CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 30: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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Matthew Stafford, the Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback, delivered a record‑setting 2025 campaign that earned him the NFL MVP award, highlighted by 4,707 passing yards and 47 touchdowns.
At 38, Stafford is approaching the 2027 season with a flexible mindset, viewing his career on a year‑by‑year basis. During a “Green Light” podcast appearance with Chris Long, he emphasized his readiness for the upcoming year and expressed a desire to play as long as he remains healthy, rather than committing to a long‑term plan that could feel restrictive.
How Drew Brees Ignited Stafford’s Late‑Career Spark
In a pre‑season conversation, Hall‑of‑Fame quarterback Drew Brees told Stafford, “You might have your best five years of your career coming up,” a perspective that challenged Stafford’s assumptions about aging in the NFL. Brees’ confidence in Stafford’s potential proved prescient, helping to fuel the quarterback’s historic MVP‑winning season.
Stafford credited Brees’ encouraging words as a key catalyst for his breakout 2025 performance, which culminated in his first NFL MVP honor.
Stafford and the Rams posted a 12‑5 record in 2025, advancing to the NFC Championship where they fell 31‑27 to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. The loss kept the franchise from reaching the Super Bowl but underscored the team’s rapid progress.
Having already secured a Super Bowl ring with the Rams, Stafford remains open to several more seasons if he can maintain his elite form, keeping alive the possibility of adding another Lombardi Trophy before retiring.
Stafford initially told head coach Sean McVay he intended to play another three to four seasons, but he has now surpassed that timeline as he enters his fifth year with Los Angeles. “Now it’s like I don’t know, maybe I’ll just keep rolling,” he said, noting his daughters’ support as an added incentive.
His four daughters joined him on stage when he accepted the MVP award in February, and their enthusiasm continues to motivate him to keep playing. “My girls love watching me play. Might as well,” Stafford added.
