Former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly, are doing their part to support their Michigan communities amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Kelly Stafford announced on Instagram the family will pay for meals of medical workers all over Michigan, where Matt has starred with the Lions since going there as the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NFL draft.
Matt Stafford played three seasons at Georgia, earning All-American his junior season (2008) before declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft.
Kelly was a cheerleader for the Bulldogs when she met Matt.
Several of the metro Detroit hospitals are nearing capacity on account of treating patients with the coronavirus. The Detroit Free Press reports the Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital has 450 coronavirus patients in its eight hospitals and another 185 have been tested and are waiting to receive their results.
The Staffords already pledged to cover $5,000 at the Royal Oak Wahlburgers’ location for orders made by first responders on Thursday between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., per Detroit television station WDIV.
The responders eligible include doctors, nurses, police officers and firefighters.
Kelly Stafford said on her Instagram the couple will be providing meals for first responders “at multiple restaurants in Michigan.” She will announce the other locations on her Instagram on Thursday.
“…. so if you work at a hospital, please go grab a meal on us and please stay safe and healthy. Thank you for all you do!”
Kelly Stafford had a tumor removed from her brain last April, a 12-hour procedure. Kelly made it clear in an ESPN story chronicling her recovery that she felt Detroit and the state of Michigan were very supportive in her time of need.
“I’ll say this: Detroit and Michigan really showed up,” Kelly Stafford said in her first-person ESPN story last October. “The Lions were incredible. They told Matthew to take all of the time and space he needed. And then, there were the fans.
“The amount of letters that poured into the facility — so many prayers, a lot of holy water — it was remarkable. Matthew joked that our house looked like a bootleg flower shop.”
And now that the Stafford’s home community is in need, it’s Kelly and Matt Stafford that are stepping up with much-needed support.
