Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford spent his first 12 NFL seasons with the Lions. And though he won a Super Bowl in his first season with Los Angeles, it’s obvious that he cares about Detroit and the Lions fan base.
So, one Lions fan page might have given Stafford some extra bulletin-board material ahead of Sunday’s return to Detroit in the NFC wild-card round. Stafford’s wife, Kelly, certainly took notice.
A Lions fan Instagram page, thedetroitline, mocked up an official-looking graphic to propose a ban of Stafford jerseys at Ford Field. It was a silly thing to even suggest and clearly didn’t come from the Lions in any capacity. But Kelly appeared to think it was an actual ban or movement and expressed her disappointment in the comments.
Kelly Stafford's response to the "jersey ban" pic.twitter.com/iDjXo8NVTQ
— x – Zac (Indianapolis Rams) (@ZacMaier) January 9, 2024
She 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.
The account responded, trying to walk back on the idea and saying that the city still loves Stafford — just not for Sunday’s game. Plus, nobody should expect Lions fans to be rooting for Stafford in a game he’s playing against the Lions.
Other NFL fans seemed surprised that anyone took the “jersey ban” idea seriously to begin with.
This was how Twitter reacted
https://t.co/SvSmL41MWu pic.twitter.com/4zuskHu71Z
— morgan cannon (@MCannon313) January 9, 2024
Not sure if it’s crazier she believed this to be real or she is surprised that her husband will be the enemy for a playoff game where he’s our opponent https://t.co/rByzTSOf0j
— Jared Football Goff (@anygirlswantme) January 9, 2024
The jersey my daughter wears every Sunday is a Stafford Lions jersey 😬 https://t.co/F8ypPdaTVU
— Are the Wolves still in first? (@Stewcat2006) January 9, 2024
First home playoff game since 1991. @Lions want to win, how disgraceful!Can’t believe the opposing teams quarterbacks wife is upset Lion fans aren’t cheering for him to do well! https://t.co/QqYBnM43k2
— Michael Howey (@mgorno22) January 9, 2024
Not the first time Kelly Stafford has fallen for misinformation. https://t.co/qGPWyQgqZt
— Jacob Jones (@_jacobmjones) January 9, 2024
If it makes Kelly Stafford sad that’s an added bonus. I know in my younger days if I was at this game and saw someone wearing a Stafford jersey I’d give some heckling. There should not be a ban though, common sense and loyalty to the name on the front should prevail. https://t.co/sgJoV06Sgs
— tigermike1975 (@tigermike1975) January 9, 2024
What Kelly Stafford doesn’t get is that @lions fans not wearing Staff9 jerseys isn’t about his legacy with the team and city. it’s about respect for the current team, respect for JG, and respect for this football franchise that rose form the ashes to be here. Sunday is different
— Brand New Lions! (@myteamsuck) January 9, 2024
Kelly Stafford gotta understand the only 9 that matters in Detroit is Jameson Williams
— They got me again (@UnkLeek_) January 9, 2024
There’s no way Kelly Stafford believes there’s a Stafford jersey ban on Sunday. https://t.co/NYjk86kwMX
— DLB (@DetLionBlood) January 9, 2024
