How $41.7 million has changed Matthew Stafford?

So how much will Matthew Stafford’s life change now that he’s a No. 1 NFL draft pick and the owner of a contract worth at least $41.7 million?

“Every time I hear that number, I just kind of laugh,” Shaun Chapas, Stafford’s former Georgia teammate and roommate, said Monday. “Because a few months ago he was wondering if he had enough money left on a gift card to afford another $7 burrito at Barbarito’s.”

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AP

Matthew Stafford, Detroit’s top pick, plans on buying a ‘new Ford’ and a house for him mom with his new riches.

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Everything changed for Stafford, Georgia’s quarterback the past three seasons, when the Detroit Lions called his name Saturday.

Catching up with Stafford’s whirlwind:

First thing he’ll buy: He promises to get a new Ford to replace his “old” Chevy Tahoe. (The Lions are owned by the grandson and great-grandson of auto pioneer Henry Ford.) And he has said he wants to buy a house for his mom. (His parents are divorced.)

When he’ll play: Not necessarily at the start of his rookie season - but as soon as he is the Lions’ best quarterback, according to coach Jim Schwartz.

New number: No. 7 in high school and college, Stafford will wear No. 9 with the Lions, who retired No. 7 in honor of Hall of Famer Dutch Clark. Already, Stafford jerseys are on sale at detroitlions.com ($80).

Endorsement deals: His first is with Sprint, and more will follow. He’s hired the powerhouse IMG agency to negotiate them.

Dealing with Detroit: It’s a tough town, particularly on Lions quarterbacks. Stafford’s selection was booed by fans at the draft and at a team-sponsored party. Stafford said he appreciates the fans’ passion and will earn their cheers by winning.

Celebrating with friends: Stafford’s three UGA roommates—Chapas, Kris Durham and Fred Munzenmaier—were in New York for the draft and went out to dinner with Stafford and family Saturday night.

The day after: The Lions whisked Stafford to Detroit for a Sunday press conference. “It’s been pretty crazy,” he said there. “Dreams come true.”

Life as a multi-millionaire: Affluence isn’t new to Stafford, who grew up in the upscale Dallas neighborhood of Highland Park, but having his own money is new. “It’ll change his lifestyle,” Chapas said, “but I don’t think it’ll change him.”