There has been much speculation around Matthew Stafford’s status in the last couple of weeks following the Los Angles Rams NFC Championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Since the Rams playoff exit, Stafford has been named the NFL MVP, beating out New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye by one vote.
In his MVP acceptance speech, Stafford shared the stage with his four daughters. As he sent a heartfelt message to them, he concluded it with a confirmation that he’ll be back on the field next season with the Rams in the final year of his contract.
“I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking ass,” Stafford said. “So I’ll see you guys next year, hopefully I’m not at this event and we’re getting ready for another game at SoFi [Stadium].”
So Rams fans, get ready for another year with Stafford under center.
Rams Send Message to Stafford on Social Media Accounts
The Rams social media team sent a message to Matthew Stafford on their social accounts on Saturday, Feb. 7.
“EVERYBODY WISH MATTHEW A HAPPY BIRTHDAY,” the statement reads.
Stafford is turning 38-years old. Pending the status of Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, Stafford would be the oldest QB in the league next season.
It seems that Rams head coach Sean McVay wasn’t aware of Stafford’s decision to return next season until he announced it in his speech. He issued this statement before the NFL Honors Ceremony:
âIf thatâs something that he wants to do, the answer is absolutely yes. I think whatâs great is heâs gonna take his time with [his wife] Kelly and the girls and see whatâs best, but man, is he still playing at an incredible level,â McVay said. âOur hope is that he does [return], but with respect to his timetable and ability to be able to communicate with you guys whenever he feels ready to make that announcement, weâll let him be able to do that.â
McVay’s wishes are coming true as Stafford will be back for what may be his final season in 2026.
Stafford Wins First MVP in 37-year-old Season
It’s a bit of a shock that Stafford never won MVP before this season consider the level he’s played at for the entirety of his career. Some fans are saying that this MVP, which was hotly contested between he and Maye, was more of a career achievement award.
Whichever way you want to spin it, Stafford was certainly worthy of the award. Playing in all 17 games this season, Stafford threw for 4,707 yards, the fourth highest mark of his career, and 46 touchdowns, the most of his career.
There have been a couple of other seasons where Stafford certainly could have won the award; in 2011, he threw for 5,058 yards and 41 touchdowns and in 2021, he threw for 4,886 yards and 41 touchdowns, both MVP level numbers.
He was unfortunately held back from the award for many seasons as he played in Detroit where the team had poor records. Now, he has his Super Bowl ring and an MVP award under his belt.
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