Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is in the midst of a retirement decision, as the 37-year-old weighs the pros and cons of starting for another year with the Los Angeles Rams. His numbers are still among the top in the NFL, and for the 2025-26 regular season, he led the Rams to a 12-5 record while tossing for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns and just eight interceptions, according to NFL research.
Stafford is also a finalist for the MVP award and on the AP’s First Team All-Pro. With those numbers and honors, Stafford would be welcomed back with open arms to the Los Angeles Rams, but will he stay?
Stafford has been cryptic about his retirement decision, but the quarterback spoke about his future during an appearance on the Let’s Go! podcast with Jim Gray on Thursday, January 29. During that chat, he revealed that a variety of factors will influence his decision and shed light into what’s inside his mind.
Former Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford Offers More Insight Into Retirement
During his appearance on the show, Stafford indicated that it would be a family decision, so his wife, Kelly Stafford, will be a part of it. He also said that many factors will go into whether he stays or goes.
“It’ll be a lot that goes into it. It’s a physical, a mental and emotional decision, a personal and a family decision, as well,” he said. “So, we’ll figure all that kind of stuff out with some time.”
Stafford also said that he doesn’t have a timetable for making the decision. He’ll make it when he makes it.
“So, when I’m ready to figure that out, I’ll be ready to figure that out,” he said. “That moment isn’t right now. I know I had a ton of fun playing football this season and had so much fun playing for the Rams.”
Stafford has just one year left on his contract, so his retirement decision will remain of interest all offseason until he makes his final announcement.
The Case for Matthew Stafford to Stay
Former NFL quarterback and current NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms thinks Stafford should stay with the Rams for another season. That’s especially because he’s coming off a season where he took the Los Angeles Rams all the way to the NFC Championship game.
“[The Rams]’re in the window, in a big-time way,” Simms said. “They’re here to stay for the next few years with the way their team is built. If I was Matthew Stafford and the way he’s playing, I certainly wouldn’t be thinking about retiring or anything like that.”
Following the NFC Championship game, Stafford was asked about the loss and if he’ll be retiring after the 2025-26 season.
“I can’t generalize six months of my life 10 minutes after a loss,” Stafford told reporters, according to ESPN. “So I appreciate the guys in this locker room a whole hell of a lot. Everybody that helped me and helped our team be the success that we were this year. And that’s all I’ll answer for you.”
Matthew Stafford Retirement Decision Takes a Turn