Matthew Stafford’s latest mobile phone commercial is hilarious

Okay. We’ve been covering the LA Rams non-stop, and my lack of sleep has already caused enough ridicule at my expense. (Yes, I make my share of gaffes, stumbles, and miscues too. Don’t ask, lol). But like many things in life, you get yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again. So that’s just what we are about to do now.

Let’s pivot our Rams Free Agency 72-hour marathon to quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is himself just one year removed from captivating the nation as almost every NFL headline splashed tales of his projected play and how it would shine in the LA Rams offense. Well, it did, and that was one of the key pieces needed to get the LA Rams an NFC West Division Title, and a four-game playoff winning streak to win Super Bowl LVI.

Stafford is the ideal quarterback in many ways, but perhaps one of his greatest attributes is just how well he steps up after making a miscue on the football field. He becomes possessed, as though that lapse has refocused his attention, or kicked in some level of laser-guided passer mechanics. Just check out this Next Gen Stats Tweet:

To be able to do that, a person has to have very short-term memory, abundant confidence, and an ability to laugh at themselves. While we won’t be touching on the first two qualities, we will certainly get years of entertainment from the last characteristic. And here is just one example:

In the commercial, Stafford is learning the ropes about serving as the AT&T customer representative in charge of their phone trade-in program. After receiving a short summary of how it works, he replies:

"“Oh, I get it, so you can take your old phone, that you’ve had for 12 years and loved every minute of, and trade it in for something new that suits your life now? (That’s right, yeah) Then enjoy immediate success, even though you’ll never forget your old phone, ever? (It’s a great trade.) Life changing.” – Matthew Stafford says to the camera with a wink"

It’s a clear salute to both chapters in his NFL career – 12 years with the Detroit Lions and one year with the LA Rams. And only a player who is comfortable at tirelessly working through the mistakes and momentum changes in a football game as comfortable as quarterback Matthew Stafford can pull this one off with that much commercial appeal.

Authenticity

I like the fact that Matthew Stafford is such a talented quarterback. I could do without the heartbreaking interceptions and pick-sixes that occur occasionally. But I completely trust someone who never seems to rises above the game, who can shake off the mistakes, and come back stronger than ever.

Authenticity.  That is what I enjoy most from Matthew Stafford. Per Stephen Joseph Ph.D. from Psychology Today, the 7 Core Qualities of Authentic People are:

1. Have realistic perceptions of reality.
2. Are accepting of themselves and of other people.
3. Are thoughtful.
4. Have a non-hostile sense of humor.
5. Are able to express their emotions freely and clearly.
6. Are open to learning from their mistakes.
7. Understand their motivations.

That pretty much sums up what Matthew Stafford is all about. Authenticity is rare today, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not appreciated.