“Wouldn’t Still Be Playing This Game”: Matthew Stafford Reveals One Person on Rams Has Kept Him from Retiring

Matthew Stafford thought he had seen every coaching style imaginable after spending over a decade in Detroit, but joining forces with Sean McVay completely altered how he views the game. After another strong offensive stretch with the Los Angeles Rams, the veteran quarterback opened up about what makes his partnership with McVay so drastically different from anything else in the NFL.

Matthew Stafford opens up on trust with Sean McVay

The comments came during an appearance on the “Youth Inc” podcast, where Stafford discussed the balance between football and family life as he heads into his 18th NFL season. He made clear that balance is a big reason he is still playing at 37.

The moment recently resurfaced in a clip shared on Instagram, reigniting conversation about how much freedom McVay gives his 37-year-old quarterback.

“I’m home every night for dinner when I’m in town. I’m there as much as I can when I have time off. And I’m lucky enough to play for a head coach, Sean, that understands that, and gives me the opportunity to be around them as much as I can,”Stafford said. “And I frankly wouldn’t still be playing this game if that wasn’t the case. And so I appreciate him for that, and my family for that,” he added.

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

That trust has paid off on the field. Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025, numbers that helped him win his first career MVP award at age 37.

McVay has been open about wanting Stafford back for as long as he wants to keep playing. The two have won a Super Bowl together and reached the NFC Championship Game again this past January, giving both sides plenty of reason to keep the partnership going.

Rams window stays open as Matthew Stafford weighs his future

Los Angeles has made it clear it wants Stafford in the fold for more than just this season.League sources have described a real chance he plays beyond 2026, even with rookie Ty Simpson now on the roster as a long-term developmental option.

The Rams have other storylines to manage as well heading into the season.Wide receiver Puka Nacua’s offseason has drawn scrutiny for reasons beyond football with uncertainty in a receiver room already leaning heavily on Stafford’s timing and chemistry.

Los Angeles has been aggressive about building a roster worthy of that trust. The team’s trade for Myles Garrett has already been called a Super Bowl-favorite-making move by some analysts, giving Stafford one of the most complete rosters of his career to work with.

Stafford has not said whether 2026 will be his final season, and McVay has said he will let his quarterback take that decision at his own pace. For now, both sides appear focused on the same goal, using that trust to chase one more championship together.

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