By Blessing 
Could Matthew Stafford Become the Lions’ Nightmare Again?
An unexpected prediction from a respected NFL analyst is stirring up talk that former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford may not be hanging up his cleats anytime soon—potentially keeping him on the field long enough to become a familiar problem for his former team once again.
It might feel like ages since Stafford left the Motor City in a blockbuster trade that brought Jared Goff to Detroit, but in reality, it’s only been a few years. The veteran QB has since cemented his place in Los Angeles with the Rams, even winning a Super Bowl, while Goff has carved out a new chapter leading the Lions’ resurgence.
Now 37, Stafford has reached the age where many quarterbacks start considering life after football. The physical toll of the game, especially at that level, is punishing. While 37 isn’t considered “old” in everyday life, it’s definitely pushing the limits in the NFL, where most players retire sometime in their 30s—some even earlier.
With that context, many fans and analysts believed this season could be Stafford’s last ride. But not everyone is convinced.
Analyst Predicts Stafford Isn’t Done Yet
In a recent piece published on June 24 by CBS Sports, NFL analyst Tyler Sullivan highlighted 10 players who might be heading into their final NFL seasons. Unsurprisingly, Aaron Rodgers made the list, with his own comments fueling retirement rumors. “While our collective jaws got nowhere near close to the floor upon hearing this news from Rodgers,” Sullivan writes, “he may not be the only one looking at the 2025 season as his final go around, and some who do decide to call it a career after this year could surprise us.”
Matthew Stafford was also included in the article—but Sullivan’s prediction went in the opposite direction. Rather than expecting Stafford to bow out, he believes the quarterback could be sticking around even longer.
“Stafford’s tenure with the Rams nearly came to an end this offseason as the veteran quarterback flirted with other prospective teams before ultimately deciding to reunite with the Rams via a two-year extension,” Sullivan noted. “So, Stafford is technically under contract through 2026, but retirement has loomed over him over the last few years as well.”
Sullivan acknowledged that retirement wouldn’t be shocking, especially since Stafford is heading into a season at age 37. But he added something that Detroit fans may find unsettling: “Stafford is still playing at an extremely high level, and the Rams are expected to be in the thick of the Super Bowl conversation through his remaining contract. With that in mind, outside of injury reasons, it’d likely be hard to walk away with this team once again knocking on the door.”
If Sullivan’s prediction holds true, that could mean more postseason matchups between Stafford and his former team—something many in Detroit are ready to move past.
Goff Is All-In on Detroit
While Stafford’s future is filled with questions, Jared Goff’s commitment to Detroit seems stronger than ever. On June 30, the WNBA announced a significant development for the city’s sports scene: Detroit will be getting a WNBA expansion team by 2029.
Even more impressive? Goff is one of the lead investors in the project. Alongside Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and Lions team owner Sheila Hamp, Goff is helping bring women’s professional basketball back to the city.
It’s not just athletes getting involved, either. The investor list includes a mix of familiar and powerful names—former NBA stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber, rap icon Eminem, and even General Motors CEO Mary Barra.
This move reflects Goff’s deeper connection to the city, going far beyond football. He’s shown through both his leadership on the field and his investment in the community that Detroit isn’t just a pit stop in his career—it’s become home.
What’s Next for Detroit and Stafford?
If Stafford stays true to Sullivan’s prediction and plays through the rest of his Rams contract, Detroit could be facing more high-stakes games against a quarterback who knows their system, their culture, and their fans inside and out. And let’s face it—there’s a certain dramatic flair to former players coming back to test their old teams.
But in the meantime, the Lions have something they haven’t had in a long time: stability. With Goff thriving and investing in Detroit’s future, the team is no longer looking back with regret—they’re moving forward with confidence.
Still, if Stafford does end up extending his run, Lions fans may need to brace themselves. The story between Detroit and Matthew Stafford might not be over just yet.