Matthew Stafford makes decision on 2026 NFL season, per report
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
The Los Angeles Rams are in Seattle on Sunday to face the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. A win puts Matthew Stafford’s team in the Super Bowl for the second time in five seasons.
Stafford is having a career year, with his 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns leading the league during the 2025 regular season. That’s made him one of the five finalists for the NFL MVP award. He’s now two wins away from his second Lombardi Trophy.
The former Georgia star, who turns 38 a day before Super Bowl LX, undoubtedly understands that Father Time will come calling. But from the sounds of it, Stafford is ready to return for what would be his 18th NFL season.
“Stafford has told people close to him that he does believe he has some good football left, telling them no matter what, he wants to be back next year,” NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport said on the NFL Network on Sunday.
Would Stafford consider calling time on a Hall of Fame career if he ends up winning it all on Feb. 8?
“No one knows for sure if the Rams win the Super Bowl (whether or not) Matthew Stafford (walks) away,” Rapoport said. “But at least we know he believes he has plenty left.”
The Rams and Seahawks kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
