Stafford talks Lions reputation, future and more on SportsCenter

BRISTOL, Conn. (WXYZ) - Matthew Stafford had a pretty entertaining week.

Last Saturday, after spending time at Super Bowl events in Indianapolis, the Lions third-year quarterback won the NFL's AP Comeback Player of the Year Award at the league's inaugural NFL Honors show.

Tuesday, he celebrated his 24th birthday in his home state of Texas.

Friday, he was tossing the pigskin around with ESPN SportsCenter anchor John Buccigross.

The Lions signal caller sat down on the 1pm edition of SportsCenter for a live interview with Buccigross' co-anchor Chris McKendry.

The interview started with McKendry pointing out Stafford's successful year and where he would have stood on the NFL's single-season passing list had it not been for Eli Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees' performances.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW.

McKendry asked the 24-year old about the season he had, touching on topics from Calvin Johnson to the health of the Georgia product.

On his 5,038 yard, 41 touchdown season:
"These guys play great and they had great season. It's a team goal," he said.

"You throw for 5,000 yards, that's not just me doing that. That's the offensive line blocking, the receivers catching and getting open, and running backs doing their thing. I'm just happy to be part of it."

McKendry asked Stafford about the stomping incident, the perception of the "dirty Lions" and if it all affected the team.

"Possibly," Stafford said.

"Obviously you don't want anything but the football team being talked about, but that happens, and we did a good job of putting that stuff behind us in the locker room, understanding what it takes to win games, went out there and just tried to put our best foot forward and play ball again.

McKendry ended the interview with a simple reflection on 2011: "One and done in the playoffs?"

Stafford's response: "No, hopefully we're going further. It's not fun going one and done, that's for sure."

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW