A closer look at the biggest achievements of Matthew Stafford. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2014: Pro Bowl Honors
In 2014, Matthew Stafford led the Lions to a playoff run and earned Pro Bowl honors.
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January 19, 2015: Stafford Selected to Pro Bowl and Wins Offensive MVP
On January 19, 2015, Matthew Stafford was selected to the 2015 Pro Bowl as a replacement for Peyton Manning. In the game, Stafford was named Pro Bowl Offensive MVP, throwing for 316 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2018: Stafford Nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year
In 2018, Matthew Stafford was the Detroit Lions' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.
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November 7, 2020: Stafford Removed from COVID-19 List and Cleared to Play
On November 7, 2020, Matthew Stafford was removed from the COVID-19 list after testing negative for the virus and was cleared to play in the Lions' week 9 game.
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2021: Trade to Rams and Super Bowl Victory
In 2021, Matthew Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams and subsequently led them to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
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