How Many Years Has Matthew Stafford Played in the NFL?

It’s hard to believe that Matthew Stafford has already been playing in the NFL for 11 years. He was drafted #1 overall in 2009 by the Detroit Lions and has been their starting quarterback ever since. Stafford has had some great moments during his career, but he has also dealt with his share of injuries. let’s take a look at how many years he has played in the NFL.

Introduction

Matthew Stafford has played in the NFL for eleven seasons. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Stafford has been selected to three Pro Bowls and is a two-time NFL passing yards leader.

Early Life and High School Career

Matthew Stafford was born on February 7, 1988, in Tampa, Florida to parents John and Peerless Stafford. His father was a prominent quarterback at the University of Georgia during the 1980s. Stafford’s family then moved to Dallas, Texas when he was just seven years old where his father took a job as an assistant coach at Highland Park High School. It was here that Stafford began to develop his skills as a quarterback. He played on the Highland Park junior varsity team during his freshman and sophomore years before being promoted to the varsity team for his junior season. As a junior, Stafford led Highland Park to the Class 4A Division I state semifinals. He then threw for 5 touchdown passes in a 52-7 win over crosstown rivals Euless Trinity in the state quarterfinals.

College Career

Matthew Stafford played college football at the University of Georgia from 2006 to 2008. As a freshman, he set the NCAA record for most passing yards in a game (534) and was named the SEC Freshman of the Year. In his sophomore season, Stafford threw for 2,523 yards and 13 touchdowns. He earned First-team All-SEC honors after his junior season in which he threw for 3,332 yards and 24 touchdowns.

NFL Career

Matthew Stafford was drafted first overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft. He has played for the Lions his entire career, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times. As of 2019, he is the NFL’s highest-paid player.

Conclusion

Matthew Stafford has been in the NFL for 11 years.