Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford dismisses questions regarding his retirement after a heartbreaking loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
The Los Angeles Rams came up short in the NFC Championship, losing to the Seattle Seahawks with a final score of 27-31.
Naturally, this has prompted questions about what the Rams plan to do differently next year, including whether quarterback Matthew Stafford is going to retire.
Despite completing what is arguably his best statistical season in the NFL, this question makes sense for Stafford. He has had an illustrious 17-year career and is 37 years old.
Still, Stafford is under contract with the Rams until the 2026 season, and he doesn't seem interested in addressing his potential retirement anytime soon.
"I can't generalize six months of my life 10 minutes after a loss," Stafford said, per Sarah Barshop of ESPN. "So I appreciate the guys in this locker room a whole hell of a lot. Everybody that helped me and helped our team be the success that we were this year. And that's all I'll answer for you."
Rams head coach Sean McVay had a more emotional reaction, asking reporters, "The hell kind of question is that?"
"We've been totally present," McVay elaborated. "I know that if he wants to, he's still playing at a pretty damn good clip. I mean, he's the MVP of the league and if he's not ... I got respect for everybody else, but this guy played at a level that's just different."
Stafford has easily been one of the most dominant offensive players in the league, completing 388 of 597 passes for an NFL-leading 4,707 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns while only recording eight interceptions. He also led the league with 236 passing first downs.
Stafford continued his excellent play against the Seahawks, completing 22 of 35 passes for 374 passing yards and three touchdowns.
"He always does a great job in being able to make plays for us," Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua said. "I think in the moments that we needed, he was able to read the defense and put the ball where he needed to."
"[Stafford's] one of the best quarterbacks to ever play this game and one of the coolest teammates that I've ever had," wide receiver Davante Adams said. "And I know I use that term a lot with him, but just truly, I don't know if I've ever played with somebody who's a baller and just such an easy guy to function with.
"... So just being able to spend time with him this year, get to know him a little bit more than just across the NFC North, I value that a lot."