As the Detroit Lions gear up for a highly anticipated season opener, one familiar face will be notably absent from Ford Field. Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback and former Lions star, Matthew Stafford, has made it clear that she will not be attending the game. Her decision, along with candid remarks on her podcast "The Morning After," adds layers of personal narrative to an already intriguing matchup.
During a recent episode of her podcast, Kelly revealed her plans to skip the opener, opting instead to watch from the comfort of her home with her daughters. This decision comes after the frosty reception the Stafford family received during last season's wild card playoff game at Ford Field, where both Kelly and Matthew faced heavy boos from the Lions' faithful. "Physically, I will not [be attending the game in Detroit],” she shared on her podcast. “After our amazing, amazing live show, I’m going to hop on a plane and head home so I can watch it with my daughters here, so that’s the plan" (Billy Riccette, USA Today).
The atmosphere at Ford Field is expected to be electric, and it seems Kelly is well aware of what she and her family would be facing if they attended. She described last year's playoff experience as "crazy" and anticipated similar energy for the opener. "Sunday Night Football first week is incredible. It’ll be so fun," Kelly said. "That atmosphere is gonna be so crazy again. I could not imagine, actually I could, ‘cause the playoff was just like that. You know it’ll be a good game" (Sports Illustrated).
Kelly also mentioned that her daughters were part of the decision-making process. "I actually asked them if they wanted to go back," she explained. "And they said ‘no.’ So that is another reason we won’t be returning for the game" (Billy Riccette, USA Today). Dealing with such intense scrutiny and negative reception has clearly taken its toll on her mental health and played a significant role in her choice to stay away.
Matthew Stafford will therefore return to face his former team without his family's physical support in the stands. Despite this absence, the narrative surrounding him and his departure from Detroit continues to stir mixed emotions among Lions fans. It's a moment rife with passion and history, and even though Kelly and the kids won't be there, the game is sure to be a dramatic affair.
The emotional stakes add another layer to what is already a high-stakes game for both teams. Detroit fans will have to content themselves with the thrill of the football action, while Kelly and her daughters will be watching from afar, rooting in the comfort of their home. As they say, sometimes absence speaks louder than presence, and this Sunday night, Kelly Stafford's absence will likely resonate throughout Ford Field.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Kelly Stafford not attending Sunday night opener in Detroit from Yahoo! Entertainment
Matthew Stafford's wife Kelly will MISS Week 1 game in Detroit from Daily Mail
Kelly Stafford not attending Sunday night opener in Detroit from Billy Riccette, USA Today
Kelly Stafford Will Not Attend Lions Season Opener from Sports Illustrated