Overcoming the Narrative: Matthew Stafford's Redemption

Welcome to The Unlikely Success. A blog where I’ll dive into sports, music and business success.

I want to start by saying, I’m glad you’re here. The plan for the blog is similar to the YouTube channel, and our podcast, focus primarily on success stories and interesting topics to entertain and inspire.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into our first blog post.

Overcoming the Narrative: Matthew Stafford’s Redemption

After 12 years with the Detroit Lions, star quarterback Matthew Stafford requested a trade to join a Super Bowl contender. When the Lions granted this request, it felt as though the team acknowledged how little they had done to support Stafford and how much they respected his career and decision.

Football fans everywhere wanted to know, is Matthew Stafford capable of being a winner? Could he lead a team to wins, or was he an over-hyped QB who put up great stats but never led to victories? His trade to the LA Rams in 2021 meant we would all find out.

Despite facing criticism and doubts throughout his career, Stafford remained resilient and maintained belief in himself. His journey to a contender was bumpy and he would face more doubts along the way to true redemption.

Part 1: Background

Matthew Stafford has always been recognized as a talented football player. From being the top high school quarterback recruit to becoming the number one draft pick in 2009, his potential was evident. However, he was often seen as a losing quarterback. In college, although he had impressive stats at the University of Georgia, he never won a National Championship or captured the Heisman trophy.

Draft and Career with Lions:

Drafted by the Detroit Lions, Stafford joined a team with a history of losing. The franchise had not won a playoff game since 1991 and even endured a winless season in 2008. Despite Stafford's individual achievements, such as throwing for over 45,000 yards and 282 touchdowns during his time with the Lions, the team's lack of success raised questions about his leadership and ability to win. The team lost all three playoff games they played in over Stafford's twelve years with the team.

Part 2: Trade To LA Rams

Following the 2020 season, Stafford requested a trade from the Lions, and the team granted his wish. The LA Rams, led by coach Sean McVay, saw Stafford as the leader they needed to strengthen their chances of winning a Super Bowl.

The LA Rams would send their starting QB Jared Goff, a third-round pick, and two first-round draft picks for Stafford. They were one of at least six teams rumored to have offered a trade package, among them were the Broncos, Bears, and Panthers. The Rams hoped by landing a new starting QB they would win their elusive second championship.

McVay's belief in Stafford was evident in his persuasive pitch to the quarterback. Even being quoted as saying, “we could let our motherfucking nuts hang, and go trade for this quarterback...”

This trade would allow Matthew Stafford to showcase his talents and leadership, but would he be able to finish and prove he was a winner?

Part 3: Rams Super Bowl Run

In the 2021 season, the Rams were considered one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, boasting a talented roster led by Stafford, Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, Jalen Ramsey, and Andrew Whitworth. Despite facing challenges and criticism during the regular season, Stafford's leadership and determination helped the Rams secure a spot in the playoffs.

During the playoffs, Stafford's performance was pivotal in the Rams' victories. From winning his first playoff game to defeating the defending Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stafford proved his ability to lead a winning team by winning the Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The playoff run would see three separate game winning drives led by Stafford and the unwavering determination of a true winner.

It erased past memories of a stat sheet filling, talented quarterback who was unable to win when it really mattered.

He was now an LA legend.

Since winning, Stafford suffered through a miserable Super Bowl defense where the team was battered by injuries, and returned to a near MVP form in 2023. His career is not fully written, but I would call him a Hall of Fame caliber player, person, and it’s all due to his belief in himself.