Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is making a decision about whether or not to go for another year in the NFL, and it’s one of the hottest topics in the NFL. Stafford has had a successful run with the Los Angeles Rams since joining the team in 2021, and he instantly led them to a championship win.
If he wants to stay in the NFL for one more year, and if he wants that year to be with the Rams, he’ll be welcomed with open arms. That was the vibe of what Rams head coach Sean McVay had to say about Stafford on Monday, February 2, during a press conference.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed like you guys that he still wants to go play,” McVay told reporters about Stafford’s retirement decision, according to a report from Greg Beacham of the Associated Press. Beachcam also said, “Sean McVay sounds pretty confident Matthew Stafford is coming back, but he’s letting the QB take his time.”
Now, the NFL is sending Stafford a special message amid not only the retirement decision but Stafford’s MVP nomination.
NFL Sends Former Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford a Message
During the 2025-26 season, Stafford led the Los Angeles Rams to a 12-5 record, and the Rams closed out the season finishing second in the NFC West, only behind the Seattle Seahawks, and fifth in the conference. It marked his 17th year in the NFL.
Stafford started in all 17 games in the regular season. He also ended the season with 388-of-597 completed passes at 65.0% to top the league in passing yards at 4,707 and touchdowns at 46, according to NFL research. As for interceptions, he just had eight.
With those stats, it’s a given that Stafford is up for MVP. He was named one of five finalists for award, competing with Drake Maye of the New England Patriots, Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The MVP award will be given out during the NFL Honors on Thursday, February 5, in San Francisco. It’s part of the 2026 Super Bowl week festivities.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, the NFL took to social media to praise Stafford with glowing words. In a post shared on Tuesday, February 3, the NFL stated that Stafford “had one of the most prolific passing seasons you’ll ever see.”
“This man is our MVP,” on followed commented on the post. “He’s throwing has always been elite. So proud he’ll be MVP,” another said. “Well earned and deserved.”
What’s Next for the Los Angeles Rams
It was a magical season for the Rams, until it ended. Stafford and Los Angeles made it to the NFC Championship game, but they lose that game to the Seattle Seahawks with a 31-27 final score.
So, Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are back in California, and they’ll be watching, or avoiding watching, the game from home. Watching that game will have to be difficult, knowing how close they got.
The Seattle Seahawks are heading to Super Bowl LX to represent the NFC in Santa Clara, California, where they’ll go up against the New England Patriots.
Matthew Stafford Gets Message From NFL as Retirement Decision Nears