Detroit Lions: Inner strength fills Matthew Stafford’s household

The Detroit Lions‘ Matthew Stafford has continually proven how tough he is, but he may not even be the toughest person in his own home.

The Detroit Lions have had a long and painful history of adversity they have been unable to overcome since their last title in 1957.

In some ways, quarterback Matthew Stafford has embodied that adversity. As the Lions longest running starting quarterback act since Motown last celebrated a world championship, Stafford has had more than his share of adversity on the field.

His first two seasons were both shortened by injury. Since then he has become the Lions iron man. Despite a consistent lack of pass protection, a ground game that has mostly been M.I.A and until recent years, sporadic help from receivers not named Calvin Johnson, Matthew has suited up every game for the last eight seasons and competed as hard has he could.

He has thrilled fans by capturing almost every passing record in team history and being the youngest quarterback to reach many hallowed NFL milestones. Sometimes while playing in the type of pain that would sideline just about any of the rest of us.

Matthew Stafford is one tough hombre. Whether fans love him or hate him, this is the one thing they all can agree upon. He never misses a game, never complains when the players around him let him down and endlessly gives back to the community.

Yet Matthew would probably be the first to admit he isn’t even the toughest one in the Stafford household. He would gladly give that title to his wife Kelly.

Most of us are well aware of Kelly Stafford. Her devotion to her husband has often sent her to defend his honor on social media, even when Matthew would rather just turn the other cheek. Some fans find this annoying. Others appreciate her devotion.

It’s this same type of devotion Kelly has shown for her adopted home of Detroit. She is often times the driving force behind all the charity work that she and Matthew have done in this city.

Both Kelly and Matthew have enjoyed giving back to Detroit. Even when it proverbially bites the hand that is giving back to it.

They say that behind every great man there is a great woman. Matthew may not have led the Lions to the Super Bowl, but he has worked his tail off trying. And Kelly has supported and encouraged him every step of the way.

Now after all that they have given to the city of Detroit, Kelly took to social media Wednesday to let everyone know that she has a brain tumor and will be having surgery soon to have it removed.

She also admitted she is scared as any reasonable person would be. With three children that Matthew and Kelly’s world revolves around, not to mention each other, you know Matthew is scared as well.

And after all they have given back to the city she had one small humble request from us;  please pray for her.

Now I admit that this was not the article I was planning on submitting to all the proud believers of the Honolulu Blue and Silver, but I could not allow myself to just ignore this news.

The draft is coming, then O.T.A’s are coming and before we know it training camp will once again be in full force leading us to another season of Lions football. But we as fans aren’t the only ones who look forward to all these events.

So does Kelly and many others who are facing mountainous trials of their own. Adversities which will test their strength and character.

I absolutely love sports and especially Lions football, which may make me a masochist, but there are things in this world that are much more important than touchdowns or even championships. We all have loved ones that we would do anything to help in a similar situation and many are fighting this type of battle or even worse.

So let me say that my prayers go out to Kelly who so humbly asked for them and for any of you who are reading and need them as well. Sports are a wonderful diversion from life, but there are more important things out there like those who are in need of our help and strength to keep up their own fight.

May God bless Kelly and everyone else who needs him.