Stafford welcomes challenge to help Lions rediscover roar

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Matt Stafford had a record-setting day at the NFL Draft on Saturday and was looking forward to the challenges ahead with the hapless Detroit Lions, who were winless in 16 games last season.

"I feel like I'm ready for the challenge," Stafford told reporters after being named top pick and receiving the largest ever draft day deal -- a six-year pact for $72 million with an extra $6 million in incentives.

The total package included a guaranteed $41.7 million.

"I've played in a lot of football games and I know what it takes to win. I'm anxious to learn what it takes to win at the NFL level," the former Georgia quarterback said.

The Lions knew nothing about winning last season in becoming the first NFL team to boast a woeful 0-16 record.

Besides trying to help turn around the listless Lions, owned by the Ford family, Stafford may face resentment over his huge contract in a city ravaged by unemployment and dependent on an auto industry devastated by the economy.

UNWELCOME RESPONSE

When his name was called as the first selection of the NFL Draft, fans wearing football jerseys in the third balcony of the Radio City Music Hall venue booed and chanted "overrated" as Stafford posed with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

"Everybody has their own opinion, and the number one thing I learned a long time ago is that you can't try to please everybody," the 21-year-old said.

"The number one thing I have to do is go in there and try to work hard for my teammates, my coaches, the owners, the team and get wins, because winning cures a lot of stuff and hopefully that's what I can do."

Stafford said he was amazed when he found out the specifics of his contract from his agent. "I was extremely surprised. I didn't know any of the numbers going in," he said.

"I just thank the Ford family for trusting me that much and putting their name out on the line for me because that's a lot of positive pressure for me. I like that.

"It's something I have to live up to and I have to prove that I'm worth it, and that's exciting for me."

Stafford noted that quick turnarounds were possible in the NFL and the Lions added a pass-catching target for him by claiming Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew with the 20th pick of the first round.

"If you look at past years, two years ago Miami won one game, and last year they're in the playoffs," Stafford said. "It obviously can be done."

(Editing by John O'Brien. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)