Matthew Stafford's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 12, 2025

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 after a college career with the Georgia Bulldogs, Stafford has achieved significant milestones in the NFL. He ranks among the top ten in pass attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns. Notably, he holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 40,000 career passing yards and ranks highly in passing yards per game.

Sections (4)

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

1950: Comeback Wins

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, the first to win three games in a season after trailing by at least 17 points, and the first to win four games in a season after trailing by at least 13 points according to STATS, LLC.

2005: UIL 4A Division I State Championship

In 2005, Matthew Stafford led his team to a perfect 15-0 record and won the UIL 4A Division I State Championship. He also received numerous accolades, including being named to the Parade All-America Team and the USA Today Pre-Season Super 25.

2006: High School Ranking

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

2006: Top Recruit

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

2008: Preseason Heisman List

In 2008, Matthew Stafford was chosen to Athlon Sports' preseason Heisman Favorites Others To Watch list. Georgia was ranked No. 1 in both the preseason coaches poll and the AP Poll.

November 22, 2009: Five Touchdowns

On November 22, 2009, Matthew Stafford threw five touchdowns in a narrow victory over the Cleveland Browns, becoming the youngest quarterback ever to do so. He also accumulated 422 yards passing and won NFC Offensive Player of the Week and Pepsi Rookie of the Week.

2011: Breakout Year

In 2011, Matthew 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 Detroit Lions to their first playoff appearance since 1999.

2014: Pro Bowl Honors

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

January 19, 2015: Stafford selected to the 2015 Pro Bowl

On January 19, 2015, Matthew Stafford was selected to the 2015 Pro Bowl as a replacement for Peyton Manning. He was named Pro Bowl Offensive MVP, with 316 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

2016: NFL Season Record

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

2018: Lions' Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee

In 2018, Matthew Stafford was nominated as the Detroit Lions' Walter Payton Man of the Year.

November 7, 2020: Stafford Removed from COVID-19 List

On November 7, 2020, Matthew Stafford was removed from the COVID-19 list after testing negative for the virus, clearing him to play in the Lions' Week 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings.