Matthew Stafford called his decision to request a trade from the Detroit Lions "the most difficult thing I’ve ever done" in an interview with Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times.
"I have so much respect for that organization, the Ford family, the guys who had played in that uniform before me," Stafford said. "There was a lot that went into that that I had to think about.
"I told them, 'I’m not going to say a word to anybody that’s going to say a word. Not until you guys are ready.' It was vice versa. In this day of social media and everybody trying to get the scoop, that’s not something that happens very often. I’m obviously excited about the new opportunity and happy it shook out the way it did. I feel like both teams got a fair shake out of this thing, and we can move on with everybody feeling good about it."
Stafford sought a trade to a contending team this offseason after spending his first 13 seasons in Detroit, setting nearly every Lions passing record. The Lions, in the midst of a rebuild, sent Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange or two first-round picks (2022, 2023), a 2021 third-round pick and Jared Goff.
The deal united Stafford with Rams coach Sean McVay, a pre-existing connectionforaged by Stafford's wife, Kelly. McVay and Kelly Stafford's brother, Buffalo Bills receivers coach Chad Hall, are friends.
Matthew Stafford said Kelly played a large part in helping him make the decision to leave Detroit.
"It started casually probably with just my wife and I," he said. "She saw everything I put into this game and that team and that city, everything I had given. She had a front-row seat for that. She would talk to me about it, we would talk to each other."
The Rams are hoping McVay can make Stafford the type of consistent star-level performer he never was with Detroit. For as much handwringing as there was the last two years about Goff's performance in Los Angles, he actually has two Pro Bowl selections to Stafford's one.
The Lions also made the playoffs only three times in Stafford's tenure and went 0-3. Goff spearheaded a Super Bowl appearance just three years ago.
My expertise lies in sports analysis, particularly within the NFL landscape, where player trades, team strategies, and the dynamics of franchise decisions are key elements. I've closely followed player movements, team rebuilding processes, and the impact of such changes on the league's dynamics. Let's dive into the concepts within the article:
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Matthew Stafford's Trade Request: This was a significant move by Stafford after spending 13 seasons with the Detroit Lions. His decision to request a trade is a result of several factors, including the team's rebuilding phase and his desire to join a contending team for a better chance at success in the latter part of his career.
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Trade Details: The trade involved not just Matthew Stafford but also Jared Goff. The Lions acquired Goff, along with two first-round picks (2022, 2023), and a 2021 third-round pick from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Stafford. Such trades often signify a strategic move for both teams, aiming to address immediate and future needs.
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Motivations Behind the Trade: Stafford's decision to move was influenced by his aspirations for a new challenge and the opportunity to join a team with potential for success. His wife, Kelly, played a supportive role, witnessing Stafford's dedication to Detroit and being a part of their discussions about his future.
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Team Dynamics and Coach Influence: The trade united Stafford with Rams coach Sean McVay, a significant factor considering the rapport between McVay and Kelly Stafford's brother, Chad Hall. This connection might influence Stafford's performance and integration within the Rams' system.
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Performance Comparison: There's an analysis of Stafford's performance in Detroit versus Goff's performance in Los Angeles. Despite Stafford's impressive records with the Lions, Goff led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance three years ago, showcasing the complexity of individual player success within team dynamics.
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Team Success Metrics: The article discusses the Lions' playoff appearances during Stafford's tenure, where they struggled to secure wins, contrasting with Goff's involvement in a Super Bowl appearance. This underlines the intricate relationship between a quarterback's performance and team success.
Overall, this trade signifies not just a change of players but a strategic move by both franchises to address their respective needs. It reflects the intricate connections within the NFL, from personal motivations to team dynamics and the interplay between individual player performance and team success.
FAQs
It was Matthew Stafford's decision to get traded to Rams
Going back in time, after the conclusion of the 202 season, the Lions came off at 5-11 record, which is not impressive at all. Detroit's Lions already fired the general manager Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia before the season's conclusion.
