The Los Angeles Rams are the Super Bowl favorites led by their Hall of Fame quarterback Matthew Stafford, but what would another ring mean for him?
Stafford already has one MVP award and one Super Bowl ring, but after he wins another ring, he could retire. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 Draft spent 12 seasons in Detroit, where he racked up a lot of passing numbers but had no major success.
Since being traded to the Rams in 2021, Stafford has established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. His success after leaving Detroit has placed him among the best quarterbacks in league history.
What Would Another Super Bowl Mean for Matthew Stafford?
If Stafford wins another ring, where would he rank all-time?
Stafford’s Career
As the No. 1 overall player coming out of high school and the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, Stafford’s career has not been ordinary.
Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2009, he amassed over 45,000 yards and 280 touchdowns in his first 12 seasons. However, Stafford never saw much playoff success. During his tenure with the Lions, he reached the playoffs three times, losing every time. Stafford went 0-3, never advancing past the wildcard game.
His lack of success is more of an indictment of the Lions than it is of Stafford. Limited in skill, the Lions’ rosters were never the best, but his move to Los Angeles changed everything in his career.
Stafford’s first year with the Rams allowed him to play with a much more talented roster and a better front office. He immediately became the premier piece on a franchise that had been to the Super Bowl before his arrival. In his first season, the Rams won the Super Bowl.
After his Super Bowl victory, Stafford continued to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league, winning the MVP award last season at the age of 38. His sustained excellence has earned him a place among the top players such as Tom Brady, Terry Bradshaw, and Troy Aikman. Stafford’s success and achievements have allowed him to continue climbing up the historical ranks.
Now, with the Rams entering the season as Super Bowl favorites, the question becomes, what if Stafford wins another Super Bowl?
If Stafford wins his second ring, he joins a select list of quarterbacks with one MVP and two Super Bowl rings. Stafford would become the 10th quarterback to achieve that status and cement his name further in history.
Stafford’s Future
Stafford signed a one-year, $55 million contract a one-year, $55 million contract with an option to make it two years, $105 million. His new deal signals a plan to continue playing beyond this season, even after contemplating retirement this offseason.
At 38, Stafford’s last year could be this upcoming season. If the Rams win the Super Bowl, he could retire. Even if he keeps playing after this season, regardless of the season’s outcome, he has already cemented himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history.
Head coach Sean McVay knows how great Stafford is and knows he doesn’t have much time with him despite his level of play.
“You have to ask him. We’ve been totally present. I know that if he wants to, he’s still playing at a pretty damn good clip. I mean, he’s the MVP of the league,” McVay said..
