The chatter has already begun with some fans. Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has now suffered fractures in his back in two consecutive season. Back issues are always taken seriously, and at 31 years old, Stafford is likely closer to the end of his NFL career than the start of it. So, naturally, some are starting to wonder if these injuries are starting to make the veteran quarterback reconsider his commitment to playing this game, or if the injury itself could force him to retire early.
But Stafford was resolute in his love of the game when he met with the media on Wednesday.