remember the good over the bad.
Matthew Stafford Retirement Decision Brings Strong Lions Critique