During last Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered cartilage damage to his ribs, which many figured would keep him out of action for at least a week.
Well, for those of us who have followed Stafford throughout his career, we know he is a warrior and we knew he would do everything possible to play against the Tennessee Titans.
And that is exactly what he did.
Following the game, which the Lions lost 46-25, Stafford was asked why it was important for him to suit up and lead his teammates into battle.
Here is Stafford’s full answer, via Chris Burke of The Athletic:
Here's the full quote: pic.twitter.com/nxONPWU8ZA
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) December 20, 2020
Matthew Stafford is an absolute warrior and when he is gone, he will be missed dearly.
I love it when people like you reporters and teammates call a player a “warrior” because he plays through an injury while being paid millions of dollars. You cheapen the meaning of that word when used in this context. Warrior should be reserved for the Pat Tillmans and Alejandro Villanuevas of the NFL world along with the many others we never see who stand a post to keep our great nation safe. Those are the true warriors, not a quarterback who is supposed to be a team leader but finds it more important to kneel for The National Anthem on Thanksgiving Day in the month the NFL honors the real warriors of this world. The ones who leave their families and loved ones to defend a coward like Stafford’s ability to kneel for the flag. Someone who kneels for the American Flag has never been handed a folded one while taps is playing and rifles are being fired. Stafford may be some kind of hero to his buddies on the team but he is a coward in my eyes.