Matthew Stafford Leaves Cowboys Game Injured

Matthew Stafford hasn't been with the Detroit Lions in a few years, but we still follow him here in Detroit. Why not? He was with us with more than a decade, so of course we're curious about his career going forward.

During today's (Oct. 29)  Los Angels Rams game against the Dallas Cowboys, Stafford left early with an injury.

The Rams quarterback suffered a thumb injury, during a two-point conversion attempt at the end of the first half. He left in the third quarter of the Los Angeles Rams game, with saw the team falling 43-20 to the Dallas Cowboys. Backup quarterback Brett Rypien replaced him.

Watching the game, it was obvious that Stafford was suffering after he threw an incomplete pass and his thumb came into contact with a member of the Cowboys. He grabbed his right throwing hand and was noticeably in pain, trying to shake out the injury. He didn't want to leave the game, though, and came back in the third quarter to throw a touchdown to Ben Skowronek. But, Stafford left the game later, with Rypien stepping in for him.

Stafford left the game when the Rams were down 33-17. No word yet on if this will be a longstanding injury or if Stafford will be back next week. Either way, the Rams are not scheduled to play the Lions this season, so it won't matter to Lions fans. At least, not during the regular season. Sadly, Stafford wasn't the only one who got injured today. Vikings quarterback, and former Spartan, Kirk Cousins suffered a major injury near the end of the Viking's game against the Packers. That could be a season-ending injury, but hopefully not. We should know more by tomorrow on both injuries. Also, as we talk about on "The Squad," tomorrow is Monday Night Football with the Lions. Reach out to Anne Erickson here if you want to talk football.

We can talk about the best quarterbacks or coaches or running backs in the NFL until we're blue in the face. But, what makes the game really exciting to watch are the personalities behind those players and staffers. Of course, having a fun personality isn't all there is in the NFL. We love watching these guys go at it on the field and witnessing their athleticism. We also love seeing expert coaches leading their teams to victories. But, having a really cool, larger-than-life personality certainly helps. So, what players have the best personalities in the NFL right now?

Before we get to our current list, let's look at some of the most best personalities in the NFL of all time. Bleacherreport.com has a listicle out of the players with the most colorful personalities of all time. Topping that list is Terrell Owens. "Love him or hate him, T.O. has the most colorful personality," they state in the article. "Over his career, he's shown all the qualities: arrogance/confidence, drama (all of 2005 in Philadelphia), excitement, unpredictably, crying (that Tony Romo press conference) and humor." That's a good call. Coming in at No. 2 is the legendary Joe Namath. "Who else could get away with wearing sunglasses on the sideline?" they exclaim. "With the long hair, the occasional Fu Manchu and the playboy attitude, he was the most compelling figure in sports during the late 1960s and early 1970s."

So, what about right now? I looked at the current season and picked a range of roles, from quarterback to coach to tight end. These guys have stood out this season for either their larger-than-life personalities or situations. Also, we discuss the current NFL in the latest episode of my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," which you can listen to below. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Patrick Mahomes, of course, is the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. He's considered the best quarterback of his era and possibly the next Tom Brady. But, aside from his skills, he also has a big personality. He has more than 6 million Instagram followers, and he posts a bunch of stuff up there, from football material to family photos.

Travis Kelce, the celebrated tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is pretty much the most famous guy in football this season. Yes, it's because of his relationship with Taylor Swift. I hate to make that a reason to have him named one of the best personalities in the NFL, but heck, even without the Taylor factor, Kelce has a huge personality that people love.

All eyes are on Dan Campbell this season, as the Lions all pulling off some incredible things. That's not common for the Detroit Lions, either. But, Campbell has some of the wackiest ideas and quotes, and that makes him loveable. Remember that time he wanted a pet Lion at practices? I love this dude.

Bill Belichick needs no introduction, but we'll introduce him anyway. He's the former head coach and general manager of the New England Patriots. He's had some rough years as of late, but nothing can take away his glimmering record. Belichick just tells it like it is. He's incredible with strategies, and that really stands out with his coaching.

Jalen Hurts, the star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, is something of a hero on the field. But, off the field, he's known for his deep, insightful comments that show he has wisdom beyond his years. He's a major contender and personality.