Video: Matthew Stafford surprises Lions fans whose father died with Christmas visit

Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly delivered an awesome Christmas present this year as part of their annual “The Stafford Christmas Gift” by visiting a family of boys who had recently lost their father.

In September 2019, Conor Krause died unexpectedly, leaving behind his wife Heather and their three boys. Every year, the Staffords visit a family through their “The Stafford Christmas Gift,” and encourage fans to submit their stories.

View this post on Instagram

Alright y’all.. since it’s snowing outside and feels like the holiday season.. The Stafford Christmas Gift email has been officially set up and is ready to start receiving your nominations! We are looking for a person or a family that might need a little extra holiday cheer this year. Maybe they have had to endure something no one should have to go through and just need an extra reason to smile during the holidays! We only ask a few things from you (besides these people’s’ story) when submitting your person or family.. 1. Please place the name of the person or the family name in the subject of the email, and that is it. And 2. Person/family must reside in Michigan (I can only drive a u-haul so far) 3. Submissions must be in by November 24! We are so excited for another year and can’t wait to read about all these incredible people. The number of families we decide to choose will just depend on submissions.. so thank you for taking the time to tell us these peoples’ stories.. and although it’s always emotional..we can’t wait to read them. Here is the email… Thestaffordchristmasgift@gmail.com #TheStaffordChristmasGift #StaffordChristmasGift #tistheseason

A post shared by Kelly Stafford (@kbstafford89) on Nov 7, 2019 at 7:48am PST

Conor and his sons were big Lions fans, so Heather’s friend, Jenny, wrote a letter to Kelly Stafford, sharing the family’s story. This year, the Staffords chose to make the Krause family the recipients of the annual gift.

Last week, the Staffords showed up at the Krause’s home and completely surprised the boys with a visit and gifts. The reaction from the family was priceless – watch in the video below:

Matthew even played a football video game with the Krause boys and invited them to attend the Lions’ final home game of the season.

Stafford has not played this season since Nov. 3 due to a back injury and recently went on injured reserve. Earlier this year, Kelly underwent brain surgery. But even their difficulties have not stopped them from helping out a family during the holidays.

Stafford was the Lions’ 2018 nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. You can support the Krause family through a GoFundMe page set up by their friends and family.