Entering the 2025 season, many wondered if Matthew Stafford could still perform at an elite level. His leading the league in multiple stats in the best season of his NFL career certainly shut all the doubters down. While the questions still lingered, the first-time MVP took the opportunity to announce his final retirement decision on Thursday night.

“You’re unbelievable cheerleaders for me. I appreciate it. I am so happy to have you (his daughters) at the games on the sideline with me, and I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking a–,” Stafford said, confirming his next run with the Rams. “So I’ll see you guys next year. Hopefully, I’m not at this event, and we’re getting ready for another game in SoFi. I appreciate you guys. Thank you very much.”

The 37-year-old has always had his four daughters on the sidelines of most home games to cheer him on. And as he accepted his MVP award for the 2025 season, he ensured they were still standing tall with him. But what was also important was his decision to return.

After the 2025 season, the Rams had a major decision to make in the offseason, which was, for most parts, out of their control. As soon as they lost to the eventual Super Bowl finalists, the Seattle Seahawks, the looming questions returned. With Stafford’s age, his injuries, and back troubles, many didn’t believe he would return. However, he has more reasons to return than leave.

• The Super Bowl: The Rams were one of the most complete teams in the NFL this season. They led the offensive and defensive rankings in the league. The only thing that got the better of them was Seattle. But after already winning the Lombardi in his first season with the team, and dropping only one game before another trip, he would want to return and re-live the moment.
• His competitiveness: Head coach Sean McVay has certainly done a great job with Stafford, who saw his numbers improve this season across the board. Moreover, he had already hinted that he had much fuel left in his tank that should only push him for another great season with the NFC West champions.
• The Super Bowl LXI: One of the reasons why Stafford would want to return is the fact that SoFi Stadium will host next year’s Super Bowl. While it wouldn’t have weighed on him much, allowing his home fans to watch their team in the Super Bowl they host is always interesting.
• The awards: Stafford might be one of the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL right now. However, that has not stopped him from rising to the occasion. With that, he clinched the PFWA’s MVP award. He is also the frontrunner to win the AP’s NFL MVP and earned his third Pro Bowl selection this season.

After making his return public, he also opened up about what made him announce his return on Thursday night in particular.

“I ended the season on a healthy note and was a part of a great team,” he said. “I had a bunch of teammates in the crowd and some coaches in the crowd, and just felt like it was the right thing to do at the right moment. It’s a family decision. I have my girls with me, so it just felt right. Happy to be coming back.”

The upcoming 2026 season will mark Stafford’s 18th in the league. In his 17th, he led the NFL in both passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46).

Stafford has taken a lot of hits over the years, and recent physical issues made people wonder how much longer his body could hold up. The speculations around his retirement grew even stronger when Stafford chose to withdraw from the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, despite being named the starting quarterback for the NFC.

While no official injury was cited for his withdrawal, reports insisted he sought a break after a physically demanding season that extended to the NFC Championship Game. Ultimately, he was replaced by Jalen Hurts.

Both Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead were anxiously waiting for clarity on Stafford’s decision and were certainly optimistic that he’d choose to make another run. McVay’s gleaming face in the crowd during the award ceremony certainly showed his happiness to see his QB return. However, there was no pressure on the three-time Pro Bowler from the organization to rush his call.

But could Snead still think about getting another QB to Los Angeles?

The Rams would likely continue their QB search

It’s always best to be prepared in advance. When it comes to the most important position in the game, planning certainly never hurts. So, even though Stafford is returning for another season, the fact that this will be his contract year, which might only push him to probably retire after the 2026 season, remains true. Moreover, the Rams can always have a backup QB who could eventually be their next man under the center and learn with Stafford still playing.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, LA holds two first-round picks. But beyond Fernando Mendoza, this year’s draft class lacks clear franchise-level options, and the Heisman Winner, who is projected to be a first-overall pick, will most likely land with the Raiders. The next option, then, comes to going through the free agency and trades.

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The Rams have the cap space to explore the free agency market. And a veteran signing could make sense, given that the rest of the roster is a Super Bowl-caliber team. However, there are not many options available there. They might still want to look at Kirk Cousins or Malik Willis. Trade is also a viable option. They might look to trade their current players or a draft pick for a good quarterback.

For now, Stafford’s future is settled. Consequently, Sean McVay will be able to move forward with his offseason plans. The next order of business will be to turn their attention to free agency and the draft as they gear up for the next season.

In the meantime, the spotlight, for now, will be on his MVP honor. After all, this MVP race was the closest one since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were co-winners in 2003.

Matthew Stafford wins one of the closest MVP award races in NFL history

Matthew Stafford won the NFL Most Valuable Player award by the smallest of margins, beating Drake Maye with just a five-point margin. Stafford finished with 366 total points, while Maye ended with 361. The voting showed how tight the competition really was.

Stafford received 24 first-place votes, while Maye earned 23, proving that the race stayed neck-and-neck until the very end. Over the final weeks of the season, the two quarterbacks traded spots as the betting favorites, with Stafford pulling slightly ahead after the regular season ended.

Stafford’s MVP season turned out to be a major highlight because of his age and experience. At 37 years old and in his 17th NFL season, he became the oldest player ever to win his first MVP award. Besides Maye, Josh Allen, the 2024 MVP, was also a close competitor on the list. He finished third.

Justin Herbert, on the other hand, picked up one first-place vote but fell behind in overall totals. Non-quarterbacks like Christian McCaffrey also trailed due to the dominance of the passing numbers this year. With a clear dominant win, the QB is all set to give another chance to his commendable journey with the Rams.