DETROIT – It’s no secret that Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford are incredible athletes and top-notch quarterbacks. Both play at the most elite level, and this Sunday’s showdown in Motown promises to be another memorable game. I can’t wait for this season to get underway.
But beyond the stats and the glory on the gridiron, the one thing few sports analysts will talk about this weekend is Goff and Stafford the human beings. We won’t hear much about their integrity, their humanity, or their love for their families, friends, and the city of Detroit.
Now, Kelly Stafford, of course, will make headlines because that’s what Kelly does -- sometimes by mistake. Recently, on our podcast, she revealed she would not be going to the game this Sunday. Traveling with four little girls and dealing with some passionate fans (Google “Kelly Stafford gets booed” if you’re bored, and yes, she gets that it was a playoff game) can be a lot.
The headline most of the media ran with was, “Kelly Stafford not coming to Detroit.” That’s not true. Kelly is coming to town this weekend, but the focus isn’t what’s happening on the field.
Kelly and Matthew invested a huge sum of money into funding the development of the SAY PLAY Center in Detroit. They teamed up with Mitch Albom to build the center and create a safe learning and entertainment space for the children in the area.
Yes, they wrote a huge check, but they’re also heavily involved. Kelly and Matthew are not strangers to the kids there. I’ve seen it progress: day 1, “OMG Matthew Stafford is here.” Visit 50: “Kelly and Matthew, what’s up?”
The kids no longer see them as superstars. Instead, they are the cool people who come to support them. No, Kelly won’t be at the game. But she will be in Detroit and making a difference where it really matters.
Meanwhile, Christen and Jared Goff are creating a giving legacy of their own in Detroit, and it’s beyond impressive. I knew Christen through a mutual friend in Los Angeles and she connected us on a group text shortly after Jared was traded.
I remember for my first Toys 4 Tots campaign I texted to see if they would be interested in giving. The next day, Christen rolled up to our donation truck and her SUV was filled with toys and footballs.
They have consistently donated every year. In fact, last year she ordered more than 100 footballs, and they arrived deflated. She spent the night pumping up every football because she didn’t want the kids to be disappointed.
Jared has his hands in a few endeavors that give right back to children here locally, and Christen very quickly found her spot at Forgotten Harvest. The organization works to feed those in need all over the area. She’s been to the farm, where she works in the field, and to the process center on 8 Mile Road, where she packs boxes.
She often goes alone and works alongside other volunteers who are all there for the same reason: to help others.
I spoke with the CEO there, and he said when the Goffs got to town, he was planning to reach out, but Christen beat him to it. She wanted to come in to learn about how they could make a difference, and they have in a big way.
We’re lucky here in Detroit. We have a great QB in Jared Goff. We were lucky to have Matthew Stafford for so many years. No, he didn’t win the Lions a Super Bowl, but few would argue he didn’t give it everything he had. They are both tough, focused, and determined.
The real blessing for Detroit is they both understand giving back. They both love this city, and both of their families are all in.
No matter what happens this Sunday, we’re all winners because of the work they and their families continue to do.
Now, let’s have a great football game!