Matthew Stafford is an American professional football quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams whose career has now reached an unusual second peak. After 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions and a 2021 move to Los Angeles, Stafford won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams, then produced the best regular-season statistical campaign of his career in 2025. That season brought his first NFL Most Valuable Player award, his first first-team All-Pro selection and another Pro Bowl appearance.
Now in his 18th NFL season, Stafford remains the Rams’ starting quarterback. He signed a contract extension with Los Angeles in May 2026, following a 2025 season in which he led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes.
Matthew Stafford’s Real Name
Matthew Stafford’s full name is John Matthew Stafford. He was born on February 7, 1988, in Tampa, Florida, and grew up in the Dallas, Texas, area. He attended Highland Park High School in University Park, where he developed into one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in the country.
How Old Is Matthew Stafford?
Matthew Stafford is 38 years old as of September 2026. He was born on February 7, 1988.
He entered the NFL as a 21-year-old after the Detroit Lions selected him with the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Where Is Matthew Stafford From?
Although Stafford was born in Tampa, Florida, Dallas is the place most closely associated with his childhood and football development.
He grew up in University Park, an area adjacent to Southern Methodist University, and attended Highland Park High School. The school has a strong football tradition and previously produced notable quarterbacks, including Bobby Layne. Stafford won a state championship at Highland Park and became a nationally recognized recruit before choosing the University of Georgia.
His father, John Stafford, worked in insurance, while his mother, Margaret Stafford, worked in advertising. His parents later divorced but remained on friendly terms, according to a University of Georgia profile published during his college career.
Matthew Stafford’s Early Life and Education
Stafford’s football development accelerated at Highland Park. His performances against some of Texas’ strongest high school competition helped establish him as a major college prospect.
He eventually committed to the University of Georgia, where he played quarterback from 2006 through 2008. Stafford did not stay for his senior season. After his junior year, he entered the 2009 NFL Draft.
His three seasons with Georgia established the statistical foundation for his professional career. He finished his college career with 7,731 passing yards and 51 touchdown passes while compiling a 27-7 record as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback. He also went 3-0 in bowl games.
Stafford earned the Vince Dooley Most Valuable Player of the Year Award at Georgia’s 2008 football gala. He also received second-team All-SEC recognition that season.
How Did Matthew Stafford Start His NFL Career?
The Detroit Lions selected Stafford first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. The selection made him the centerpiece of the franchise’s attempt to rebuild around a young quarterback.
His rookie season was interrupted by injury, but he still finished with 2,267 passing yards and 13 touchdown passes in 10 games. He became particularly well known after a memorable performance against the Cleveland Browns in which he threw for 422 yards and five touchdowns.
Stafford gradually developed into one of the NFL’s most prolific passers. His combination of arm strength, durability and willingness to attack downfield became central to his identity as a quarterback.
Matthew Stafford’s Years With the Detroit Lions
Stafford spent 12 seasons with Detroit, from 2009 through 2020.
One of the defining seasons of that period came in 2011, when he threw for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns. That season helped establish him as a high-volume passer and earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
In 2011, he also received the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America Comeback Player of the Year awards.
Stafford became a fixture in Detroit’s lineup and eventually surpassed the franchise’s major passing records. When the Lions traded him to the Rams in March 2021, Detroit identified him as its all-time leader in games started by a quarterback, passing attempts, completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, completion percentage and passer rating.
His Detroit tenure ended without a Super Bowl appearance, but Stafford left with a substantial statistical legacy.
Why Did Matthew Stafford Leave the Lions?
The Lions traded Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in March 2021 in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff and draft selections.
The move changed the direction of Stafford’s career. Instead of remaining with a team in rebuilding mode, he joined Sean McVay’s Rams, an established contender with a strong offensive system and a roster built to compete immediately.
The change produced almost immediate results.
Matthew Stafford’s Breakthrough With the Rams
Stafford’s first season with the Rams in 2021 became the defining turning point of his career.
He threw for 4,886 yards and 41 touchdowns during the regular season. The Rams then advanced through the NFC playoffs and reached Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium.
Against the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles won 23-20. Stafford helped engineer game-winning drives in three consecutive playoff games, including the Super Bowl.
The Rams’ championship gave Stafford the first Super Bowl title of his career.
Cooper Kupp, who caught the decisive touchdown pass from Stafford in the fourth quarter, was named Super Bowl MVP.
Matthew Stafford’s Super Bowl Career
Stafford’s most significant team achievement remains his Super Bowl LVI victory with the Rams.
The championship was particularly important because it came in his first season with Los Angeles. Stafford had spent 12 seasons in Detroit without reaching the Super Bowl, then helped the Rams win the championship in his first postseason with the franchise.
His 2021 season ended with 4,886 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes and a 102.9 passer rating.
Matthew Stafford’s 2022 to 2024 Seasons
The season after winning the Super Bowl was considerably more difficult.
Stafford appeared in nine games during the 2022 season, throwing for 2,087 yards and 10 touchdowns. He returned to a larger workload in 2023, passing for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdowns in 15 games.
In 2024, he started all 16 games and finished with 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Those seasons were part of a longer transition in Stafford’s Rams career, but they also kept him among the league’s established veteran quarterbacks.
