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After 12 years in Detroit, Matthew Stafford and the Lions have mutually agreed to part ways, as the team will now be looking to ship the former first-round pick elsewhere. If you’re still holding onto the hope that Stafford remains a Lion, I guess it’s possible. Per MLive’s Kyle Meinke, the Lions are looking for a “fair market value” trade and if they don’t get what they’re looking for, Stafford could still return to the team, though that could make things awkward.
Stafford reportedly approached the team and was the one that suggested the idea, and it makes sense that he wouldn’t want to be part of another rebuild in Detroit. It also makes sense for the Lions, as they could get a seriously nice return in a potential deal.
But man... it’s still going to sting seeing the man play for another team. Stafford was the face of this franchise and a very good player at the most important position of the sport. It will not be easy to replace Matthew Stafford. But we’ve been preparing for this day for quite a while, and now the time has come.
So instead of sulking or talking about what the future holds, let’s take a step back and reminisce on all of the good times we’ve had over the past 12 years.
Today’s Question of the Day is...
What is your favorite Matthew Stafford memory?
My answer: There are too many to choose from and I can’t wait to read all of your responses. But when I think back on the Stafford years (boy, that sucks to say already), the first thing that comes to mind is the miraculous game-winning throw against the Cleveland Browns in his rookie year.
On the final play of the game, and coming back into the game with a bum shoulder, Stafford throws a dime to Brandon Pettigrew to give the Lions their second win on the season.
Stafford might be the toughest son of a bitch in the NFL, and we should have known it from the start. This play epitomized everything that Stafford was to this team, and you knew from then on that he would never lie down and give up.
Your turn.