Stafford wants to be a Lion

Stafford wants to be a Lion
February 25
Detroit News

"Quarterback Matthew Stafford is welcoming the prospect of being selected by the Lions with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft with open arms -- literally.

In a Sports Illustrated profile on Stafford titled "Searching for Bobby Layne" -- the issue hits newsstands today -- senior NFL writer Peter King shares some behind-the-scenes tales from last week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

"I'm being completely honest, and it has nothing to do with money -- I would love to go to Detroit," Stafford told King, echoing comments he made in a 15-minute news conference earlier Friday at the combine. "My friends say, 'C'mon, gimme a break.' But I'm a competitive guy. The Lions have passionate fans, a great stadium, and I'd be throwing to the biggest freak (Calvin Johnson), with the most talent, of any receiver in the NFL."

The Lions' top brass, including head coach Jim Schwartz, had a two-hour dinner with Stafford on Thursday night in Indianapolis. By all accounts, it went well. Well enough, in fact, that Stafford felt comfortable enough the next day to sneak up behind Lions president Tom Lewand and give him a bear hug, King reports.

"Come on!" Stafford told Lewand, laughing. "Let's go! I'm ready!""
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