Over 12 years with the Lions, Matthew Stafford never had this moment. He's getting it all the same: a playoff game at Ford Field.
"Obviously it'll be a different scenario, won't be wearing their colors, but still, appreciate so many of the people there that gave me my start in this league and took care of me for 12 years, too," Stafford said upon learning the Lions will host the Rams in the playoffs.
It will be a raucous environment for the Lions' first home playoff game in 30 years and their first-ever playoff game at Ford Field, topped off by a primetime kick. Stafford and the Rams, who won seven of eight to close the season, will be aiming to tame it.
"The opportunity happens to be in Detroit, which is fun for me on a personal level. Got some other guys on our team that are from the city, too, which is really cool. I know it's going to be rocking there. Haven't had a playoff game there in about 30 years or whatever it is, so it'll be a great atmosphere. It'll be a tough task for us, but definitely excited," he said.
Stafford got some of the emotions of facing his former team out of the way when the Rams hosted the Lions in his first season in LA, when the two teams were on different trajectories. The Lions were winless in the first season of a rebuild, and the Rams were on their way to the Super Bowl.
But this is Stafford's first game in Detroit since requesting a trade three years ago, with win-or-go-home stakes. Just don't expect him to get caught up in all the hoopla.
"We played them in '21 here at our place and really, to be honest with you, a football game is a football game once the ball is snapped," Stafford said. "There will be a lot of stuff beforehand I'm sure I'll have to answer questions about, and they will, too, but once the ball is snapped it's time to go play football."
Asked if he's thought about how it will feel to run onto the field before the game, Stafford said, "It will be excitement, just because it's a playoff game."
"They're obviously a really talented football team. Playing at a really high level really all season long, been one of the more consistent teams in our league, so it will be a big challenge for us. I'll be locked-in on trying to do the best I can to get this team to where we want to be at the end of the game," he said.
Stafford didn't play in the Rams' regular-season finale as the team rested its vets, but he was a big reason for their surge down the stretch. After returning in Week 11 from a thumb injury, he threw 16 touchdowns to four picks with a passer rating of 104.5 in his final seven games. The Rams rallied from a 3-6 start to finish 10-7.
"Exciting for this team just to get to where we are right now, to be honest with you," Stafford said. "So many people out there didn't think we'd get to this point, and the ability to get to this point is a true testament to everybody in this locker room. It's awesome."
And now, it will bring him back to where it all began.