Pleasantries tend to be absent in the playoffs, especially when a fan base is eager to witness its first postseason victory in 32 years. Thus, it was unlikely that Matthew Stafford would receive a hero’s welcome when the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams squared off in an NFC Wild Card game on Sunday night.
When the veteran quarterback of the Lions ran onto Ford Field for the first time since being traded to the Rams in 2021, he was met with jeers. Despite the reception, he continued to pass for 367 yards and two touchdowns, seemingly unaffected. But his comeback was finally destroyed when Detroit’s 24-23 victory against LA caused everyone to suddenly wake up from a twenty-year nightmare.
Now that the first leg of this postseason journey has, thankfully, concluded, there’s some time to consider the less than cordial reception Stafford received from the place he spent a dozen years of his life. A current Lions star weighed in on the booing.
“Stafford did a lot here for the fans — even for the organization,” All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said, according The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy. “But, you know, these are different times now.”
There will always be a special place in Lions history for Matthew Stafford.
It’s true that things have changed. After the Matthew Stafford era ended, St. Brown joined the squad. He finished with seven receptions for 110 yards and tied the game with a late 11-yard catch to end the drought. Being an integral part of the Jared Goff era has made it difficult for him to have excessive emotion.
The passionate audience is aware of how complicated this event is, even if the cherished No. 9 was a significant barrier to Detroit’s eagerly awaited celebration. As much as any current Lions player, Stafford’s task on this particular night was to make sure that the supporters’ hopes remain unmet for a further year.
The winner of Super Bowl 56 so ignored the jeers. The fans of Detroit will undoubtedly appreciate his graciousness, just as they will all of his accomplishments and dedication in the years to come. But not on Sunday of last week.
