Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford got a good taste of the culture change from the Detroit Lions fanbase as he is coming back for his first game in the Michigan since demanding a trade in 2021. When Head Coach Dan Campbell took over, he made it a point to bring in a gritty style to both the play and persona of Detroit after they had suffered a long history of mediocrity. Well, the “knee-biters” were certainly out in force prior to the start of the Detroit-LA game on Sunday night.
Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford Booed by Lions Fans prior to Game
When you are a long time quarterback who left your team, it is always hard to tell what the reception is going to be on your homecoming. Some quarterbacks have been welcomed back to standing ovations depending on the nature of their departure but Stafford certainly was a less than amicable split when he left Detroit. Stafford demanded a trade after Detroit’s long-term cellar dwelling finally got to him when he was traded to Los Angeles in 2021.
Stafford certainly got the best of that deal as he won a Super Bowl with Los Angeles in his first season but after that, the team has struggled to maintain a consistent roster after they sent such a slew of picks to Detroit. Detroit, on the other hand, has built an elite roster using those draft picks and will officially host their former quarterback on Sunday night.
Well, Stafford was welcomed to a less than friendly welcome after some fans clearly haven’t forgiven him for giving up on the team (and frankly the city) three years ago.
Detroit booing Matthew Stafford?! 👀
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/DChBLNZgQq— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 15, 2024
Stafford has had an adequate season in 2023 after he has found a new elite receiver in emerging superstar Paka Nacua. After the use of all of the draft picks received from Los Angeles, Detroit has certainly built the better roster as they exhibit arguably the best offensive/defensive line combination in the NFL.
While there has been substantial turnover on the roster, the fans clearly aren’t forgiving their former first overall pick after that harsh welcome. Given Campbells coaching style and the fact that there will be some players who remember the drama during the 2021 offseason, it is safe to say that this game will be a physical game and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Detroit pass rush gave Stafford a few extra shots to remind him of what he gave up on.
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