WATCH: Matthew Stafford Booed By Lions Fans For His Returns to Detroit

The narrative leading up to Sunday’s Wild Card game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Detroit Lions was quarterback Matthew Stafford’s homecoming.

Stafford, the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, spent the first 12 years of his career with the Lions, providing the team with the few rays of optimism during a multi-decade dry period.

He led the Lions to three postseason appearances before being dealt to the Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff, who helped Detroit win its first division title in 30 years.

#Rams Stafford is getting BOOEED on the first drive.pic.twitter.com/IxzLtSjW5E https://t.co/OHpjgqsS6j

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 15, 2024

Sunday will be an emotional day for everyone involved, especially these two quarterbacks and the Detroit fans who have supported them both. Stafford, on the other hand, did not receive the warm reception he deserved from Lions supporters. He was booed as he emerged from the tunnel, and it didn’t get any better on the Rams’ first drive.

As Stafford walked the field with his offense, NBC cameras zoomed around Ford Field. A raucous throng of Lions fans, some wearing Goff jerseys and others wearing Stafford jerseys with his name blacked out, booed the quarterback they had admired for more than a decade.

Fair or not, Stafford didn’t appear to mind the uproar; his 12-play drive culminated in a field goal, cutting Detroit’s advantage to 7-3.

He’ll have three quarters to retaliate against Detroit for the cruel embrace.