Matthew Stafford finally won a Super Bowl ring with the Rams, but the 13-year NFL veteran didn't forget where he came from.
Stafford spent the first 12 years of his career with the Lions. He played in just three playoff games in that span.
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Despite the lack of success, he is appreciative of his time in Detroit. On Sunday night, he thanked the fans there for supporting him when he was traded to LA for Jared Goff last offseason. He said his time in the Motor City was key to his growth and development.
Nothing but love for Detroit from Matt 💙 pic.twitter.com/qgKMxbP4mX
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) February 14, 2022
"It was amazing. There's no reason for them to cheer for me anymore and the fact that they did is just a true testament to who they are as people and who they are as fans," Stafford said after the game.
"To have that support all the way across the country means the world to me. They helped us through a bunch of times and they're the reason I'm sitting here today."
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He also posted an Instagram story of him celebrating with a cigar postgame. He dedicated his win to Detroit.
you vs. the guy she told you not to worry about 🥶 pic.twitter.com/itQJ4u6q72
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 14, 2022
Stafford completed 26 of 40 passes for 283 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the victory.
In his 12 years with the Lions, he threw for 45,109 yards and 282 touchdowns to 144 interceptions while completing 62.6 percent of his passes.