Toughness is a hallmark of NFL players, but few exemplify it as much as Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. The 16-year veteran has built a reputation for playing through injuries, a trait he displayed once again during this season’s playoffs.
Matthew’s wife, Kelly Stafford, revealed on her podcast that he suffered a rib injury earlier in the 2024-25 season.
“Kelly Stafford mentioned on her podcast that Matthew Stafford cracked four ribs against the 49ers in Week 15. He aggravated the injury against the Eagles on Sunday and admitted after the game that he had been dealing with it ‘for some time,’” ESPN’s Sarah Bishop reported via Twitter/X.
Despite the injuries, Stafford’s performance in the Rams’ 28-22 divisional-round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles showed no signs of slowing down. He completed 26 of 44 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns.
As rumors of Stafford’s potential retirement continue to circulate, his NFL legacy remains solidified. Whether or not he decides to call it a career, Stafford’s durability and resilience will be remembered as defining traits, with Sunday’s gritty performance further cementing that narrative.
When will Matthew Stafford announce his decision?
Matthew Stafford may have played his final NFL game, but nothing is set in stone just yet. There’s no indication of when he might announce his decision.
Rams head coach Sean McVay hopes Stafford makes a choice soon, as both parties would benefit from a timely resolution. Contract negotiations last season disrupted Stafford’s preparation for the 2024-25 campaign, something McVay wants to avoid.
“We don’t want to go through that again,” McVay said. “It’s not good for anyone. Getting clarity sooner rather than later, with open and honest communication, is the ideal scenario. There’s a lot of love and appreciation on both sides, and we want to approach this with mutual respect.”
Despite Stafford’s age, McVay believes he still has plenty of good football left and hasn’t ruled out a potential return to the Rams.
“We’ll address everything at the right time,” McVay added. “He’s been playing at a high level, and I love working with him. His contributions to our team have been immeasurably positive.”
If Stafford chooses to continue his career, he’s likely to find a team, whether or not it’s with McVay and the Rams.
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