Matthew Stafford’s wife Kelly reveals thoughts on retirement as Rams want answers

Kelly Stafford became emotional while discussing her husband Matthew Stafford’s potential retirement after the Rams’ season ended with a heartbreaking 28-22 loss to the Eagles in the divisional round on Sunday.

During the latest episode of her “Timeout” podcast, Kelly explained that she would “really struggle” if the quarterback chooses to hang up his jersey for good — and she refuses to push him one way or the other with the decision .

“That will be solely his decision,” Kelly, 35, said. “I’m not going to put pressure on him. I’m here to listen. At the end of the day, he texted me and said, “We’ll talk about it.” » I said to myself: ‘You speak, I will listen to you.’ Even if he wants to make it a joint decision, he has to make it. I don’t want him to blame me and I want it to be fully his.

“So we’re going to take some time and he’s going to understand. But he’ll have to figure it out soon because the Rams need to know.

Los Angeles coach Sean McVay confirmed that was the case during a press conference Thursday.

A year ago, Stafford didn’t agree to an adjusted contract until the day before training camp started.

“We don’t want this to happen again,” McVay said, according to ESPN.com. “I don’t think it’s good for anyone. I think the sooner we can get that clarity. Understand clear, open and honest communication. I think there’s a lot of love coming from us. I think there is also a lot of appreciation on his part. And I think sooner rather than later is an ideal scenario.

After a dismal 1-4 start to the season, the Rams came out of their bye week and won nine of the next 11 games – and captured the NFC West title.

Stafford played through a lingering rib injury and completed 26 of 44 passes for 324 yards for two touchdowns and no interceptions in Los Angeles’ loss in snowy Philadelphia.

He also committed two costly fumbles.

Kelly said he played with four cracked ribs.

“It was very difficult for him to swallow,” she said of the loss. “It’s not that he wasn’t upset, it’s just the fact that we both know now that he has time to spend together and he can spend time with his daughters. family means a lot to him.

“I think there’s a part of him that’s ready (to retire) and the girls are doing things that he doesn’t want to miss. And he’s given his life to football, and that’s going to happen eventually. If it’s not this year, maybe next year, I think he’s had a great season, and if he wants to participate, it’s a very proud way. to go out.

Kelly added: “I think if it wasn’t a good season, he’d be like, ‘Fuck it, I’m going back (to play), I’m not going to have a bad season.'”

Stafford and Kelly are parents to daughters Sawyer, 7, Chandler, 7, Hunter, 6, and Tyler, 4.

Stafford, who turns 37 next month, said he would take time to think about his future and that “I feel like I’m playing really good football.”

Asked if he still had football left, Stafford said: “Of course, I want to.”

Stafford has two years left on his contract. The adjustment deal called for a $40 million salary in 2024, with Stafford waiving his other guarantees for 2025, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported last July.

“Matthew and I will discuss it. If it’s over – God, I don’t want to cry – I’m going to be in a lot of pain because I think he’s playing really good football,” Kelly said. “He’s good at it and I love watching him do what he loves to do and I love that he’s finally getting the respect he deserves.”

“So that would suck, but that said, we woke up this morning, took the kids to school and had breakfast. We weren’t thinking about what we had this week, what time does he have to go to work, if he’ll be home for dinner… It was really nice.

The Rams acquired Stafford from the Lions in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff and several draft picks in March 2021 – and he led Los Angeles to a Super Bowl title that season.