Matthew Stafford Might Have Just Earned The Respect Of Everyone In Detroit
By: Ryan Wooley
No matter what sport we watch, we're always looking for the next guy to come along that has the "it factor" and we seem to have found that guy right here in Detroit in Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.
After his first two seasons were cut short due to injuries, he rebounded in the best way possible in 2011 by throwing for over 5,000 yards, helping Detroit reach the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and revitalizing a fan base that had been to hell and back just three years earlier by going 0-16.
Adding onto his successful season this year, he was also awarded an ESPY as the "2012 Comeback Player Of The Year" and really cemented the fact that he belongs in Detroit with his acceptance speech.
Acceptance Speech
The part that stuck out the most to me was the fact that he mentioned how thankful he was to share the award with the city of Detroit, as its on a comeback of its own.
We all know the struggles this area has gone through with the auto industry, unemployment and the negative picture the national media continually paints, but for one of our own local athletes to stand on a national stage and not only thank Detroit, but actually talk about how the city is making a comeback proves he has embraced the city—and I'm pretty sure his speech will have even his biggest skeptics embracing him in 2012.
What do you think? Did his speech win you over?
Follow Ryan Wooley on Twitter @WooleyMammoth85