What did the Lions get from the Rams for Matthew Stafford? ›
Matthew Stafford trade compensation
The deal was simple, with each franchise dealing away its former No. 1 overall pick at quarterback. The Lions received Goff, a 2021 third-round pick, and first-round picks in 2022 and 2023. The Rams received Stafford.
What did Stafford say? ›
"Hey, that's a good hit," Stafford said. "You're dirty as (expletive) though, and you know it. You're dirty as (expletive), it's been on tape, I've seen it.
Why did Stanford leave the Lions? ›
Reports suggest that once those changes had been made, leadership and Matthew came to a mutual understanding that this was the right time for them to part ways. The Lions traded Matthew to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Goff, a third-round pick, and two first-round picks.
Do Lions fans like Stafford? ›
Most Lions fans still love Stafford — just not when he's facing the Lions in a playoff game.
Why are Detroit fans mad at Stafford? ›
But, the biggest reason Stafford was booed was from a competitive standpoint, which he understood. In the week leading up to the game, he noted he was the "bad guy" coming to town trying to end Detroit's season.
What did Jared Goff say to Matthew Stafford? ›
“You're one tough S.O.B., alright? I have so much respect for you," Goff said. "Keep going.” “I appreciate you, brother," Stafford replied.
Why did Rams get rid of Goff? ›
The Rams shipped Goff and picks to Detroit in exchange for Stafford in a deal that produced an instant (and necessary) upgrade under center, supplying Rams head coach Sean McVay with the veteran quarterback he so desperately desired after he concluded he could never win a title with Goff.
How many years did Stafford play for the Lions? ›
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthew Stafford spent 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, but he doesn't expect a warm reception Sunday when his current squad clashes with his former team in an NFC Wild Card Game.
Who was the dirty hit Lions player? ›
Detroit Lions cornerback Kerby Joseph drew some ire from NFL fans on Sunday night when he hit Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee low late in their playoff game. The play occurred in the fourth quarter. Higbee was coming across the middle trying to catch a pass from Mathew Stafford.
An MRI eventually showed that Stafford was suffering from an acoustic neuroma – a noncancerous brain tumor also known as vestibular schwannoma, which was impacting some of her cranial nerves and causing her symptoms.
What Matthew Stafford said to Joe Burrow? ›
"Where's Joe at?" "You're a hell of a player, you got a great future, man. Love competing against you. You just keep being you, buddy," Stafford told Burrow during their post-game embrace.
Is Matthew Stafford playing in 2024? ›
DETROIT – Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is ready for Year 4 with the team. Asked in his postgame press conference Sunday night if he will be back in 2024, Stafford said "that's my plan right now."
Is Goff leaving the Lions? ›
Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions have been crystal clear in their intentions to continue their union beyond 2024. Entering the final year of his contract, Goff reiterated that he wants to remain in Detroit as he participates in the voluntary offseason program.
What coach was fired from the Lions? ›
Matt Patricia was fired by the Detroit Lions three years ago, after repeatedly struggling to establish Detroit's defense and alienating prominent members of the roster. In just shy of three seasons, Patricia amassed an abysmal 13-29-1 record after taking over as Detroit's head coach.
What did Matthew Stafford say to Jared Goff? ›
Ranking the four NFL divisional round matchups in 2024
“Hey man, congratulations," Stafford told Goff. "Go win it all, buddy.” “Appreciate you,” Goff replied.
When did Matthew Stafford get traded from the Lions? ›
After mutually agreeing to part ways with the Lions, Stafford was traded to the Rams in 2021 and led them to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
When did Matt Stafford leave the Lions? ›
The 2009 first-overall pick spent over a decade with the Lions and broke almost 20 franchise records during his spell in the Motor City. However, the Lions differed from the model of excellence, and Stafford left the franchise via a 2021 trade to the Los Angeles Rams.
How long did Stafford play with Lions? ›
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthew Stafford spent 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, but he doesn't expect a warm reception Sunday when his current squad clashes with his former team in an NFC Wild Card Game.
