Matthew Stafford's wife slams 'sad' Lions jersey ban suggestion

Publish date: 2024-05-05

This isn’t the Detroit welcome the Staffords were expecting.

Kelly Stafford, the wife of former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, hit back at a proposed jersey ban ahead of Sunday’s wild-card matchup between Detroit and Stafford’s current team, the Los Angeles Rams, calling the initiative “sad.”

In response to an Instagram post shared Monday on The Detroit Line fan page that read, “Lions Stafford jerseys will not be permitted into Ford Field on Sunday,” Kelly wrote, “Well this is sad because it’s the completely opposite of how we feel about this city, but Matthew has always been the bigger person and will continue to be that. Praying for an incredible game with zero injuries.”

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly Stafford. Kelly Stafford/Instagram
Matthew Stafford spent the first chapter of his NFL career as a Detroit Lion. AP

The account responded to Kelly’s comment, “We love Matthew, just not this week.”

Stafford, the first overall selection by the Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft, spent the first 12 years of his career in Detroit before he was traded to Los Angeles in January 2021.

In return, the Lions received the Rams quarterback Jared Goff, who helped lead the team to an NFC North title this season — their first in 30 years.

Detroit will forever hold a place in the Staffords’ hearts, with Kelly — who has been married to the Super Bowl-winning quarterback since 2015 — posting a video Monday that featured Stafford, 35, expressing his love for the city.

Matthew and Kelly Stafford have been married since 2015. Kelly Stafford/Instagram
The Staffords share four young daughters. Kelly Stafford/Instagram

“This city welcomed me with open arms, I’m talking about Detroit. It’s special here. Anybody who gets to experience MoTown knows what I’m talking about. The history, the attitude, the people. Detroit stands alone,” Stafford said.

“I’m proud to say this is where I started my NFL career. I guess you can say it’s where I grew up. In a time when this city had its back against the ropes, you knew it would swing back. It’s where I started my family, where I became a husband and a father.

“This city will always be a part of me. Now, as I navigate this next step in my football journey, it’s time to say thank you, Detroit. To Lions fans hearing this, there is no me without you. You’ve been with me for all the touchdowns, the good times, all the big moments. And you kept cheering through the tougher times. Through some of my lowest points when it was difficult to get back up. Every injury I fought through, every fourth-quarter comeback, I want you to know how much I care. How much I will always care.”

With Sunday’s playoff showdown looming, Kelly — who shares four young daughters with Stafford — looked back on the regular season in a heartfelt Instagram post.

Matthew Stafford in action for the Rams in December 2023. AP

“Another amazing season old man. Year 15 and you’ve never looked better. Time for post season and to head back to where it all started,” she gushed.

Nearly a year after his trade from the Lions, Stafford became a Super Bowl champion with the Rams in February 2022.

He wrapped the 2023 regular season — in which the Rams finished at 10-7 — throwing for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions through 15 games.

The Rams kick off against the Lions on Sunday at 8 p.m.

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