The status of Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford for this afternoon’s game against the Tennessee Titans had been in doubt after he suffered a painful cartilage tear in his ribs last week.
But being the iron man that he is, Stafford was once again under center for the Lions. He would later explain:
“I’m the quarterback of the Detroit Lions, and it was Sunday, and I got a bunch of teammates out there that work their a** off. … If I’m good enough to play, healthy enough to play, my a** is gonna be out there.”
He would finish 22-for-32 on the afternoon for 252 yards and a touchdown.
Following the game that saw Stafford lifted in the 4th quarter in favor of backup Chase Daniel, fans were quick to defend their quarterback and give him props for his toughness.
https://twitter.com/Lionsbadboy9/status/1340776230237462528?s=20
https://twitter.com/onmi07/status/1340769319412756485?s=20
Stafford deserves better
— Ba-Yo (@OneOfThoseKinds) December 20, 2020
Thank you for the effort #9. No one can ever question your heart.
— Jenna (@jennavd22) December 20, 2020
Lions fans don’t know how lucky they are to have Matthew Stafford as their quarterback. #OnePride https://t.co/aCELL4kQks
— Mr. Detroit (@DETROITLarry17) December 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/parkjac211/status/1340767493904863232?s=20
If this does end up being the end for him in Detroit, I'll root for him wherever he goes. Matthew Stafford is a guy you want on your team. https://t.co/wp0yBMfTEo
— Ben (@freedomanddogs) December 20, 2020
The Detroit #Lions still do not deserve Matthew Stafford.
— Alex | Lionz 🦁 (@Just_Lionz) December 20, 2020
Thank you Matthew Stafford for putting your ❤️ & soul into what you do.
🙏🙏🙏🙏 #ThatsMyQB #OnePride https://t.co/FDtsYRhpf7 pic.twitter.com/1CdU2eBlyV
— John Dank (formerly known as VSOP) (@sthrnSTARshines) December 20, 2020
This is why I hope Stafford stays in Detroit. He’s a leader on and off the field. #Respect #Lions #MatthewStafford is the real deal! https://t.co/0c9w3JeBgS
— LoriBeMe (@moneygirl4u) December 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/natty_b_7/status/1340762934729949185?s=20
Clearly this was not on Matthew Stafford. That guy is the gutsiest toughest guy I've ever seen. If somebody can explain how he can play defense I could blame him for some of these losses. Words cannot describe this defense there are no players except maybe one
— Timothy Raymond (@Timothy24087343) December 20, 2020
