Though the Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson in the first round of the NFL Draft, this is still Matthew Stafford’s team. However, that almost wasn’t the case for 2025 and beyond. Stafford reportedly considered retirement last offseason, and it turns out the rumors were true. A Hall of Famer ultimately helped convince him to keep playing.
Stafford dealt with a back issue last offseason that forced him to rest during offseason workouts. The injury also limited his participation in training camp and the preseason. Ironically, the extra rest may have benefited him, as he went on to play some of the best football of his career. Even so, the injury nearly pushed him into retirement.
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Before making a final decision, Stafford reached out to Drew Brees for advice. During an appearance on Chris Long’s “Green Light” podcast, he revealed how the conversation unfolded.
Dec 8, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) makes a throw while defended by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (51) in the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
Brees kept Stafford from retiring
“I think one of the things that surprised me was I was talking to Drew, this was before last season, and he was like, ‘How old are you again?’” Stafford said. “I was like, ‘I’m 37,’ and he was like, ‘You might have your best five years of your career coming up.’ And I was like, ‘Huh.’ I never really thought about it that way.”
It turns out Brees may have been onto something. Stafford went on to have one of the best seasons of his career, throwing a career-high 46 touchdown passes. The Rams also finished just one game short of reaching the Super Bowl.
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“Drew saying that kind of lit a fire under me and gives you a little bit of belief that maybe an old guy can still go out there and spin it around a little bit,” Stafford said.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts as he celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The NFL is a fiercely competitive league, but it’s also built on a strong sense of brotherhood. Players share a unique bond through the game, and that connection is especially strong among quarterbacks.
Brees is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, and he remained productive well into his 40s. If Stafford was going to seek advice from anyone, he couldn’t have chosen a much better person.
Now, Stafford and the Rams are chasing another Super Bowl ring. After making several major moves this offseason, they’ve made it clear they’re all in. If they get the job done, perhaps head coach Sean McVay will send Brees a nice thank-you card.