Matthew Stafford didn’t receive the warmest welcome from fans at Ford Field when the Los Angeles Rams took on the Detroit Lions during the NFL’s wild-card round on Sunday night.
Prior to the game, fans could be overheard erupting into “Jared Goff” chants, showing support for the Lions quarterback. When Stafford and the Rams offense took their first steps onto the field, boos could be heard cascading across Ford Field.
After the game, Stafford was asked about his reception by fans in Detroit, and he acknowledged the boos but maintained there were no hard feelings.
“He’s their quarterback. He’s playing great, he led them to a win. I’m happy for him … they should be proud of him,” said Stafford of Goff.
"I'm not too worried about anybody's personal feelings towards me that was sitting in the stands."
– Matthew Stafford on hearing boos in Detroit pic.twitter.com/cNb3Ds3QQc
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 15, 2024
“It’s a playoff game. I’m not surprised that they were excited about cheering for their team. I’m not too worried about anybody’s personal feelings towards me that was sitting in the stands,” he said of the boos.
Sunday marked the first time Detroit hosted a playoff game since 1991. Stafford had spent his first 12 seasons in the NFL with the Lions, but made just three playoff appearances with the franchise, all of which resulted in first-round exits.
With the team hosting its first playoff game in more than three decades, Stafford said he could understand the excitement from the fan base, even if resulted in some boos being cast his way.
