“Handle him just like any other quarterback,” advises Allen Park.
In the team’s first home playoff game since 1993, the Detroit Lions will play their opponent on Sunday night at Ford Field, led by a well-known figure. A few years after a deal that appeared to help both teams, Matthew Stafford welcomes the Los Angeles Rams to town.
How the Lions supporters will react to him is the question.
Stafford was a prominent fixture for more than ten years when it came to Lions football, whether you liked him or not. He guided them to three postseason appearances and had memorable moments and game-winning drives. He won’t be playing in Detroit again until Sunday night after the 2021 trade.
A hero’s welcome may be anticipated for someone who has been a city staple both on and off the field if this were a regular-season game. Even Stafford’s most ardent fans, though, appear to be more eager for the Lions to get to the postseason than to welcome back the former quarterback.
Through its Dungeon of Doom Insider Texts service, MLive asked Lions fans what they thought of Stafford’s comeback in the run-up to this Sunday’s game. Here are a few of the responses, which we are grateful were received:
“As with any other quarterback, treat him.” — Carl H.
“If anything, Stafford himself doesn’t deserve the boos. We are playing the Rams, not the Staffords. By association, everyone should expect that we will be cheering his every mistake like we would any visiting QB. Above anyone else, he doesn’t deserve our hate as he continues to speak positively about our city.” — Jared H.
“He ain’t wearing Honolulu blue, so for me, he’s the enemy. He wanted out, he got what he wanted. I hope they sack the (expletive) out of him. How’s that?” — Joe M.
“I personally rarely boo any opponent but will make as much noise as possible when they’re on offense (whether I am home or away). I’ve always liked Stafford and wish him well most times, but Sunday, I hope he gets sacked 25 times and throws a dozen picks. And as far as fans wearing his jersey? WHO CARES?!!? It’s a LIONS jersey! Just bring energy and make noise at the appropriate time! In the meantime, don’t let Stafford use up all the air in the room! This is Jared Goff’s day!!!” — Bruce W.
““During introductions, Stafford should absolutely be cheered. If Lions fans have any class or actual respect for players as a whole, it should be a standing ovation. Acknowledge who and what he meant to this franchise. He was the heart and soul of this team, sacrificed his body to give this team, city, and fan base a winner. And with his departure, he gave us a final boost in that direction. But as soon as the first kick sails, treat him and the Rams like any other opponent. And pray he’s not involved in another Lions heartbreak.” — Brandon T.
“He should be cheered, not given a standing ovation (he failed in Detroit) — ‘conservatively.’ Once the game begins, he should be treated no differently than Love, Fields, or Cousins/Mullin/Dobbs, etc.” — John B.
“I think he should be cheered and given a warm welcome initially. Then, our fans need to be extra loud and make things difficult for him the rest of the way.” — Christian A.
“I feel like it’s totally acceptable to cheer for him before the game. After the coin toss, he is the opponent and should be treated like one.” — Jason S.
“I will be there, cheering for him during the pregame, and will not be doing any booing. However, when he and the Rams have the ball, I’m gonna be loud as hell.” — Joseph M.
“Stafford has been nothing but nice and respectful about Detroit and his former team. He still loves the city, and I’d wager he’d play for MCDC in a heartbeat if he could. We should show him the respect and love he deserves INITIALLY and then make his eardrums bleed when he tries to call plays. I’d like to see a bit of regret for his ask to be traded!” — Kris
