Matthew Stafford’s Surprising Gesture Toward Detroit Lions Fan
Though Matthew Stafford hasn’t been with the Detroit Lions since 2021, following his trade to the Los Angeles Rams, he made a heartfelt and unexpected gesture toward the Lions this week.
Since his move to the Rams, where he won a Super Bowl in his first season and continued to perform well, many might assume Stafford has no reason to look back at his days in Detroit. However, this week, he surprised everyone with a thoughtful act that proves his connection to the Motor City remains strong.
Matthew Stafford Still Has Detroit in His Heart
This week, Stafford made headlines after NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport reported that Stafford is planning to return for the 2025 season, according to sources.
“From The Insiders in Mobile: Rams QB Matthew Stafford plans to return and play in 2025, sources say, though a deal likely needs to be worked out,” Rapoport posted on January 29.
While Stafford’s decision to continue playing is great news for his fans, one Detroit Lions fan, in particular, is likely to be especially thrilled by this update.
In an unexpected twist, Stafford made a meaningful gesture to a Lions fan, reinforcing his bond with Detroit.
Bryson Machonga, a Lions fan, sold his signed Stafford jersey to help fund a trip to an NFL playoff game with his daughter. Matthew Stafford, upon hearing the story, did something incredible, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Stafford and the Rams sent Machonga a new signed Detroit Lions jersey, a gesture that left Machonga stunned.
At first, Machonga thought it was a scam, as it’s not everyday one receives a text from someone associated with the Rams. But after communicating with an official from the team, Machonga realized it was indeed Stafford and his team reaching out to help.
Matthew Stafford Still Connected to Detroit Lions at Heart
This week, Matthew Stafford has made headlines after NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport shared a significant update about the Rams’ quarterback. According to sources, Stafford is planning to return for the 2025 season and is not looking to retire in the offseason.
“From The Insiders in Mobile: Rams QB Matthew Stafford plans to return and play in 2025, sources say, though a deal likely needs to be worked out,” Rapoport posted on January 29.
While this news should delight fans of Stafford, one Detroit Lions fan, in particular, is sure to be especially pleased by the update.
In a beautiful and unexpected gesture, Stafford reached out to a Lions fan, proving that his heart remains tied to Detroit.
Bryson Machonga, a Detroit Lions supporter, had sold his signed Matthew Stafford jersey to help fund a trip to an NFL playoff game with his daughter. According to the Detroit Free Press, Stafford took notice of this story and did something truly generous.
Stafford, through the Los Angeles Rams, sent Machonga a new autographed Lions jersey.
At first, Machonga was skeptical and assumed the contact was a scam. After all, it’s not every day that someone from the Rams reaches out via text. But after confirming the message’s authenticity with a Rams official, he realized it was truly Matthew Stafford and his team offering their help.
Action ‘Reaffirms’ Who Stafford Is
The gesture, Machonga says, “just reconfirmed who Matthew Stafford is. He had no reason to go about doing this. He had no gain. He’s not our quarterback anymore … he went out of his way in a playoff week.”
Machonga had sold his jersey to buy tickets for a trip from Appleton, Wisconsin, with his 8-year-old daughter to see the Detroit Lions face the Washington Commanders in an NFL divisional playoff game. Despite the Lions losing, Machonga said the experience was unforgettable, especially with the thoughtful gesture from Stafford. The jersey Stafford sent was one from the 2014 season, the year Stafford led the Lions to their best record of 11-5. Along with the jersey, Stafford included a personal message of gratitude to Bryson.
This heartfelt gesture serves as another reminder that even though Matthew Stafford is no longer with the Detroit Lions, he is still very much a part of the Lions community.
