The name is Matthew Stafford, not Matt. Just ask his wife, Kelly, not Kel.

There will always be efforts of persons to shorten names, or even replace them with more intimate nicknames. The habit of friends creating new names for close associates may have peaked during and shortly after World War II when hundreds of thousands of troops had to familiarize themselves with one another before being hurled into military combat. Rather than have 20 Johns to remember, they were given unique names like Milkdud (because he liked the candy), Red (color of hair), Austin (his hometown), and the like.

Nicknames were a shortcut to learning a lot of names quickly, and to ensure that there was no confusion when the name David was called out at role-call, and 17 soldiers responded.

So that habit was embedded in our culture as a way of familiarizing, and even advancing friendship, between acquaintances. Oh, but on the other hand, there are those who are not exactly warm and receptive to the idea of shortening their name given at birth. Take LA Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, for example.

A Matthew by any other name is still a SB winner

Matthew is one of those names that happen to be long enough and cumbersome enough for shortening. And so, over time, that is exactly what has happened. There is the given name, Matthew. Then there is the shortened name, Matt. Finally, there is the even friendlier version, Matty.  So which version of name does our starting quarterback wish to be used?

Well, it seems that he wants to be called Matthew. Otherwise, why would his wife spend so much money customizing her apparel to deliver that message?

I’m good with that. As long as the LA Rams can call him their starting quarterback, I can call him Matthew Stafford, Mr. Stafford, or the Baron of Airing out the Football if necessary. If you don’t believe me, just ask his wife. That’s Kelly, not Kel, by the way.