Stafford 'happy for the players' as Lions fans relish playoff run

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford congratulated his former team on its playoff breakthrough Sunday but stopped short of saluting Detroit Lions fans.

"I'm happy for the players," Stafford responded when asked if he felt happy for the city of Detroit.

Stafford, who played for the Lions from 2009-20, returned to Ford Field on Wild Card Weekend for the first time since his trade to Los Angeles. The former No. 1 pick asked the Lions to move him in 2021 after enduring his eighth losing season in 12 campaigns.

Stafford received a frosty reception from the Lions' faithful in his return, hearing boos before kickoff and on the Rams' first possession. Meanwhile, Jared Goff, who was traded along with draft picks to Detroit for Stafford, heard his name chanted pregame.

"I'm not too worried about anybody's personal feelings toward me that was sitting in the stands," the 35-year-old Stafford added when asked about getting booed.

Stafford threw for 367 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but Detroit prevailed 24-23 to secure its first playoff victory in 32 years. Goff threw for 277 yards and a touchdown in a winning effort, and his teammates treated him to more chants in the locker room.

Stafford owns the Lions' franchise record for all-time passing yards and touchdowns. He led the Rams to a Super Bowl championship in his first season with the club and has made the playoffs twice in three seasons since the trade.