Matthew Stafford, the former Detroit Lions and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback, is facing a big decision about his future, according to his wife, Kelly. Following the Rams’ 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on January 19, Stafford has been at the center of discussions about retirement and trade possibilities. With the Rams’ season over and the playoffs underway, the veteran quarterback is now focusing on what comes next.
Right after the Eagles game concluded, Stafford reached out to Kelly, who shared insights about their conversation in a January 22 episode of her “Timeout” podcast.
Matthew Stafford’s Next Steps in the NFL
Stafford will turn 37 on February 7, making him one of the league’s older quarterbacks. During her podcast, Kelly admitted that she would struggle if Matthew decided to retire this year, but she emphasized that the decision will ultimately be his. “That’s going to be solely his decision,” she stated, noting that he’s giving the matter serious thought. “I’m not going to pressure him. I’m here to listen.”
Kelly also recounted Stafford’s message to her after the game: “He texted me and was like, ‘We’ll talk about it.’ I said, ‘You talk, I’ll listen.’ As much as he wants to make it a joint decision, it’s his choice. I don’t want him to resent me, and I want him to fully own it.”
Regarding the timing of his decision, Kelly shared that Stafford plans to take his time but will need to decide soon since the Rams will need to know his plans.
After the Eagles game, Stafford was asked about his future during a press conference. He explained that he would need time to think things through and reflected on his recent performance, stating, “I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball.” When asked if he still has more football left in him, he replied, “Sure feels like it.”
Sean McVay Comments on Stafford’s Future
At a press conference on January 22, Rams head coach Sean McVay also addressed Stafford’s future, mentioning that they would discuss matters like retirement at the right time. He praised Stafford’s performance, saying, “I know he’s playing really good football.”
McVay also expressed admiration for Stafford, stating, “Obviously, I love him and love working with him,” and noted the quarterback’s immeasurable positive impact on the team. The coach emphasized that the quarterback position will always be a priority when planning for the future.
McVay further commended Stafford’s ability to shine in critical moments, noting that Stafford excels under pressure. This was evident in the Eagles game, where Stafford posted a season-high 161 passing yards in the fourth quarter, demonstrating his skill in high-pressure situations.
