Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was a finalist for the 2025 Most Valuable Player award, and he emerged with more than just that, but with good news.
Stafford led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns during the regular season, earning his first First Team All-Pro nod in the process. He ended the season as the betting favorite to win the award. However, the official decision did not come until the NFL Honors award show.
With it came Stafford’s retirement decision.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford Wins MVP
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Stafford faced stiff competition, with the Rams franchise QB up against Drake Maye of the New England Patriots, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, and Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Stafford was looking to become the fourth Rams player to win the award, and the franchise’s third QB.
He did just that and spoke from the heart after the announcement.
“I just want to start saying thank you. I’m so humbled to be here tonight in front of so many great people, great players, coaches that make this league so special just to be in the same breath as you guys, is an amazing feeling for me,” Stafford told the crowd before listing those who supported him from teammates and coaches to his daughters, who he used as a segue.
“I am so happy to have you at the games on the sideline with me, and I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there, kicking a**. And so, I’ll see you guys next year. Hopefully, I’m not at this event, and we’re getting ready for another game in SoFi [Stadium].”
The Rams posted, “THAT’S, MVP MATTHEW STAFFORD, TO YOU!”
He joins Kurt Warner (1999 and 2001) and Roman Gabriel (1969), with running back Marshall Faulk (2000) rounding out the list.
Matthew Stafford Turns Heads With Family at NFL Honors
GettyMatthew Stafford and wife Kelly Stafford appear on the red carpet.
Before the ceremony even began, Stafford and his family stole the show as the Rams star’s group made their way into the venue.
“The whole Stafford family is here [face holding back tears emoji],” the NFL posted on Thursday, sharing a video of the Rams QB along with wife, Kelly Stafford, and their four daughters on the red carpet.
Stafford spoke candidly about his family being a significant factor in his decision on retirement.
“When I’m ready to figure that out, I’ll be ready to figure that out. That moment isn’t right now,” Stafford told Jim Gray on the “Let’s Go!” podcast on January 26. “I want to appreciate [the 2025 season] and give it the time that it deserves before I start thinking personally about what’s next for me and my family.”
Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead were eager to learn of Stafford’s decision and were hopeful he would return.
They were also not applying any pressure on the three-time Pro Bowler.
Now, Stafford and the Rams can continue working through the rest of their offseason plans, starting with free agency and then the draft, as they prepare for the 2026 season.
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