As Matthew Stafford gears up for another campaign with the Los Angeles Rams, his wife Kelly is opening up about the realities of managing life off the field. The couple, parents to four young daughters, are balancing the grind of NFL life with the unpredictability of raising children — something Kelly says has recently left her drained.
Kelly reveals one daughter’s sudden change in behavior
Speaking on her podcast The Morning After, Kelly shared that one of her daughters has been particularly challenging in recent months. Though she didn’t mention which child, she admitted the situation has been overwhelming.
“One of my girls has completely changed,” she said. “She’s become someone I don’t recognize… and I’m just trying to stay calm about it.” Kelly went on to explain that her daughter has started brushing off authority figures, even walking away from coaches during conversations — behavior that has blindsided her.
A small compliment turns into a bigger moment
Kelly also described a difficult interaction with her youngest, Tyler. What began as a simple compliment about her dress quickly spiraled into an emotional moment. Tyler burst into tears and ran to her room, leaving Kelly questioning her own reaction. “I called myself gross right after,” she admitted, saying she felt she had unintentionally made things worse.
“I’m exhausted”: Stafford’s wife admits parenting feels overwhelming
The longtime Rams quarterback’s wife said she has tried countless approaches to connect with her daughter but feels nothing is making a difference. “I’ve sat outside her room. I’ve taken things away. I’ve tried talking to her like the young woman she’s becoming,” Kelly explained. “But nothing is working. I’m just exhausted.”
Family life continues alongside football season
Despite the tough parenting moments, Kelly also highlights the positives. She recently celebrated her daughters’ return to school, proudly posting photos of their “swaggy backpacks” as they headed into kindergarten, second grade, and third grade.
Meanwhile, Matthew is deep into preparations for his fifth season with the Rams. Last year he passed for 3,762 yards, and he’s now focused on getting ready for the team’s opener against the Houston Texans on September 8. For the Staffords, it’s another season of balancing NFL pressures with the highs and lows of family life.
