Detroit Lions: 30 greatest players in franchise history
(2009-current). Matthew Stafford. 3. player. 50. . Quarterback
The No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthew Stafford has made a long career out of making the best out of the cards that he’s dealt. The Howitzer-armed hurler came to the Lions from the SEC’s University of Georgia where he was a prized high school recruit from Highland Park, Texas.
That would be the same high school that former Lion quarterback Bobby Layne attended as a youth. The same Bobby Layne who is said to have cursed his former franchise to 50 years of losing.
Not that I believe in that sort of thing, but it’s difficult to argue against. The 50th year of that ”curse” was the 0-16 season. In the subsequent year, the Lions drafted a young man who grew up in the same neck of the woods as Layne. I mean, you can’t make this stuff up!
Be that as it may, even though Stafford hasn’t enjoyed much team success, he has steadfastly provided Detroit with nearly a decade’s worth of franchise quarterback play. For those who would argue counter to that fact, consider this…
At just 30 years old, Stafford has started in every game that he has ever played in Detroit. He holds 30 Lions franchise records and 18 NFL records. Stafford holds nearly every significant Lion passing record. All he needs at this point of his career is postseason success, but that is something that cannot do all by himself.
His 117 consecutive starts at quarterback places him at No. 3 among active players (behind only Philip Rivers and Matt Ryan) and seventh all-time. Known for his toughness and moxie, Stafford goes out and proudly leads his team by example week in and week out. A competitor until the very last whistle is blown, you’ll always have a chance to win with Stafford as your leader.
No NFL signal caller is above reproach and Stafford is no different. Still though, he is the type of quiet professional that you want guiding your organization for 10+ years.