Matthew Stafford might set a Week 1 record no other QB will ever reach

NFL records come in three forms. The most recognizable are single-season records based on measurable statistics, most often associated with Fantasy Football. Then there are career records, typically tracked in box scores. But there’s a third, lesser-known category: durability records. And Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford is about to enter that conversation in a historic way.

The 37-year-old is about to suit up and start his 17th Week 1 game. When that happens, he’ll break a record he currently shares with former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway for the most consecutive Week 1 starts in NFL history. It’s a phenomenal achievement, and a true testament to his durability throughout a long, punishing career.

Unlike many quarterbacks, he didn’t get here by being bubble-wrapped or protected by quick flags from officials. While names like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have seen their fair share of controversial roughing the passer calls, Stafford’s story has been the opposite, with more talk about the hits not called than the ones that were.

Matthew Stafford’s potential record-setting Week 1 comes with a new layer of concern

Starting Week 1 for 17 straight seasons is no small feat. Many veterans never play that long, and even fewer stay consistent enough to earn the starting job year after year. To start under center to open the season, a quarterback must be playing at a high level and able to push through adversity, including things like chronic back pain.

But even as the 37-year-old prepares to start once more, the shadow of his eventual successor looms. This is a quarterback room built to win now, with ages of 37, 33, and 27. While the defense has clearly undergone a youth movement, the quarterback position has skipped right past it.

Concerns over Stafford’s durability in 2025 are already heightened, setting the stage for overreactions in Week 1 if he struggles or suffers any injury. The offense hasn’t lived up to expectations in recent years. The team has endured Aaron Donald’s retirement and parted ways with Cooper Kupp. And fans are already preparing for the inevitable future without Stafford under center. Many aren’t even sure the next franchise arm is currently on the roster.

But those are challenges for tomorrow. For today, the Rams are about to see a veteran quarterback take the field for his 17th consecutive season opener. That’s a record, and one that may not be broken for a long time.

As always, thanks for reading.

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