Matthew Stafford’s 2025 MVP Season
The biggest statistical season of Stafford’s career came in 2025.
He started all 17 regular-season games for the Rams and threw for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. His 46 touchdown passes and 4,707 yards both led the NFL, while his 109.2 passer rating ranked second.
The Rams finished the regular season 12-5 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game.
Stafford also set an NFL record by throwing 28 consecutive touchdown passes without an interception, surpassing Tom Brady’s previous mark. He became one of only three quarterbacks in NFL history to throw at least 45 touchdown passes while throwing fewer than 10 interceptions in a season.
His production earned him the 2025 AP NFL Most Valuable Player award in February 2026. Stafford received 24 of the 50 first-place votes, narrowly finishing ahead of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
The award was the first NFL MVP of Stafford’s career.
He was also selected to his third Pro Bowl and named first-team All-Pro for the first time.
Matthew Stafford’s Career Statistics
Through the latest available 2026 statistics, Stafford has played 240 regular-season games, all as a starter.
His career regular-season passing totals stand at:
- 64,671 passing yards
- 423 touchdown passes
- 197 interceptions
- 5,577 completions
- 8,788 passing attempts
- 63.5% completion rate
- 92.3 career passer rating
These figures place him among the most productive passers in NFL history. The Pro Football Hall of Fame reported that Stafford entered the 2026 offseason sixth all-time in passing yards and seventh in passing touchdowns.
He has also recorded 10 seasons with at least 4,000 passing yards, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Matthew Stafford’s Awards and Achievements
Stafford’s major career honors include:
- 2025 AP NFL Most Valuable Player
- 2025 PFWA Most Valuable Player
- 2025 AP First-Team All-Pro
- Three-time Pro Bowl selection
- Super Bowl LVI champion
- 2011 AP Comeback Player of the Year
- 2011 PFWA Comeback Player of the Year
- 2025 NFL passing yards leader
- 2025 NFL passing touchdowns leader
- 2008 Vince Dooley MVP at Georgia
His 2025 MVP season significantly expanded his list of individual honors after many years in which his career was defined more by statistical production than major league-wide awards.
Matthew Stafford’s Wife and Family
Matthew Stafford is married to Kelly Stafford. The couple met while they were students at the University of Georgia and married in April 2015.
They have four daughters: twins Sawyer and Chandler, followed by Hunter and Tyler.
The Stafford family has frequently appeared together around Rams games, and Kelly has discussed their family life publicly through interviews and her podcast work.
In a September 2026 interview with PEOPLE, Kelly described the family’s daily life as centered largely on their four daughters, with football remaining an important part of the household because of Matthew’s career.
What Is Matthew Stafford Doing Now?
Matthew Stafford remains the starting quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFL season.
In May 2026, the Rams announced that Stafford had signed a contract extension with the team following his MVP-winning 2025 campaign. The organization also noted that his 2025 season moved him to sixth all-time in career passing yards, sixth in completions and seventh in passing touchdowns at that point.
Stafford entered the 2026 season following his announcement during the 2025 NFL Honors ceremony that he intended to return for another season with the Rams.
Through the Rams’ opening game of the 2026 regular season, Stafford had completed 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception in a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Because the 2026 season is still in progress, his current-season numbers will change throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Stafford
What is Matthew Stafford’s real name?
His full name is John Matthew Stafford.
How old is Matthew Stafford?
Matthew Stafford is 38 years old as of September 2026. He was born on February 7, 1988.
Where was Matthew Stafford born?
He was born in Tampa, Florida, and grew up in the Dallas, Texas, area.
What college did Matthew Stafford attend?
Stafford attended the University of Georgia, where he played quarterback from 2006 through 2008.
When was Matthew Stafford drafted?
The Detroit Lions selected Stafford with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
What NFL teams has Matthew Stafford played for?
Stafford has played for two NFL teams: the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams.
He spent 12 seasons in Detroit before joining the Rams in 2021.
Has Matthew Stafford won a Super Bowl?
Yes. Stafford won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2021 season. The Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20.
Has Matthew Stafford won NFL MVP?
Yes. Stafford won the 2025 AP NFL Most Valuable Player award, his first NFL MVP honor.
Who is Matthew Stafford’s wife?
His wife is Kelly Stafford. They met at the University of Georgia and married in 2015. They have four daughters.
How many children does Matthew Stafford have?
Matthew and Kelly Stafford have four daughters, including twins Sawyer and Chandler.
What is Matthew Stafford doing in 2026?
Stafford is continuing his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams after signing a contract extension in May 2026. He entered the season as the Rams’ starting quarterback following his MVP-winning 2025 campaign.
What was Matthew Stafford’s best NFL season?
Statistically, 2025 stands out as his most decorated regular season. He led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes, earned first-team All-Pro honors, made the Pro Bowl and won the AP NFL MVP award.
Matthew Stafford’s career has therefore taken a longer route than a simple first-overall-pick success story. His early years in Detroit established him as a productive NFL quarterback, his move to Los Angeles brought a Super Bowl championship, and his 2025 season added the individual honor that had previously been missing from his résumé. With Stafford still playing for the Rams in 2026, the final chapter of his NFL career has yet to be written.