Earlier this week, future Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had a parting conversation with Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press, who talked about his decision to ask for a trade, what Detroit means to him and his future in Los Angeles .
On Sunday, Albom posted the entire conversation, giving fans some interesting extra points before Stafford left town.
Perhaps most notable was Stafford’s comments about his former coaches. He praised Jim Schwartz as the guy who gave him and his career a chance in Detroit. As for his successor, Stafford said he was surprised by Jim Caldwell when the two sat down as part of the interview process. In fact, Stafford says he would have liked to play for Caldwell any longer.
“I loved playing for him,” said Stafford. “I know the Fords were trying to do the right thing, they were trying to take the next step. They were shooting to try and do us what they thought we should and could be. Unfortunately, it didn’t work with any of the coaches ”.
Ultimately, Lions fired Caldwell after 9-7 consecutive seasons, hoping to take the next step. That’s when Lions brought in former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. In his first season at Detroit, there were reports that his personality came into conflict with players, including Stafford. However, the veteran quarterback had nothing but positive things to say about Patricia.
“He and I had a good relationship, no matter what anyone wants to say,” said Stafford. “I could go to his office and talk to him, he could call me on the phone whenever he needed to. I think we both grew up in that relationship. I have a lot of respect for him and who he is, as a football coach and an incredible mind. “
Even so, there was a report that Stafford specifically asked not to be negotiated with the New England Patriots, where Patricia would be returning in 2021 in an unspecified role. In typical Stafford style, he avoided talking about the accuracy of that report.
“What is correct is – and this is an incredible thing (the Lions) – I asked to go to a team that was ready to win a championship,” said Stafford. “And, you know, there were a few teams on that list. Some teams were not on that list. And they respected that and understood it completely. I had thoughts and reasons for each of them. “
Stafford also revealed some of his favorite coworkers over the years with Lions. In terms of favorite teammates, it is clear that Calvin Johnson was the first player he named. He also listed Kyle Vanden Bosch, Dominic Raiola, Nate Burleson and, of course, his closest 2020 teammate, Marvin Jones Jr.
“I really love him and his family,” said Stafford of Jones. “It has been amazing to see him and his wife as parents and to deal with the loss they have gone through. I am impressed by your strength. I mean, Marv had her first child when she was 18. And your kids are rightfully the best kids I’ve ever seen in my life. The most well-behaved, polite, positive in the world. No matter where he goes, or where I go, I will always pull Marv and love him. “
There have already been rumors that Jones wants to meet Stafford in Los Angeles, as he and his family often spend their holidays at their home in Southern California.
The rest of Albom’s article is worth reading, as it details some of the injuries Stafford suffered, what his $ 1 million contribution to a new academic center in Detroit means to him and some of the reactions he has already gotten from fans.