Rams’ Matthew Stafford serenaded with chorus of boos ahead of Lions playoff matchup
When Matthew Stafford returned to Ford Field for the Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams Wild Card game, he wasn’t met with the warmest reception.
Stafford asked to be traded from Detroit in 2021 because he didn’t want to be a part of another rebuild, as every Lions fan is aware. He was then sent to the Rams, with whom he earned a Super Bowl championship the following year, when the franchise honored his wish.
In the meanwhile, the Lions acquired three draft picks and Jared Goff in exchange for Stafford. After dominating and capturing the NFC North division title for the first time, it then sparked a swift rebuild for Detroit, who now find themselves up against Stafford and the Rams.
The Detroit fans made sure to let Stafford hear their jeers as he ran on the field as a show of support for the Lions and, more than likely, to get under his skin. A lot of people also yelled Goff’s name to express how much they cherished their dependable QB1.
As it turns out, there is no actual surprise behind the warm greeting for Matthew Stafford. The Lions want their team to win, after all, and these are the playoffs. Stafford and the Rams did not, and cannot, anticipate a welcoming environment.
For what it’s worth, Lions supporters started taking steps to make Stafford feel as uncomfortable as possible even before the game. For the playoff game, a Detroit pub even went so far as to forbid Stafford shirts from being worn inside.
In any case, Stafford is relishing his role as the antagonist in Detroit. He knows everything there is to know, so he’s prepared to play the “bad guy.”
