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A farewell, from a fan-for-life.
Dear 9,
Dear 9,
I’ll be honest, I didn’t really start watching the #Lions, or any football for that matter, until 2008. Rough year to start, right?
But that year, ultimately, was a good thing for the city of Detroit. It meant that we got to pick our guy.
But that year, ultimately, was a good thing for the city of Detroit. It meant that we got to pick our guy.
Within 3 years, you turned this team, that didn’t win a single game, into a playoff team. Something that this city hadn’t accomplished in over a decade.
You brought us hope.
You brought us hope.
That year, you threw for over 5,000 yards and 40+ TDs, becoming just the 4th Quarterback ever to do so. (At the time)
You put Detroit on the map, when we hadn’t been for quite some time.
You put Detroit on the map, when we hadn’t been for quite some time.
We had our ups and downs, from injuries to 4th quarter comebacks. You’ve been the face of the city since you arrived. You’ve played through so much, probably more than we even know. You gave this team your all, and we greatly appreciate you for that.
You’ve been an amazing role model and leader for this community. You’ve been an amazing family man and teammate. The way you look after and cared for those that are close to you, as well as those in the community, has been nothing short of inspiring.
You’ve brought so much to this city. Excitement, energy, passion, toughness. You laid it all on the line, every Sunday, to bring this city a winner.
Though things may not have ended how we hoped they would, you will forever be loved throughout the fanbase.
Though things may not have ended how we hoped they would, you will forever be loved throughout the fanbase.
You stuck it out there, and stayed loyal through many unfulfilling seasons, teams and regimes. Sorry we couldn’t surround you with the help you needed. Sorry we couldn’t win with you. I know you wanted to win for this city so bad.
It’s been so amazing to have you as our leader for 12 years. I hope you land in a good situation where you can get your ring, that you so greatly deserve.
And to wherever that may be: you guys are getting a great one. The toughest, clutchest and hungriest out there.
And to wherever that may be: you guys are getting a great one. The toughest, clutchest and hungriest out there.
And I guess this is it. Thank you for these great times and good memories. You will always be part of #OnePride. When you make your return to Detroit, Ford Field will be as loud as it’s ever been.
Thank you, 9, for everything you gave us. Good luck wherever you go.
Thank you, 9, for everything you gave us. Good luck wherever you go.
A few of Matthew’s accolades from his time in Detroit:
- Fastest to 20,000 / 30,000 / 40,000 / 45,000 career passing yards
- 2011 CBPOY
- NFL Record 4th Quarter Comebacks in a Season (8)
- 3rd all-time Passing Yards / Game
- First QB with 60% comp. in every game in a season
- Fastest to 20,000 / 30,000 / 40,000 / 45,000 career passing yards
- 2011 CBPOY
- NFL Record 4th Quarter Comebacks in a Season (8)
- 3rd all-time Passing Yards / Game
- First QB with 60% comp. in every game in a season
And holds pretty much every
#Lions record at the QB position.
#Lions record at the QB position.
On a personal note,
It’s going to be extremely tough seeing someone other than 9 at QB this year. He’s been pretty much the only signal-caller I’ve ever known for my team. I wish him the best and really hope he gets his ring. He deserves every bit of it.
Thank you, Matthew.
It’s going to be extremely tough seeing someone other than 9 at QB this year. He’s been pretty much the only signal-caller I’ve ever known for my team. I wish him the best and really hope he gets his ring. He deserves every bit of it.
Thank you, Matthew.
Maybe someone could pass this along to him for me and my fellow fans. @Tyrellcrosby @lions @TJLang70 @MarvinJonesJr @BarrySanders
