There’s no denying how important tonight’s game is for the Detroit Lions and their fans. A team that has not won a playoff game since the early 1990s, finally getting a chance to host a playoff matchup, and the Lions faithful are fired up for the opportunity.
The fact that the matchup includes a homecoming for former Lions’ first-round pick, Matthew Stafford is another layer to an already intense playoff atmosphere. But with Stafford coming back looking to take a victory away from his former team, the welcome mat will not be rolled out this week for the Detroit legend.
Matthew Stafford Jersey Ban
Naturally, when you’re the No. 1 overall pick and the best quarterback in franchise history, your jersey is going to be bought by the fan base.
However, ahead of the Lions and Los Angeles Rams matchup tonight, Detroit fans are sending a message to not make the mistake of wearing a Stafford jersey tonight.
The rallying cry for the anti-Stafford jersey movement was sparked by Erik Olson, the owner of Thomas Magee’s, a popular Detroit bar. Olson took to Facebook to tell patrons who plan to come to his establishment for the game will be turned away if they try doing so wearing a Stafford jersey.
Olson did not hold back at all when it came to his feelings on the matter.
“PSA: please refrain from trying to enter Thomas Magee’s on game day with Lions Stafford jerseys. You’ll be turned away at the door. It’s our first home (playoff) game in 30 years, use some common sense. Regards, Ownership.
“If you’re a Lions fan and you had to wait 30 years for this freaking game and you sit down in my pub and you’re planning on watching a couple of playoff games, then going to the Lions game and coming back afterward, I’m going to provide an environment for you where you can party like devils,” Olson said.
“For Detroit Lions fans and even away fans, but I’m not going to put some little contrarian thorn in your side next to you that just wants to play devil’s advocate.
“Any other game I wouldn’t really mind, but this is big,” Olson continued. “Anybody who is a Detroiter knows how big this game is.”
Whether you agree or disagree on the matter, Olson has a take, and it looks like many around the Detroit area agree with his point. This game is too big of a moment to wear the jersey of a man who looks to take it from them.
Kelly Stafford Takes Offense to the Movement
The movement to not wear your Stafford jersey has continued to grow throughout the week, so much so that Matthew’s wife, Kelly, caught wind of it and gave her thoughts on the matter in a comment section of an Instagram post.
“Well this is sad because it’s the complete opposite of how we feel about this city, but Matthew has always been the bigger person and will continue to be that. Praying for an incredible game with zero injuries.”
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It looks as if Kelly is taking the high road, but those who read the comment seem to be taking exception to the “better person,” comment she threw in there.
Either way, it’s going to be an intense matchup with several elements at play setting up great drama for NFL fans who will tune in to watch.
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