Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) rolls out against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford kept the future of his career a secret until his NFL Most Valuable Player Award speech in February.
He announced during the speech that he would not be retiring and instead would be returning to the Rams next season. Running back Kyren Williams and guard Kevin Dotson told ESPN that Stafford had not told his teammates about his return prior to the speech.
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“Everybody found out that night,” Williams said.
Dotson said Stafford’s retirement has been a possibility for the last two years. He said he felt relieved when he found out Stafford was coming back for another season.
“The last two years have really been like, ‘All right, hold up. Give us an answer, please,’” Dotson said jokingly. “Once I heard that, I was like, ‘You can exhale a little bit.’ He’s such a guy that the team follows. We rally behind him so much that him being that pivotal piece for our offense, and really the team. The defense, they know, let’s give him a chance. We know, give him a chance. Offensive line, give him at least 3 seconds, something spectacular might happen.”
Stafford Could End His Career With Another Super Bowl Ring
The Rams were a favorite to win the Super Bowl last season but ultimately fell short after losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
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Since then, Los Angeles has added some more stars to the roster like former Kansas City Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Key veterans like Stafford and wide receiver Davante Adams will be back for 2026. And the Rams still have the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Super Bowl is set to take place in SoFi Stadium. Stafford already won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2022 but winning another ring in the team’s home stadium would be a perfect ending to his decorated career.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images