Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford says he genuinely enjoys watching his old team thrive.
During his appearance on the “Let’s Go!” podcast with longtime interviewer Jim Gray, the Los Angeles Rams star discussed what it means to go up against the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall back in 2009, relied on him for over a decade, and eventually sent him to L.A. in a franchise-shifting trade.
Stafford—who has played himself into the NFL MVP conversation this season—openly embraced the narrative that has followed that 2021 blockbuster swap: both the Rams and Lions came out ahead.
“I’m really happy with where I’m at, and it’s clear the Lions made the most of the picks and players they received,” Stafford explained. “Their organization is in one of the best stretches it’s had in years.
“So you’ve got two strong teams, outstanding coaching staffs, and well-built programs. When you look at how things have unfolded, both sides got what they were hoping for. And I think as time goes on, people will continue to view it that way. It worked out for everyone.”
It’s difficult to argue otherwise.
Jared Goff—initially thought of as a mere salary piece in the trade—has completely revived his career in Detroit, helping transform the Lions into a legitimate contender.
Detroit climbed from a 1-6 start in 2022 to finish that season 9-8. They followed it with a 12-5 record and an NFC North crown in 2023, then soared to a franchise-best 15-2 record and a second straight division title in 2024. Goff has been instrumental in every part of that turnaround.
The Lions also added premium draft capital in the trade, including first-round picks in 2022 and 2023. Those selections became key foundational players: Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams. Each has played a major role in Detroit’s rapid rise.
Stafford, meanwhile, instantly delivered on the Rams’ hopes. In his first season in Los Angeles, he guided Sean McVay’s squad to a Super Bowl championship.
Now in the 2025 season and at 37 years old, Stafford is producing some of his best numbers yet. He leads the league with 35 touchdown passes, ranks fourth in passing yardage with 3,354, and sits fifth in QBR at 68.8.
When asked if he felt Detroit squandered his prime, Stafford firmly rejected the idea.
“No, because everyone was putting in the work,” he said. “Sometimes things come together, and sometimes they don’t. We had stretches where we thought we were close, and others where it clearly wasn’t good enough.”
His remarks echo the professionalism he consistently showed throughout his time in Detroit.
Stafford rewrote the Lions’ record book—finishing with 282 touchdowns and 45,109 passing yards across 165 games—but team success rarely followed. Detroit made the playoffs only three times during his tenure and never won a postseason game.
Still, Stafford refuses to blame anyone.
“I was just one person in that building doing everything I could to help us win,” he said. “My career wasn’t any more important than the careers of all the people working hard around me.”
Stafford and the NFC-leading Rams (10-3) will host Detroit this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium.
