Time may not erase every hard feeling, but it certainly softens many of them. For Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, another meeting with his old team, the Detroit Lions, no longer carries the tension or drama it once did.

Even so, Stafford continues to show up for the city where his NFL journey began, especially during a time of year when giving back matters most.

Stafford’s Enduring Bond With Detroit

Detroit will always hold a unique place in Stafford’s life. It’s where he entered adulthood, started a family, and became one of the city’s most recognizable public figures. That connection led him to support numerous charitable and community-focused efforts throughout his career — and he hasn’t stopped just because he now calls Los Angeles home.

Asked about his ongoing involvement, Stafford mentioned his annual participation in Mitch Albom’s charity radiothon.

> “Yeah, I think I’m hopping on a call with Mitch Albom tomorrow for his radiothon,” Stafford said. “I’ve done it for however many years straight now, so I’m going to jump on and help raise some money for the city again. We still try to stay involved. We have friends there. We keep in touch. Whether it’s things we did around Christmas or through the Safe Play Center, we still hear from people.”

The Old Emotions Have Faded

Although Stafford remains beloved by Lions fans, his personal perspective on his former team has evolved. Since his trade, Detroit has completely reshaped its roster, meaning very few familiar faces remain. With five seasons having passed since he last wore a Lions uniform, any lingering emotional weight has mostly disappeared.

Now, especially with the upcoming matchup taking place in Los Angeles, he views the game simply as another competitive challenge — not a reunion tied to old memories.

> “Yeah, that’s how I feel,” Stafford said. “I respect them a lot. When I watch their film, I’m not thinking about old teammates because almost none of them are still there. What stands out is how they play — they’re fast, physical, well-coached, and strong in all three phases of the game. They’ve been a really good team for a couple of years now. We know it’s going to be another tough matchup.”