Kelly Stafford is no stranger to the unpredictable nature of the NFL offseason, but even she admits that the uncertainty surrounding her husband Matthew Stafford’s future with the Los Angeles Rams took an emotional toll on her.
On the March 6 episode of The Morning After podcast, Kelly, 35, opened up about the stressful few weeks when Matthew, 37, was weighing his options and considering potential offers from other teams. Though he ultimately decided to stay with the Rams, Kelly described the decision-making period as “three weeks that felt like three months”, filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
While Matthew remained calm and methodical throughout the process, Kelly admitted that she struggled with the waiting game.
“He’s very good at compartmentalizing everything. Me, on the other hand, when he says, ‘You think about the uncertainty all the time, you go crazy’—well, I went f—— mad. I went so crazy,” she said on her podcast.
The Weight of Uncertainty
The prospect of relocating their family—which includes four young children—added to the stress. Kelly acknowledged that Matthew’s decision was about more than just his playing career; it also affected their home, their kids, and their future.
One factor that helped ease the tension was Rams head coach Sean McVay, whom Kelly praised for being a “great communicator” throughout the process.
“I just felt like he wanted to make sure that everything was good for everybody, and I was grateful for that,” she shared, expressing appreciation for how McVay handled the situation.
Still, she admitted that not knowing where her husband would land “killed” her “in a lot of ways”, but through it all, she kept one thing in mind:
“At the end of the day, what I want is what’s best for you… this is his legacy.”
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The Final Decision: Staying with the Rams
Matthew Stafford ultimately chose to remain in Los Angeles, a decision that both he and Kelly believe was the right one.
“This is where we both wanted to be, and I’m just glad he gets to play for the team and the coach that he wants to end his career with,” Kelly said, sounding relieved that the uncertainty had finally been put to rest.
The Giants Made a Strong Push for Stafford
The offseason speculation surrounding Matthew Stafford reached a fever pitch in February, when the New York Giants emerged as serious contenders to sign him. Reports indicated that the Giants offered a contract between $90 million and $100 million, hoping to bring in the veteran quarterback as a franchise-changing acquisition.
However, Stafford—who had reportedly been seeking a $50 million-per-season deal—chose instead to stay loyal to the Rams, the team he joined in 2021 after being traded from the Detroit Lions.
Since arriving in Los Angeles, Stafford has cemented his place in Rams history, leading the franchise to a Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in his first season.
A Season of Stability Ahead
With his future now secure in Los Angeles, Matthew Stafford can focus on leading the Rams back to contention, while Kelly can finally put the offseason turmoil behind her.
Although the decision-making process may have pushed her to the brink, she now feels reassured that they are exactly where they belong—with the Rams, in the city they’ve come to call home.