It’s no surprise where Matthew Stafford’s allegiance now lies after his Los Angeles Rams were eliminated from the NFL playoffs.
Stafford and his Detroit Lions successor Jared Goff shared an embrace Sunday after the Lions beat the Rams 24-23 to advance to the Divisional Round.
The Rams QB sent a clear message to Goff in their brief moment together after the game at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.
“Congratulations. Go f—ing win it all, buddy.” Stafford told Goff (profanity edited by LBS).
Stafford to Goff after an incredible playoff game…
"Go win it all buddy." ❤️@NFLFilms | @insidetheNFL pic.twitter.com/hFtK3wRE1j
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
Goff and Stafford postgame. pic.twitter.com/kX7YGyYmz1
— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2024
Stafford spent 12 seasons in Detroit trying to do exactly what Goff did in a quarter of the time — win a playoff game. But it’s clear that Lions fans and players alike now have higher aspirations than simply winning one game.
Lions fans treated Stafford like an intruder rather than a familiar face at Ford Field during Sunday’s game. The ex-Lions QB was unanimously booed, while Goff heard his name being chanted throughout the stadium.
Stafford felt more than just emotional pain during the contest. The Rams star took some vicious hits and was even stepped on by a Lions defender.
However, one hostility-filled game didn’t erase a dozen years of football. Stafford already won his Super Bowl ring. Watching his former team win one too is probably the next best thing.
