Since transitioning to Southern California and joining the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Matthew Stafford has had to adapt to a warmer climate, navigate traffic with patience, and acclimate to a new football environment. One significant change from his days with the Detroit Lions is that he can now stay home on Thanksgiving.
Stafford, who used to play on Thanksgiving annually as a Lion, expressed his fondness for the tradition. He shared with the Los Angeles media that he loved playing in the early game, especially when it was a home game. The quarterback described it as a good arrangement – playing the game, coming home, and enjoying Thanksgiving dinner like everyone else. He highlighted the bonus of having the rest of the weekend off, allowing for a more relaxed approach to food and festivities.
Reflecting on the tradition, Stafford acknowledged missing it, considering it a cool and unique aspect of his time in Detroit. Playing on Thanksgiving had become a yearly occurrence for him, contributing to his legacy in the holiday record books.
Stafford holds the record for the most passing yards on Thanksgiving, with 3,000 yards. Notably ahead of Tony Romo and Troy Aikman, he achieved this milestone during his tenure with the Lions. Despite his individual successes, he acknowledged a loss in his last Thanksgiving game in 2020 against the Houston Texans.
Since joining the Rams, Stafford has not played on Thanksgiving, adapting to a different schedule. He now participates in the gameday lineup on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, a shift from the annual tradition he cherished during his time in Detroit. Despite the adjustments, Stafford’s impact on Thanksgiving football remains a significant part of his legacy in th
e sport.
Leave a Reply