Matthew Stafford replaces a Lions fan’s jersey sold for playoff tickets

Although Matthew Stafford has been away from Detroit for almost four years, he still found a way to do a kind deed for a fan of his old team.

Stafford recently learned about the situation of Lions fan Bryson Machonga.

As reported by the Detroit Free Press, Machonga had to sell his autographed Lions Stafford jersey to afford the costly tickets for him and his daughter to attend the Lions’ divisional playoff game in Detroit last month, with prices reaching into the thousands.

When Stafford heard about Machonga’s sacrifice, he decided to make it right by sending him a replacement jersey from his own personal collection.

Stafford sent Machonga a new signed Lions jersey, along with a heartfelt message of thanks. This wasn’t just any jersey; it was one Stafford wore during the Lions’ 2014 playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys.

“It just reaffirmed who Matthew Stafford is,” Machonga told the Free Press. “He didn’t have to do this. He had nothing to gain. He’s not our quarterback anymore… yet he went out of his way during a playoff week.”

Stafford, who has made his own playoff appearances, is expected to return for his 17th NFL season in 2025.