Matthew Stafford 'will be doing everything' to make sure Rams beat Lions in Week 7
The Detroit Lions made Matthew Stafford the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, and for 12 years, the 33-year-old quarterback prioritized the Lions above everyone else.
That all changed in January, when Stafford asked Detroit for a trade. It officially changed when the Lions sent him to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff, the 2016 No. 1 overall pick, plus three draft picks.
Wednesday (May 12), the NFL unveiled the full 2021 schedule. The Rams will host the Lions at SoFi Stadium in Week 7 (Oct. 24). Stafford was asked during NFL Network's schedule release broadcast how he felt about the upcoming confrontation.
"It'll be different," he said. "It's something I've never obviously experienced. I've played for the same franchise for 12 years, so this will be a new one for me. Obviously, a bunch of great friends on the other side of the ball. An organization I care a lot about. But, you know, that weekend I'll be doing everything I can to make sure we come out on top."
Stafford was remarkably durable during his time in Detroit. The University of Georgia product started 136 consecutive games—a streak that began in September 2011 and ended with "multiple fractures in his back" forcing him to sit out in November 2019.
Overall, Stafford recorded 45,109 yards, 282 touchdowns and 144 interceptions on 62.6& completion. He went 74-90-1 as a starting quarterback, and despite three playoff appearances, has yet to win a playoff game.
The Lions will begin their season the afternoon of Sept. 12 against the visiting San Francisco 49ers, while the Rams will host the Chicago Bears for opening weekend's "Sunday Night Football" matchup.
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