Matthew Stafford added a huge accomplishment to his Hall of Fame resume on Thursday — and could have the chance to cement his status now that he’s decided to return for another season.
The former Detroit Lions quarterback was named the league’s MVP at the NFL Honors on Thursday, beating out New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Stafford’s retirement decision had been up in the air leading up to the night, but he ended the speculation and announced his plan to return to the Rams for the final year of his contract.
The decision gives Stafford the chance to join one of the most exclusive clubs in NFL history, which would likely cement his Hall of Fame status.
Matthew Stafford Can Make History
The MVP win could add more weight to Stafford’s decision to return, giving him a big incentive for the coming season with the Rams. Only five players in NFL history have won back-to-back MVP awards, with Aaron Rodgers the latest to do it, but Stafford will have the chance to do it with a stacked roster and a team expected to be a Super Bowl contender once again.
A second MVP award in a row, while a difficult task, would add huge weight to Stafford’s MVP resume. The four retired players who won back-to-back MVP awards are all are in the Hall of Fame. Rodgers, the only active player with two in a row, is considered a lock for the Hall of Fame.
Stafford would have joined an even more exclusive club had he retired. Just two players in NFL history — Norm Van Brocklin and Jim Brown — retired immediately after winning a leage MVP award.
Rams Didn’t Rush Matthew Stafford’s Decision
Those closest to Stafford didn’t appear to rush his decision.
Appearing at the Pro Bowl Games this week, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was asked if he had a chance to start recruiting Stafford to return next season. The star receiver said he hadn’t connected with his quarterback yet and was still getting over how they fell short of reaching the Super Bowl.
“I haven’t got a chance to see him, I’m sure I’ll see him out here this week,” Nacua said. “I hope he enjoys his time off. There’s a lot of stuff going on, and I’m thinking about how we should be installing plays right now, getting ready to play a football game.”
Nacua added that Stafford will make his retirement decision in due time and doesn’t need any extra pressure from him.
“I’m sure he’s probably thought it about it a couple times and has people asking him, but I’m not in no rush,” Nacua added.
But the Rams are ready for another run at the Super Bowl if Stafford does return. General manager Les Snead said the team is ready to make some significant investments in hopes of getting back to the big game and following up on the title that Stafford brought to Los Angeles in the 2021 season.
“There is a vision to have sustained success over time,” Snead said, via the Orange County Register. “But if Matthew decides to come back I do think there’ll be an element of – whether it’s 51-49, whether it’s 52-48, whether it’s 60-40 – let’s definitely make the most of the time we have with Matthew. Because … the type of season that he’s still showing he can have, there’s only so many of those left. Those are some moments that you want to take advantage of.”
Matthew Stafford’s Retirement Decision Carries New Significance After MVP Award