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Matthew Stafford is the LeBron James of the Detroit Lions

By Steven Mullenax

BOSTON, MA - MAY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 13, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 13, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Like legendary basketball player LeBron James, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has carried the Motor City on his shoulders for years.

LeBron James and Matthew Stafford have a few things in common. Although the Cleveland Cavaliers star has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history, while the Detroit Lions quarterback is still trying to establish his status as one of the NFL’s premier players under center, there are some similarities.

For one, both players were the top prospect selected in their respective drafts. James was the number one pick in the 2003 NFL Draft out of high school. While Stafford was the first overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Georgia.

A more important connection between the two sports icons is the fact both men are heavily relied on by their teammates and respective franchises.

At 33-years old, James is attempting to led his Cavs team back to the NBA Finals right now. That’s after making eight total finals appearances in his legendary career and having three championships under his belt.

In stark contrast, Stafford has yet to led the Lions to even one playoff victory in Detroit. But the 30-year old hasn’t had a lot of help in the Motor City. That’s why one insider listed Stafford as the NFL’s version of James, as the Lions once again will lean on him to sometimes single-handedly take over games.

"“Stafford has become quite the comeback artist, setting the NFL single-season record with eight fourth-quarter comebacks in 2016 and racking up 30 game-winning drives over the past seven years,” wrote Adam Schein for NFL.com. “But this offense still doesn’t feel complete. Kind of disappointing when you have someone as gifted as Stafford, but this QB will make do.”"

Surprisingly, the Lions used a majority of their selections in last month’s draft on the offensive side of the ball. Building the roster around Stafford was a clear focus this offseason, as their top two picks were Arkansas center Frank Ragnow and running back Kerryon Johnson.

Ragnow’s presence secures the Lions’ offensive line better protecting Stafford, while Johnson and free agent acquisition LeGarrette Blount should help lift Detroit’s lifeless running game in new heights in 2018. And a more consistent rushing attack should only help take some of the pressure off of the veteran gunslinger’s sore shoulders.

Next: Did the Detroit Lions do enough to fix their offense?

But make no mistake, Matthew Stafford is the Detroit Lions most important player. And as he enters his 10th season in the NFL, the time is now for the Motor City to take the next step and to win their first playoff game since 1992.

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