Love doesn't always occur at first sight. If you would've told me years ago that I would become a fan of quarterback Matthew Stafford, I would've called you a bold-faced liar.
While he hasn't led my Lions to a playoff victory, Matthew Stafford has become the gritty captain of the Detroit Lions and one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch in the NFL. I'd like to explain how he's grown into my favorite athlete. Let's begin with a little backstory.
None of us should only be judged by what we did in college, although I believe that all of our actions say something about us. Matthew Stafford, the gunslinging quarterback from the University of Georgia with all of the potential in the world, had some questions surrounding him coming into the NFL Draft. After finishing 0-16 in 2008, a season that I foolishly had season tickets for, the Lions "earned" their choice of player. The then 21-year-old Stafford was characterized as a brash party animal who was leaving school a year too early, and I didn't like him. I saw another draft bust in the making and felt that I was in for another decade of bad quarterback play.
Like a stiff couch you have to sit on repeatedly before it gets comfortable, Stafford has grown on me. He has proven to live up to the hype with his athleticism, determination, and most importantly in his case, toughness.
Toughness
Detroit, much like Chicago, is a city that claims to like their athletes as tough as they come, just like the city. In his very first season as the Detroit Lions quarterback, Matthew Stafford showed that toughness, and helped erase my doubts about his passion for the game and his future in this league.
In the final moments of a game against the Cleveland Browns, Matt Stafford absorbed a brutal hit that dislocated his shoulder. Due to being down on the field resulting in a delay of game, Stafford had to leave the field for a minimum of a play. With the ball on the one-yard-line, backup quarterback Daunte Culpepper was brought in for the last play of the game. However, the Browns decided to take a timeout, and by rule, Stafford was now eligible to come back in the game.
Receiving medical attention on the sideline, Stafford learns about the timeout and yells to the trainers, "I can play, right? Give me the ball." Stafford, with one arm completely limping to the left side of his body, tells coaches that he can throw the ball if they need him to, and walks back out on the field. Stafford goes on to throw the winning touchdown without being able to lift his arms in order to celebrate.
This effort showed all Lions fans his passion for the game and determination.
Personality
Stafford has won the support of the Lions fanbase, and yours truly, not only with his toughness, but with his sense of humor and great personality. Not everyone can perform behind a camera and on the football field, but Stafford shines at both, and I enjoy hearing him in interviews and seeing him in commercials like the above.
Stafford is married to Kelly (Hall), and the two have a pair of twins.
Athleticism
Star athletes often grow up around other star athletes. For Matthew Stafford, a strong baseball and football player in high school and college, he grew up as a best friend to future HOF pitcher Clayton Kershaw. "They played on the same youth soccer, baseball, football and basketball teams together," states a Bleacher Report piece on their relationship. The two remain close, and as of this past year, both were the highest paid athletes in their sport.
In addition to being the top overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Stafford is a national champion. His skills on the baseball diamond helped lead Trinity College to a Division 3 championship in 2008.
On the football field, Stafford is quick and agile, and has rushed for over 900 yards and 14 touchdowns. In his 9 years in the NFL, he's also passed for an astounding 34,749 yards and 216 touchdowns, and was selected to the 2014 NFL Pro Bowl.
For all of the reasons above, and my love for my Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford is indeed my favorite athlete.
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