Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has an optimistic update on his wife Kelly's recover from brain surgery and on the adjustment he and his teammates are making under new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
Stafford has said little publicly since Kelly underwent a 12-hour operation in April. She has posted occasional updates on Instagram on her condition and progress.
Stafford spoke of Kelly's recovery, and the couple's gratitude over public support, in an appearance Wednesday evening on the Mitch Albom Show on WJR-760 AM.
Stafford was appearing at the seventh annual Taste of the Lions at Ford Field.
"She's doing good," Stafford said. "I think she's kind of right where the doctors want her to be at this point in her recovery."
When asked about support from well-wishers, Stafford replied: "I know she and I both appreciate it."
View photos from the 2019 Taste of the Lions event at Ford Field in Detroit on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Trey Flowers at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Tyrell Crosby and Leo Koloamatangi at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions Cheerleaders and Roary at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Frank Ragnow and Rick Wagner at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Danny Amendola at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions superfans with Former Detroit Lions tackle Lomas Brown at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taylor Decker takes a selfie with a fan at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Danny Amendola at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Kerryon Johnson at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Former Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Marvin Jones Jr. with his mother-in-law at the Nothing Bundt Cakes stand at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Frank Ragnow at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Da'Shawn Hand and Isaac Nauta at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Former Detroit Lions tackle Lomas Brown Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Devon Kennard at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Larry Lee & The Back In The Day Band at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Danny Amendola at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Roary with Crackman at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Fans at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taylor Decker at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Jahlani Tavai at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Larry Lee & The Back In The Day Band at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions Cheerleaders at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Former Detroit Lions cornerback Lem Barney at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Fans take a selfie at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Herman Moore at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Quandre Diggs at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Miles Killebrew at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Christian Jones at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Jamal Adams at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Zach Zenner and Will Harris at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Fans take a selfie with Marvin Jones Jr. at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Don Muhlbach signs a wine glass at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Zach Zenner and Will Harris at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Frank Ragnow and Rick Wagner at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Danny Amendola at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Matt Prater and Sam Martin at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Juwon Young and Jahlani Tavai at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
A'Shawn Robinson at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Frank Ragnow and Rick Wagner at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Amani Oruwariye at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Graham Glasgow at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Jonathan Duhart and Travis Fulgham at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions team president Rod Wood with fans at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Former Lions running back Joique Bell at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Marvin Jones Jr. at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Devon Kennard at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Trey Flowers at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Logan Thomas and Jesse James at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Lions superfans at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Eric Hipple at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Billy Sims at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Graham Glasgow at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Matthew Stafford at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Fans take a selfie with Tre Lamar and Anthony Pittman at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Da'Shawn Hand at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Matthew Stafford Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Roary enjoys a slider from Ruth's Chris at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Christian Jones at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Danny Amendola at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Jarrad Davis at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Sweta Patel with Detroit Lions owner and chairman Martha Firestone Ford at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Matthew Stafford at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Tavon Wilson at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Don Muhlbach at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Jesse James at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Silent auction at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Jarrad Davis at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Billy Sims at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn with Mitch Albom on a WJR radio broadcast at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Matthew Stafford at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Matthew Stafford at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions owner and chairman Martha Firestone Ford at Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
Taste of the Lions on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Detroit.
He added that playing quarterback for the Lions for 10 years has made him more accustomed than Kelly is to being the focal point of public reaction. However, she has been more active than Matthew on social media.
"I'm a little more used to people all over either being involved or knowing what's going on in our lives," Stafford said. "I think for her, it was awesome, and I know she leaned on it a lot. It was great."
Stafford has kept up to date with what's happening with the team overall and the offense in particular. That includes personnel moves, both in the draft and free-agent signings.
Stafford has been participating in the Lions' offseason workouts. He has not been available for any of the weekly interviews.
There is a significant difference in the offense Bevell is installing than the one he ran since Jim Bob Cooter became offensive coordinator midway through the 2015 season.
"It's kind of like learning a new language," Stafford said. "It really is. It's different. This is my fourth different coordinator and fourth different language to learn. Guys are really diving in, and he's doing a good job of teaching it."
There is no shortcut, Stafford said.
View photos from phase two of the 2019 voluntary offseason workout program in Allen Park, Mich.
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn watches phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew bench presses during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins and Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner compete in a drill during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Jerome Cunningham during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Andre Chachere during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew and Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Andrew Adams bench presses during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Charles Washington during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Offensive line during phase two of the voluntary offseason program on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
"It takes a while," he said. "You get a ton of work in practice. The way we practice here, it's high intensity all the time. It's game-like situations as much as we possibly can do it, and it really helps us.
"Every player learns it differently. It takes reps and time together to go out there and do it."
The Lions made moves in the offseason to bolster the offense and defense in head coach Matt Patricia's plan to build a stronger, tougher team on both sides of the ball.
Stafford follows the draft closely. He said he did not have any preference over who the Lions drafted – offense or defense – but was happy for tight end T.J. Hockenson being drafted in the first round because he knew what the experience means to young players.
"It's such a cool experience," Stafford said. "To think back 10 or 11 years ago (the 2009 draft), I was doing that. I'm just happy for those guys. It's such a cool new chapter in their lives. Hopefully, he (Hockenson) can helps us win, and all those guys succeed.
"At this point, I just want who can help us win. I don't care what position. I just want good picks."
