Other than his arm strength, accuracy, football smarts, work ethic and poise under pressure, there is something else that makes Matthew Stafford special.

The 23-year-old Lions quarterback is a likable and humble guy.

Wide receiver Nate Burleson chatted about it this week, saying Stafford doesn’t walk around with his chin up. He’s one of the guys, he fits right in. It’s a little thing, but it’s important that a quarterback be liked by his teammates. That hasn’t always been the case with Lions quarterbacks — remember Joey Harrington.

While passing for 5,038 yards in just his first full season sets him apart, Stafford let the praise roll off his shoulders saying it was a team effort.

There is no bigger deal in this town right now than Stafford as the Lions head to their first playoff game since 1999. Reports on Twitter Thursday night said he was eating dinner out and approached by kids and their moms for pictures and not only complied but he was smiling and laughing while doing so.

When asked last week about being recognized out and about, he said it was all part of the deal. He appreciates the kind words offering him good luck.

When the Lions drafted Stafford with the first overall pick in 2009, they did their homework on him. They did a good job.

Matthew Stafford is the complete package.

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