Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Matthew Stafford

Discover the career path of Matthew Stafford, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

John Matthew Stafford is a professional football quarterback currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Drafted first overall by the Detroit Lions in 2009, he played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. Stafford ranks among the NFL's all-time leaders in passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns. He holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 40,000 career passing yards and is sixth all-time in passing yards per game, solidifying his status as a prominent quarterback in the league.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1950: Comeback Record

On November 20, Matthew Stafford became the first quarterback since at least 1950 to win back to back games after trailing by at least 20 points.

1953: Georgia Player Drafted First Overall

On April 24, 2009, Stafford became the fourth player out of Georgia to be the first overall selection in the draft and the first since Harry Babcock in 1953.

1956: Lions since 1956

Week 5 Matthew Stafford orchestrated a 24–13 win over the Chicago Bears, going 19 of 26 for 219 yards and two touchdowns. This marked the first time the Lions had gone 5–0 since 1956, the year before they won their last NFL Championship.

1968: Rookie Start

On September 6, 2009, Matthew Stafford became the first Lions rookie quarterback to start in Week 1 since Greg Landry in 1968.

1991: True freshman quarterback

In January, Matthew Stafford became the first true freshman quarterback to start for the Georgia Bulldogs football team out of high school since Eric Zeier in 1991.

1998: True freshman quarterback

In January, Matthew Stafford became the first true freshman quarterback to start for the Georgia Bulldogs football team since Quincy Carter in 1998.

1999: Playoff drought ends

In 2011, Matthew Stafford helped lead the Lions to their first playoff appearance since 1999.

2002: Best Record Since

In 2008, Matthew Stafford helped lead Georgia to an 11-2 record, their best mark since the 2002 season.

2005: State Championship and Accolades

In 2005, Matthew Stafford led his team to a perfect 15-0 record, winning the UIL 4A Division I State Championship and earning numerous accolades.

2006: Collegiate Debut

In 2006, Matthew Stafford debuted for the Georgia Bulldogs, contributing to their victory against Western Kentucky, and later stepped in as starting quarterback due to an injury.

2006: High School Quarterback Ranking

In 2006, Matthew Stafford was considered one of the best high school quarterbacks in the United States.

2006: Top Prospect Ranking

In 2006, Matthew Stafford was listed as the No. 1 pro-style quarterback prospect by Rivals.com.

2007: Winning Streak

In 2008, The team entered the 2008 season with the longest active winning streak among the 66 BCS conference teams, having won its last seven games of the 2007 season.

2007: Season Opener Win

In September 2011, Stafford played well, throwing for 305 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in a 27-20 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the first season opener the Lions had won since 2007.

April 2008: Projected Number One Pick

In April 2008, NFL analysts predicted that Matthew Stafford would be the number one pick in the 2009 NFL draft if he chose to leave school early.

2008: Sugar Bowl Victory

In 2008, Matthew Stafford led Georgia to a 41-10 rout of the Hawaii Warriors in the Sugar Bowl, contributing with 175 passing yards and a touchdown pass.

2008: Preseason Recognition and Record-Setting Season

In 2008, Matthew Stafford was named to Athlon Sports' preseason Heisman Favorites list and led Georgia to a No. 1 preseason ranking. He also set personal collegiate highs and finished the season with a conference-leading performance.

April 24, 2009: Contract Agreement with Detroit Lions

On April 24, 2009, Matthew Stafford agreed to contract terms with the Detroit Lions, becoming the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft.

September 6, 2009: Starting Quarterback Announcement

On September 6, 2009, Jim Schwartz announced that Matthew Stafford would be the Lions' starting quarterback.

November 22, 2009: Five Touchdown Game and Shoulder Injury

On November 22, 2009, Matthew Stafford threw five touchdowns in a win over the Cleveland Browns, becoming the youngest quarterback to do so, and threw the game winning touchdown pass despite a separated shoulder.

2009: Primary Starter for the Lions

In 2009, Matthew Stafford became the primary starter for the Detroit Lions.

2009: Drafted by Detroit Lions

In 2009, Matthew Stafford was selected first overall by the Detroit Lions in the NFL draft.

2009: Capital One Bowl MVP and NFL Draft Entry

In 2009, Matthew Stafford won the MVP of the Capital One Bowl, finished his Georgia career with a strong bowl game record, and chose to enter the NFL Draft.

July 30, 2010: Contract Record

Matthew Stafford's contract with Detroit contained $41.7 million in guaranteed money, the most guaranteed to any player in NFL history until July 30, 2010.

2010: Shoulder Surgery and Season Ending Injury

In 2010, Matthew Stafford had surgery on his throwing shoulder, ending his season.

2011: Breakout Year

In 2011, Stafford had a breakout year, becoming the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 5,000 yards in a single season and leading the Lions to their first playoff appearance since 1999.

January 1, 2012: Stafford Reaches 5,000 Passing Yards

On January 1, 2012, Matthew Stafford became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000 passing yards in a season after recording a career-high 520 passing yards against the Green Bay Packers. In this game, Stafford threw an interception on an attempted 37-yard touchdown pass that, had he been successful, he would've broken Norm Van Brocklin's record for most yards in a game.

July 7, 2013: Stafford Signs Extension with Lions

On July 7, 2013, Matthew Stafford agreed to a three-year, $53 million contract extension with the Detroit Lions, with $41.5 million guaranteed through 2017.

2014: Pro Bowl Honors

In 2014, Matthew Stafford led the Lions to a playoff run and earned Pro Bowl honors.

December 13, 2015: Stafford Reaches 25,000 Passing Yards

On December 13, 2015, Matthew Stafford reached 25,000 passing yards in his 90th career game, becoming the fastest quarterback to reach this milestone, surpassing the previous record held by Dan Marino of 92 games.

2015: Stafford Donated to S.A.Y. Detroit Play Center

In 2015, Matthew Stafford donated $1 million to the S.A.Y. Detroit Play Center.

December 11, 2016: Stafford Breaks Fourth Quarter Comeback Record

On December 11, 2016, Matthew Stafford broke Peyton Manning's NFL record of most fourth quarter comebacks in a season with eight.

2016: NFL Record for Comeback Wins

In 2016, Matthew Stafford led the Lions to a playoff run and set the NFL season record for comeback wins.

August 28, 2017: Stafford Signs Contract Extension, Highest Paid NFL Player

On August 28, 2017, Matthew Stafford signed a 5-year, $135 million contract extension with $92 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time.