Matthew Stafford drops not-so-subtle hint on inevitable retirement

Matthew Stafford just had his best statistical game since joining the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4, throwing for 375 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. So his reaction to being asked by Pat McAfee about how long he intends to continue competing was predictable:

It’s tough to imagine any NFL player responding favorably to retirement talk mid-season, especially after putting up his best single-game performance in five years. That likelihood drops even further when the question is directed at one of the most competitive quarterbacks in league history.

The 37-year-old quarterback certainly ignited plenty of retirement rumors in training camp. After prolonged contract negotiations and then a back injury, many analysts were happy to predict 2025 as the former Georgia Bulldog quarterback's last season. But their tones changed dramatically as the veteran hurler proved why he is one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Matthew Stafford drops not-so-subtle hint on inevitable retirement

It was easy to suspect the off-ramp for Stafford in the midst of his back turmoil. Retirement not only appeared to be the easiest solution, but his only solution. Still, the league has plenty of history with quarterbacks suffering back injuries. While it's still early in the season, the team appears to have won the jackpot.

In stark contrast to last year’s fading offense, this season’s unit is starting to show up. There are still bugs to work out, injuries to heal, and chemistry to build, but the team is winning despite its shortcomings. And at 3-1, there’s growing confidence that better days are ahead.

The last time Los Angeles started a season 3-1, it ended by winning Super Bowl LVI. With postseason play likely, it'd be tough to find any Rams player who'd openly admit to considering retirement, especially in the middle of a potential run.

The retirement question should be posed to general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay. But they would be hard-pressed to give anything but 100 percent support for their starting quarterback.

As long as he balls out like Week 4, the team's brain trust will be happy to welcome him back.

Retirement? Don’t be silly. The 17-year veteran is just as likely to be thinking about his post-Super Bowl victory speech. For now, the team holds two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft—but the need to draft a Stafford successor keeps shrinking. As always, thanks for reading.

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