Among the numerous media awards along with the fan vote awards. Being elected to Pro Bowls and making All Pro rosters. There is a little thing called the NFL Alumni awards. These are the awards that are handed out but the prestigous NFL Alumni every year. Matthew Stafford walked away with one if the greatest awards you can be given at your postion. The Nfl Alumni voted him as the Quarterback of the year. Beating out Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. Stafford was also up for Player of the year between himself, Rodgers and Maurice Jones-Drew. MJD however won that award along with running back of the year.

I can't speak for Matthew but in my eyes if I was being given an award like this by the Alumni. It would mean a hell of alot more than anything the asscoiated press or sporting news could give me. Being awarded a honor like that by your peers is something you can hang onto forever. While it won't get the coverage of being the comeback player of everyones year. Quitely this award must mean so much more than that. Congrats Matthew I along with many Lions fans are so happy to see you get the real respect you have deserved all year.

Wikipedia: Since 1982 the NFL Alumni has held the Player of the Year Awards Dinner honoring the top 10 players and coach from the previous NFL season. The players are honored by a unique voting process in which former players cast ballots for their modern counterparts. Former pros vote only for the positions they once played themselves

Also nominated for the Lions was Calvin Johnson, but award for Wide Receiver of the Year went to New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks.