Tag: Matthew Stafford news

Rams HC Sean McVay says QB Matthew Stafford is ‘even better than advertised’

Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay could not contain his excitement about former Georgia football and Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford.

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For the first time in his NFL career, former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Matthew Stafford will not be suit up in a Detroit Lions jersey.

After being traded to the Rams, the former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick will look to start the second chapter of his career in Los Angeles after 12 years in Detroit.

So far, it appears Stafford is off to a really solid start in LA, impressing his new head coach Sean McVay.

McVay has had only positive things to say about the former Bulldog all offseason, but in an interview with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, McVay could not contain his excitement over his new quarterback.

“Bro, this dude’s a bad MF-er,” McVay told Breer.

“Whatever people say about him, as good as it can be, he’s even better than advertised. It makes sense to him. The guy’s ability to see the game, his ability to draw on his experiences, the feel that he has, it’s pretty special and unique. And, man, his feel for people, his authentic way of connecting with his teammates, his coaches, this guy, it’s great being around him.”

Stafford admitted it will be “an interesting opportunity and a challenge” for him to assimilate a new offense, especially due to the lack of on-field workouts players were able to do this offseason prior to training camp.

Stafford will be surrounded by serious talent in Los Angeles, so expectations will be through the roof. From what’s been reported, it sounds like the cool, calm and collected Stafford should have no problem living up to the hype.

UGA great Matthew Stafford is leaving Detroit and it’s about time

News broke on Saturday that Detroit Lions quarterback and former Georgia Bulldog Matthew Stafford is set to be traded. Details here.

News broke on Saturday that Detroit Lions quarterback and former Georgia Bulldog Matthew Stafford approached the team and suggested a trade may be beneficial to both parties after a 5-11 season that saw another coaching change.

Lions executives agreed to explore a deal, seemingly ending Stafford’s 12-year stint in Detroit.

Dec 6, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Roquan Smith (58) puts pressure on Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Stafford has two-years and $43 million remaining on a five-year $135 million contract that he signed in 2017. Detroit will save $14 million in cap space and $20 million in cash with Stafford off the books.

The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft ownes virtually all of Detroit’s passing records and is the fastest player to 20,000, 30,000 and 40,000 passing yards in NFL history.

Nov 28, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Beyond his acclaimed toughness at the position, starting every game from 2011-2019, Stafford is also one of the most talented throwers in all of football, something that is overshadowed by the losing culture in Detroit.

Just look at Stafford’s career numbers here and keep in mind that over his 12 years in Detroit, he went through four staff changes – Schwartz, Caldwell, Patricia and most recently Campbell.

From 2009 to 2020, Stafford threw for a club record 45,109 yards and 282 touchdowns with 144 interceptions with a 62.9% completion percentage, while boasting a career 89.9 quarterback rating, which would be good enough to rank 13th on the all-time list.

The Lions made the playoffs three times during Stafford’s tenure (2011, 2014, 2016) but lost in the Wildcard each year. Before Stafford arrived, Detroit’s last playoff appearance was in 1999.

DawgNation, you should be glad Detroit and Stafford are parting ways. The Lions have absolutely waisted a hall of fame career and instead of having the wherewithal to build a winning culture and give Stafford a quality roster, they accept defeat and agree to look for a trade.

The good part about the situation is there are quality teams that will be searching for a signal caller this offseason. The New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and possibly the New Orleans Saints are just a few of the teams that have a depth of talent and need an experienced guy like Stafford under center.

It’s just sad that Detroit and Stafford could not find a way to breakup sooner. Who knows how many championships the Bulldog great could have under his belt.

In his three-year career at Georgia, Stafford threw for 7,731 yards and 51 touchdowns with 33 interceptions, earning All-America honors in 2008.

Jan 1, 2009; Orlando, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Matthew Stafford (7) points to the sidelines in the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford on future of head coach Matt Patricia in Detroit

Former Georgia football QB Matthew Stafford spoke on the future of Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia in Detroit.

Following the Detroit Lions’ 41 – 25 loss against the Houston Texans this Thanksgiving Day, Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford was approached with questions regarding his head coach Matt Patricia’s future with the organization.

“It’s not my decision. That’s for somebody else. If you want to ask me about the game, you ask me about the game,” Stafford said.

Patricia has a record of 13-29-1 in less than three seasons with the Lions.  Detroit is currently 4-7 after dropping two games straight and four of the last five.

The former Georgia Bulldog legend was then asked if he’s ever thought about or considered playing elsewhere, to which he replied:

“No, I just put my head down and go to work. It’s on us as players, we have to go out there and make plays. It doesn’t matter what uniform you’re wearing, the team that makes more plays is going to win the game. And we didn’t do that and haven’t done it consistently enough this year, we understand that. We work every day to make sure that it is us who is making the plays to win the game. So we have to go out there and make the plays when they’re available.”

Stafford completed 28 of 42 passes for 295 yards, a touchdown and an interception that went returned for a touchdown during Thursday’s matchup.  He has only made the playoffs three times in his career with Detroit and has never made it past the wild card round.

Detroit was bumped to last in the NFC North following the loss to Houston.  Stafford and the Lions travel to Chicago next week to take on the Bears in a must win divisional game.

Matthew Stafford donates $350,000 to UGA social justice program

Former Georgia QB Matthew Stafford and wife Kelly join HC Kirby Smart and wife Mary Beth in donating to UGA’s new social justice initiative.

Former Georgia and current Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly are donating $350,000 to a new social justice initiative at the University of Georgia.

Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart and his wife Mary Beth will also be donating $150,000, bringing the program to a start of $500,000.

“The University of Georgia Athletic Association has launched an ambitious program that seeks to implement strategic initiatives in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice,” Georgia’s Athletic Director Greg McGarity stated in an announcement on Friday.

“The generosity of Matthew and Coach Smart allows the Athletic Association to implement strategic initiatives in diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice,” McGarity added.  “These gifts will help the Athletic Association educate, implement dynamic programming, and execute service opportunities to achieve our goals, those being to foster critical consciousness, cultural competence and further developing change within the Athletic Association and our greater community.”

The overall goal of the program is to further evolve an Athens environment that will instill change for all its members.

“The Athletic Association remains committed to leading a sustained dialogue on diversity, inclusion and innovation in what continues to be historic times for our nation,” said Deputy Athletic Director for Development Matt Borman.  “The significant gifts from Matthew and Coach Smart will allow the Athletic Association to apply important initiatives in these critical areas. We have exceptional student-athletes, staff, and community leaders who will help us inspire, motivate, and stimulate meaningful action moving forward in this effort.”