We heard from Lions veteran QB Daunte Culpepper — now the backup in Detroit – on Tuesday as he issued a statement through the team in which he pledged to support rookie Matthew Stafford as the team’s starter this season.

Here’s what Culpepper, who didn’t speak to the media Monday, had to say in the release:

“The reason I agreed to restructure my contract in order to stay in Detroit was because I knew that I would have a chance to have a full offseason for the first time in over three years. I also knew that I would have an opportunity to finally compete against whoever the Lions brought in whether via free agency, trade or the draft.

“When the Lions selected Matthew Stafford first overall I was excited. My position is that if you want to be the best you have to beat the best. Coach (Jim) Schwartz gave me a fair opportunity to compete for the starting job and now the decision has been made that Matt is the best quarterback in Detroit. I support the decision and I am ready to settle into my role.

“Matt is a great guy and a talented young quarterback. I am confident that he will lead this team to plenty of victories in Detroit for a long time to come. I look forward to helping Matt in that mission in any way that I can this year. My role as his backup is not to be seen unless needed and not to be heard from unless required. The Lions organization has treated me with respect and class and they can expect the same from me.”

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