USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Stafford spent 12 years in Detroit. He made many memories, even though he never won a playoff game there.
The quarterback, who recently traded the Lions to the Rams, leaves something permanent behind in Detroit.
Stafford and his wife, Kelly, announced Thursday that they pledged $ 1 million to help build a new training center with SAY Detroit. SAY Detroit is a non-profit organization that aims to help low-income students overcome inequalities and educational challenges.
‘The Kelly and Matthew Stafford & Friends Education Center’ will be built in Detroit’s Lipke Park on the grounds of SAY Detroit’s Play Center. The 20,000-square-foot facility will include six classrooms, learning laboratories, an auditorium and vocational training space.
“There are not enough words to truly express how grateful we are that we have lived here for the past twelve years,” Kelly Stafford wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. ‘We came here for football, but we leave with a sense of home and love. Loving not only for this city and the Lions organization, but also a love for the people that make up this community. Detroit supported our family, not only by showing up on Sundays, but also by our most difficult times. You took us in as your own and made Detroit feel like home and that’s what became our home.
“It was our goal to always give back to the city. Detroit and its people have blessed us in so many ways; we just hope you felt our gratitude through our joy of giving back to the city. ”