"Daunte Culpepper declined to speak with the media Monday after coach Jim Schwartz announced rookie Matthew Stafford would be the team's starting quarterback. But Culpepper released a statement Tuesday -- the players' off day -- to share his thoughts on his role with the team.

"Now that the debate is over and the decision has been made regarding the starting quarterback in Detroit, I would like to make the following statement today so that tomorrow I can put all of my energy into helping our team prepare for our opponent," Culpepper said in a statement released by the team.

"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 off-season 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. "