Stafford wins Espy for comeback of year
Former Georgia Bulldog (and current Detroit Lion) Matthew Stafford won an Espy award Wednesday night for best comeback.
Stafford, who suffered shoulder and leg injuries in his first two NFL seasons, started every game for the Lions last year, throwing for more than 5,000 yards and leading the team to its first playoff appearance in more than a decade.
Stafford and his girlfriend, Kelly Hall, arrive at Espy awards Wednesday. (AP Photo)
“I just want to thank my teammates,” he said. “It was a long couple of years and they stuck with me — the coaching staff, the owners, the GM, everybody. I can’t thank them enough for sticking with me, trusting me and understanding something great can happen.”
He also lauded the city of Detroit, which he said “is on a comeback of its own.”
“The city has been through a lot and we’re just one of the teams there that are trying to make them happy and proud, give them something to cheer for,” he said.
Stafford passed for more than 7,700 yards and 51 TDs during his three years at Georgia. He left after his junior year and was selected No. 1 overall by the Lions in the 2009 NFL draft.
Former Georgia Tech receiver Demaryius Thomas played a supporting role in another Espy. He caught the 80-yard pass from Denver QB Tim Tebow to beat the Steelers in last year’s AFC playoffs, a play that earned Tebow the award for “Best Moment.”
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28 comments Add your comment
stafford
July 12th, 2012
9:22 am
first
NomNomNomATL
July 12th, 2012
9:24 am
Damn Good Dawg
Quint in ATL
July 12th, 2012
9:26 am
Congratulations, Matt.
Jeffro Bodeen
July 12th, 2012
9:30 am
I think saying woof – woof would be totally inappropriate with his girlfriend in that photo!!!! Good job on landing that babe as well as the great season!
Stank Wren
July 12th, 2012
9:38 am
Matthew Stafford – Winning ESPYS and at life
evansdawg
July 12th, 2012
9:46 am
Well done, Matt!!! Way to represent!
Terminsilly Hip
July 12th, 2012
9:52 am
I thought he was dating Amanda Shires.
Turnt_UP!
July 12th, 2012
9:55 am
Wait, no mention of GT’s Bay Bay Thomas ESPY with Tebow for Best Play?
Really?
July 12th, 2012
10:06 am
He can hang his trophy on that nice rack in the picture.
Dave
July 12th, 2012
10:16 am
A DGD, but as far as the hottie…he’s making many millions a year, it’s not an accomplishment to have a girlfriend that’s a 10. It’s expected. He could probably have had about four of ‘em under each arm if he wanted to. Congrats Matt!
juvenal
July 12th, 2012
10:23 am
Calvin helped more than the girl, shoulda took him…..
Turtle Man
July 12th, 2012
10:29 am
I’ve seen turtles prettier than her.
“Live Action! Aye, Aye, Aye!”
KeepDreaming
July 12th, 2012
10:44 am
Looks like he got the trophy long ago…
Joel Provano
July 12th, 2012
10:45 am
Turnt, I added a mention of Thomas, although technically the award went to Tebow.. But thanks for pointing it out.
Greg
July 12th, 2012
11:03 am
Being from Detroit, I was the first to call my family there to tell them how lucky they were for both Calvin Johnson, and Matt Stafford when they were drafted. They both represent the type of people the city needs. I am told they both do tremendous work in the community. Stafford and Johnson are true class acts, and REAL GOOD football players too!
bob
July 12th, 2012
11:07 am
Matt, just remember to get an ironclad prenup before that gold digger takes everything
Mo
July 12th, 2012
11:16 am
Congrats Matt!
Erin
July 12th, 2012
11:28 am
You bring up a GT supporting player for an ESPY given to a former Florida Gator but no mention of Bubba Watson or Kyle Maynard. Both former UGA boys who garnered ESPYs as well.
urban redneck
July 12th, 2012
11:55 am
comeback? where has he been?
if no one notice, his girlfriend is crazy hot. wonder how the rich football players always get the girls.
Packed Colon
July 12th, 2012
12:08 pm
Really? You all are excited for a made for TV(read advertising revenue) award?
This is like giving the retarded kids a ribbon for just showing up.
lost in windy
July 12th, 2012
12:49 pm
An ESPY??? I thought we were talking about a real award. I’m sure the athletes treasure that along with Super Bowl, World Series and MVP awards.. Give me a break.
harold
July 12th, 2012
1:14 pm
STAFFORD IS A GOOD PLAYER. NO WHERE NEAR PEYTON MANNING STATUS—-BUT HE KNOWS THAT.
ESPYs | NewsTrendr
July 12th, 2012
1:17 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Burdell
July 12th, 2012
4:09 pm
Turnt, I added a mention of Thomas, although technically the award went to Tebow.. But thanks for pointing it out.
————————————————–
Then why is there a picture of D. Thomas holding the ESPY last night? On this website I might add….
Kyle
July 12th, 2012
5:50 pm
Nice job Matt…former UGA cheerleader and still loyal haha…Google Kelly Hall…
wally
July 12th, 2012
7:19 pm
I know you are human Matt, but my advise is to follow Tim Tebow and not let the ladies and the wild side ruin a good carrer
jack
July 12th, 2012
11:43 pm
uga cheerleader
Vampire Bill
July 18th, 2012
6:12 pm
Like to see more of Kelly !