Matthew Stafford uses Clayton Kershaw’s name as audible (Video)

NFL signal callers use all kinds of words to signal audibles, and Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford unveiled one on Monday night.

The presence of on-field microphones in the NFL can be a double-edged sword, with occasional foul language picked up as players express frustration. But we also get to hear quarterback change plays, and use specific words to call audibles.

Peyton Manning got a lot of attention of his use of “Omaha!’ to signal an audible, and the Denver Broncos appear to still use the word at times now. Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr trolled the Seahawks with “Seattle” on Sunday against the Jets, before throwing a touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree instead of handing the ball to running back Marshawn Lynch in a goal line situation.

It’s well documented that Detroit Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles Dodgers ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw grew up together in Texas, and are close friends still today. Kershaw was Stafford’s center when the two played football together, while Stafford was Kershaw’s catcher in baseball. It’s fitting that one guy took a backseat, but still had a vital role, while the other shined in the sport they were obviously best at.

Stafford and Kershaw are the highest-paid players in their respective sports now. On Monday night against the New York Giants, Stafford seemed to acknowledge Kershaw with an audible call in the third quarter.

Stafford clearly says “give me Kershaw here! Kershaw!”, prompting analyst Jon Gruden to openly ask if he said Kershaw. Of course he did, as an ode to his friend.

Next: 5 NFL head coaches pouring stiff drinks after Week 2

Stafford, as most veteran quarterbacks are, has been given significant leeway to change plays at the line of scrimmage once the defense shows itself. “Kershaw” may continue to be used as a keyword for audibles in the Lions’ offense, but it’s meaning will have to change each week.