Daunte Culpepper Showing Some Class in Supporting Stafford As Lions' Starting QB

For all you Dante Culpepper haters out there, you have to give the man credit. 

He's showing a lot of class and doing his best not to upset any team chemistry.

Culpepper released the following statement through the Detroit Lions:

“Now that the debate is over and the decision has been made regarding the starting quarterback in Detroit, I would like to make the following statement today so that tomorrow I can put all of my energy into helping our team prepare for our opponent.

“The reason I agreed to restructure my contract in order to stay in Detroit was because I knew that I would have a chance to have a full offseason for the first time in over three years. I also knew that I would have an opportunity to finally compete against whoever the Lions brought in whether via free agency, trade, or the draft.

When the Lions selected Matthew Stafford first overall I was excited. My position is that if you want to be the best you have to beat the best. Coach Schwartz gave me a fair opportunity to compete for the starting job and now the decision has been made that Matt is the best quarterback in Detroit.

I support the decision and I am ready to settle into my role. Matt is a great guy and a talented young quarterback. I am confident that he will lead this team to plenty of victories in Detroit for a long time to come. I look forward to helping Matt in that mission in any way that I can this year.

My role as his backup is not to be seen unless needed and not to be heard from unless required. The Lions organization has treated me with respect and class and they can expect the same from me.”

Like it or not, Schwartz named Matthew Stafford the starting quarterback on Monday.  Culpepper could be pouting right now, but he's elected to take the high road and be as supportive as he can be and be ready in case Stafford falters.

This will take a lot of pressure off Stafford. He will have the chance to learn the offense and get used to NFL defenses. 

I'm still unsure of Schwartz's decision to make Stafford the starter. However, for the 2009 season, the Lions are in pretty good shape. They realize they aren't going to be a contender this year, so get the rookie some reps and see what he can do...and take him out if it gets too embarrassing.

Props to Culpepper for being a team player.