Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders has made it clear he still supports former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford and takes pride in the success he has achieved since leaving Detroit.

Sanders, one of the greatest players in Lions history, finished his career with 15,269 rushing yards and 109 total touchdowns across 10 seasons before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Though he never reached a Super Bowl with Detroit, Sanders remains a respected ambassador for the organization.

Stafford, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft, spent 12 seasons in Detroit before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Goff. He immediately won a Super Bowl in his first season with Los Angeles, reshaping his legacy.

Despite Stafford now playing elsewhere, Sanders says many Lions greats continue to support him.

“I think there’s a good number of us that still take some satisfaction in the success that he’s had and wish him well,” Sanders said Friday. “When he won the Super Bowl his first year away from Detroit, I think there was a lot of us cheering him on.”

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Barry Sanders Believes Stafford Has Plenty of Football Left

Stafford guided the Lions to three playoff appearances during his time in Detroit, but his most successful seasons have come with the Rams. Sanders joked that the veteran quarterback may not be done anytime soon.

“You see the level that the guy’s still playing at, I think he has 10 years left in him,” Sanders said. “It’s great to see him performing at a high level, especially looking at some of the serious injuries he’s had over the last few years. I’m excited about that — it’s great for Matthew.”

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Matthew Stafford Wins First NFL MVP Award at Age 37

Stafford capped off a dominant season by winning the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday night.

He led the league with:

4,707 passing yards

46 passing touchdowns (career high)

At 37 years old, Stafford became:

The oldest first-time MVP winner in NFL history

The third-oldest MVP quarterback, behind Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers

Despite speculation about retirement, Stafford confirmed he plans to return to the Rams next season.

“You’re unbelievable cheerleaders for me. I appreciate it,” Stafford said while thanking his wife and daughters. “I’m so happy to have you on the sideline with me, and I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking ass.”

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