Kelly Stafford spoke about the realness of what will transpire when Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford actually retires.
There is a day coming when Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford chooses to walk away from the NFL. That could happen at the end of 2026, or it may not happen for a few more seasons.
The choice to take his exit is coming, and Kelly Stafford opened up about the gravity of what it will feel like when the reigning MVP walks away from the game.
Kelly was on "The Cutting Edge" podcast when she sat down to discuss how they may both feel when his NFL career comes to a close.
"I think it's going to be tough when he's done," she said. "I think he'll be okay with the transition. It's going to take time. … I love watching him do what he loves, and he's good at it. I love watching my daughters get to be able to see, you know, what it takes to play at that level and the hard work and dedication. I am going to really miss just watching him go out there and lead a team like that."
Kelly alluded to Matthew having to walk away knowing how much he has given to the game of football. Though there is no telling when the Rams quarterback may choose to retire, he hinted at playing a bit longer recently.
Matthew was on "Green Light with Chris Long," where he spoke about talking to both Tom Brady and Drew Brees about playing football at an older age, but it was Brees who indicated that he could play the best years of his football in his next five.
That began at age 37, and Stafford turned that "fire" into an MVP win in 2025. The Rams were arguably a few plays away from representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, and the same team has been brought back in 2026.
Stafford announced his return to play at NFL Honors when he took the stage and shocked the league and his teammates in the crowd. Now, the organization has begun preparing for his eventual exit, as they drafted Alabama prospect Ty Simpson.
Simpson is expected to sit behind Stafford for at least two seasons, as is the assumption. The Rams signal caller received a new contract that has him inked through the next two seasons.
Los Angeles may change things, but not if Stafford is still playing at a high level. The quarterback indicated that his daughters love watching him play, still, which is what Kelly also echoed in her comments on the matter.
There could be a reality where Stafford does not stop playing until he is in his early 40s. It will truly likely come down to how his body feels and reacts. For now, he remains under center at least through 2026.
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