Lions fans thank Stafford by donating $11K to charity

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Lions fans thank Matthew Stafford by donating over $11K to charity

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/25/21

Matthew Stafford's 12-year run with the Detroit Lions likely will come to an end this offseason. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the two sides have agreed to part ways, with Stafford requesting a trade from the franchise.

In response to the news, Lions fans are bidding farewell to the veteran quarterback by opening their wallets and hearts. Fans are making donations in $9 increments, for Stafford's jersey number, to the Acoustic Neuroma Association. They have raised over $11,000, according to The Athletic's Chris Burke.

Melissa Baumbick of the @ANAssociation tells me that around 1,300 Lions fans -- most donating $9 -- now have raised upwards of $11,000 for the Acoustic Neuroma Association, in Matthew and Kelly Stafford's names. https://t.co/Za8a7L7FNW
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) January 25, 2021

Stafford showed support for the ANA in 2019 with his "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign dedicated to his wife Kelly, who was diagnosed with a serious brain tumor that year.

"Since its founding, thousands of individuals impacted by acoustic neuroma have received comprehensive and non-technical information about AN through the ANA," according to the Acoustic Neuroma Association's website. "Information for all stages of a patient's journey is provided in our quarterly newsletters, information booklets, website, webinars, support groups and patient education events."

In 12 seasons with Detroit, Stafford has gone 74-90-1, completing 62.6% of his passes. During the 2020 campaign, he led the struggling Lions to a 5-11 record, completing 64.2% of his passes for 4,084 yards and 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the veteran quarterback wants to play for the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.

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