DETROIT – It’s no secret that Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford are incredible athletes and top-notch quarterbacks. Both play at the highest level and this Sunday’s showdown in Motown promises to be another memorable game. I can’t wait for this season to get started.

But beyond the stats and on-field glory, few sports analysts will be talking about Goff and Stafford as people this weekend. We won’t hear much about their integrity, their humanity or their love for their families, friends and the city of Detroit.

Of course, Kelly Stafford is going to make headlines because that’s Kelly’s job – sometimes accidentally. She recently revealed on our podcast that she won’t be going to the game this Sunday. Traveling with four little girls and dealing with passionate fans (Google “Kelly Stafford getting booed” if you’re bored, and yes, she understands it was a playoff game) can be quite exhausting.

The headline in most media outlets was, “Kelly Stafford is not coming to Detroit.” That’s not true. Kelly is coming to town this weekend, but the focus is not on what happens on the field.

Kelly and Matthew invested a huge amount of money in the development of the SAY PLAY Center in Detroit. Together with Mitch Albom, they built the center and created a safe place for learning and entertainment for the children in the area.

Yes, they wrote a huge check, but they are also heavily involved. Kelly and Matthew are no strangers to the kids there. I have witnessed the progress: Day 1: “OMG, Matthew Stafford is here.” Visit 50: “Kelly and Matthew, what’s up?”

The kids don’t see them as superstars anymore. Instead, they’re the cool people who come to support them. No, Kelly won’t be at the game. But she will be in Detroit making an impact where it really counts.

Meanwhile, in Detroit, Christen and Jared Goff are creating their own legacy of generosity, and it’s beyond impressive. I knew Christen through a mutual friend in Los Angeles, and she connected us via group text shortly after Jared’s transfer.

I remember during my first Toys 4 Tots drive, I texted to ask if they would be interested in donating. The next day, Christen pulled up to our donation truck and her SUV was full of toys and soccer balls.

They have donated every year. Last year she even ordered over 100 soccer balls, only to have them arrive deflated. She spent the whole night pumping up each one because she didn’t want to disappoint the children.

Jared is involved in several projects that give back to local children, and Christen quickly found her place at Forgotten Harvest. The organization works to feed those in need throughout the area. She has been to the farm, where she works in the fields, and to the processing center on 8 Mile Road, where she packs boxes.

She often travels alone and works with other volunteers who are all there for the same reason: to help others.

I spoke to the CEO there and he said when the Goffs came to town, he wanted to make contact, but Christen beat him to it. She wanted to come and see how they could make a difference, and they’ve done that in a big way.

We’re lucky here in Detroit. We have a great quarterback in Jared Goff. We were lucky to have Matthew Stafford for so many years. No, he didn’t win the Lions a Super Bowl, but few would argue that he didn’t give it his all. They’re both tough, focused and determined.

The real blessing for Detroit is that they both understand the importance of giving back. They both love this city and both of their families are fully involved.

No matter what happens this Sunday, thanks to the work they and their families continue to do, we are all winners.

Now let’s have a great football game!