Kelly Stafford grew to become emotional whereas discussing her husband Matthew Stafford’s potential retirement after the Rams’ season led to a heartbreaking 28-22 loss to the Eagles within the divisional spherical Sunday.
Through the newest installment of her “Timeout” podcast, Kelly defined that she is going to “have a really hard time” if the quarterback chooses to hold up his jersey for good — and he or she refuses to push him by hook or by crook with the choice.
“That is going to be solely his decision,” Kelly, 35, mentioned. “I’m not going to strain him. I’m right here to hear. On the finish of the day, he texted me and he was like, ‘We’ll discuss it.’ I used to be like, ‘You talk, I’ll hear.’ As a lot as he desires to make it a joint determination, he has to make it. I don’t need him to resent me and I would like it to be totally his personal.
“So, we are going to take time and he’s going to figure it out. But he’s going to have to figure it out somewhat soon because the Rams need to know.”
Los Angeles coach Sean McVay confirmed that to be the case in a press convention Thursday.
One yr in the past, Stafford didn’t conform to an adjusted contract till the day earlier than coaching camp started.
“We don’t want to have that go on again,” McVay mentioned, per ESPN.com. “I don’t think that’s good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication. I think there’s a lot of love coming from our part. I think there’s a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario.”
After a dismal 1-4 begin to the season, the Rams got here out of their bye week and gained 9 of the following 11 video games — and took house the NFC West title.
Stafford performed by means of a lingering rib harm and accomplished 26-of-44 passes for 324 yards for 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in Los Angeles’ loss in snowy Philadelphia.
He additionally had two pricey fumbles.
Kelly mentioned he performed by means of 4 cracked ribs.
“It was a very hard one for him to swallow,” she mentioned of the loss. “It’s not that he was not upset, it’s simply the truth that we each now know there’s time to spend with one another and for him to spend time together with his ladies. Household means loads to him.
“I do believe there is a part of him that’s ready [to retire] and the girls are doing things he doesn’t want to miss out on. And he’s given his life to football, eventually this is going to happen no matter what. If it’s not this year it could be next year. I think he had a great season, and if he wants to go out on that, that’s a f–king proud way to go out.”
Kelly added, “I do believe if it wasn’t a good season he’d be like, ‘F–k this, I’m going back [to play], I’m not going out on a bad one.’”
Stafford and Kelly are dad and mom to daughters Sawyer, 7, Chandler, 7, Hunter, 6, and Tyler, 4.
Stafford, who turns 37 subsequent month, mentioned he would take time to consider his future and that “I feel like I was playing some pretty good football.”
When requested if he has soccer left in him, Stafford responded, “Sure feels like it.”
Stafford has two years remaining on his contract. The adjustment deal included a $40 million wage in 2024, as Stafford gave up his different 2025 ensures, NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero reported final July.
“Matthew and I are going to discuss it. If it is over — God, I don’t want to cry — I’m going to have a really hard time because I think he’s playing really good football,” Kelly mentioned. “He’s good at it and I really like watching him do what he likes to do and I really like the truth that he’s lastly getting the respect he deserves.
“So that would suck, but with that said, we woke up this morning, took the kids to school and got breakfast. There was no thought of what we have this week, what time does he have to go into work, if he’ll be home for dinner … It was really nice.”
The Rams acquired Stafford from the Lions in alternate for quarterback Jared Goff and a number of draft picks in March 2021 — and he led Los Angeles to a Tremendous Bowl title that season.
