| Detroit Free Press
Matthew Stafford through the years: Time as Detroit Lions and Georgia quarterback
A look at Matthew Stafford through the years as the Detroit Lions quarterback.
Tyler J. Davis, Wochit
Matthew Stafford wants out of Detroit, and the wife of the Lions quarterback, Kelly Stafford, said she has bouts of “random tears” when thinking about leaving the city the couple has made its second home for 12 years.
Matthew Stafford approached the Lions after the season seeking a trade, and the organization told him last week it will try and honor that request.
Stafford has not spoken publicly about his demand, and his agents have not returned messages seeking comment.
Kelly Stafford posted a picture Monday on Instagram of the couple hugging in front of Ford Field and indicated that a move is expected.
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“Thank you. This place, our home, the people… it’s hard to find the words to explain what this place means to me,” Kelly Stafford wrote. “Random tears come very often when I think about not being here. This place supported me during the toughest time of my life and during the happiest times and I want to thank y’all in the right way.”
The Lions intend to trade Stafford when the 2021 league year opens in March, before he’s due a $10 million roster bonus.
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Stafford, who turns 33 on February 7, likely will return at least a first-round draft pick in any potential trade. He has two years left on his contract, is coming off his eighth career 4,000-yard passing season, and a number of playoff-caliber teams — the Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers and Washington, among others — can reasonably see themselves as a quarterback away from being a Super Bowl contender.
Several current or former Lions players, coaches and their wives liked Kelly Stafford’s Instagram post, including left tackle Taylor Decker, wide receiver Marvin Jones, linebacker Christian Jones, offensive lineman Oday Aboushi and Lions wide receivers coach Robert Prince.
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“Whenever I figure out what the future holds, you’ll be hearing from me again with a thank you that hopefully shows how much gratitude and love I have for this place,” Kelly Stafford wrote. “But until then we are going to enjoy our time left in Michigan to the fullest because there really is no other place like it.”
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.