How Long Has Stafford Been In The NFL?

Stafford has been in the NFL for 10 years now. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

NFL Career

Matthew Stafford was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He is the franchise’s all-time leading passer, and held the NFL record for the most passing yards in a season (5,038) until Drew Brees broke it in 2011. Stafford also has the most 400-yard passing games in NFL history.

Stafford’s NFL debut

Stafford made his NFL debut on September 13, 2009, against the New Orleans Saints. He came in relief of Daunte Culpepper, who had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon earlier in the game. Stafford finished the game completing 7 of 12 passes for 93 yards and one touchdown.

Stafford’s first NFL start

In his rookie season, Stafford was named the starting quarterback for the Lions’ Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints. He became the first rookie quarterback in franchise history to start a season opener. He finished the game completing 20-of-32 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns in a 45–27 loss.

Off-Season

Stafford has been in the NFL for a total of 12 seasons. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Stafford has played his entire career with the Lions.

Stafford’s injury history

Stafford has been hampered by injuries throughout his NFL career. He missed most of the 2010 season with a shoulder injury, and then missed much of the 2011 season with a broken thumb. He played in all 16 games in 2012, but was limited by a back injury in 2013. In 2014, he missed most of the season with a torn ACL.

Stafford’s contract extension

In 2017, the Lions extended Stafford’s contract through the 2022 season. The deal is worth $135 million, with $92 million guaranteed, making it the richest contract in NFL history at the time of signing.

Stafford’s Legacy

Matthew Stafford has been the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions since he was drafted first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He is the Lions’ all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions. He has also been to three Pro Bowls. Stafford is one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL and he is still relatively young. Let’s take a look at Stafford’s legacy.

Stafford’s retirement

Stafford has played 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Lions. He has a career record of 92-72-1 as a starter, with 174 touchdown passes and 118 interceptions.

Stafford has been to the playoffs six times in his career, but he has never won a playoff game. His best season came in 2011, when he threw for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Stafford’s Hall of Fame chances

With ten seasons under his belt, Stafford has already achieved a great deal in his NFL career. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2011. He’s also one of only four quarterbacks to throw for 5,000 yards in a single season, a feat he’s accomplished twice. But what about his legacy? Does he have a chance to be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday?

The answer may surprise you. Although Stafford is still young and has plenty of time to add to his accomplishments, he’s already built up a strong case for eventual enshrinement in Canton. Here are some of the reasons why:

-He ranks sixth all-time in passing yards per game, ahead of Hall of Famers Steve Young, Dan Marino, and Warren Moon.
-He ranks seventh all-time in passing touchdowns, ahead of legitimate Hall of Fame candidates such as Kurt Warner and Randall Cunningham.
-His career passer rating of 89.9 is better than that of both Troy Aikman and Terry Bradshaw, both of whom are already in the Hall of Fame.

There’s no doubt that Stafford has already cemented his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. And with several more good years under his belt, he could find himself one day joining the game’s greatest players in Canton.