THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Matthew Stafford loves to indulge in sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, turkey and pecan pie on Thanksgiving.
For 12 seasons, the Pro Bowl quarterback enjoyed what seemed to be the perfect holiday routine.
He would suit up for a mid-day kickoff, as the Detroit Lions played host to an annual Thanksgiving Day game, then arrive home around 5 p.m. to enjoy a hearty meal and watch the final NFL game that night.
"Almost felt like a fan there or a little bit, had a bunch of family in town," Stafford recalled earlier this week.