Matthew Stafford pledges $1 million to an education center in Detroit as his final thank you

After 12 years, the Matthew Stafford era in Detroit is over. Stafford was surprisingly traded from the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams upon his request, with Jared Goff and multiple high draft picks going to the Lions in exchange.

While Stafford had asked out in advance of a Lions rebuild, he still leaves with a great relationship between himself and the city of Detroit, and he has one more parting gift before departing for good. Along with his wife Kelly, Stafford is pledging $1 million towards an education center in Detroit as his final thank you.

“We came here for football, but we are leaving with a sense of home and endearment,” writes Kelly Stafford on Instagram.

“The new building will enable the Center to increase its student population who benefit from the center’s academic, athletic and arts programs, and service adults with job training programs, GED classes, and community events. This is the legacy we want to leave behind.”

It’s a touching and truly impactful gift that will benefit so many in the city of Detroit, and we’re sure that the Staffords will get a really special reception from fans upon their first time at Ford Field as the opponent.