Former Detroit Lions and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford won’t be heading to the Super Bowl this season. The Rams were eliminated after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, January 19, in a close 28-22 matchup. With the season now over, Stafford is facing questions about his future in the NFL.
Stafford, who is currently 36 and will turn 37 on February 7, is approaching an age where many NFL players begin considering retirement. However, quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have proven that age isn’t always a limiting factor. After the game, Stafford opened up about his potential plans.
Stafford Reflects on His Future in Football
Following the game, reporters wasted no time asking Stafford about retirement. Although the timing of the question seemed abrupt, Stafford responded with a lighthearted gesture, glancing at his watch as if to show how little time had passed since the season ended.
When pressed further, Stafford acknowledged he would “take some time to think about it.” However, he hinted that retirement might not be in his immediate plans, saying, “I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball.”
When asked directly if he believes he has more football left in him, Stafford confidently replied, “Sure feels like it.”
With two years remaining on his contract, it seems Stafford is leaning toward returning for another season, though he intends to take the offseason to reflect on his decision. Rams head coach Sean McVay was also asked about Stafford’s future but declined to comment, stating, “I’m not really interested in talking about anything as it relates to next year. Right now, I’m just appreciative of this team.”
Sean McVay Reacts to Rams’ Playoff Exit
Speaking after the game, McVay admitted he was “pretty shocked” by the loss to the Eagles, adding, “We didn’t see it going any other way than us winning that game 29-28.”
Despite the loss, Stafford delivered a strong performance. He completed 26 of 44 passes for 324 yards, throwing two touchdowns with no interceptions. While he fumbled twice, Stafford remained poised under pressure and now holds 15 career postseason touchdown passes with the Rams—tying Kurt Warner for the franchise record.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Rams had a chance to score and take the lead with an extra point, but a series of setbacks prevented it. A false start, a short completion, and a costly sack on third down left Stafford with a fourth-down pass attempt that fell incomplete, sealing the Rams’ fate.
“We had every opportunity to be able to win that game at the end there,” McVay said, expressing his frustration. “And we’re a couple plays away from me being a lot happier right now.”
Despite the disappointment, McVay remained appreciative of his players. “I’m happy to be a part of this team and proud of this group. And I’m really bummed out that this journey is over,” he added.
For now, both Stafford and the Rams will begin their offseason, with questions about the quarterback’s future lingering until a final decision is made.
