Matthew Stafford Wins First MVP Award
SAN FRANCISCO — In a league where many athletes are hanging up their cleats, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford reached a significant milestone at the NFL Honors Ceremony on Thursday. After 17 years in the game, the 37-year-old earned his first MVP award.
Stafford finished the season leading the league with 4,707 passing yards, throwing 46 touchdowns while only tossing eight interceptions. His performance garnered substantial support from voters, marking a high point in his career.
Not only did he set a Rams franchise record with those 46 touchdowns, but he also became just the third player in NFL history to achieve 45 touchdowns combined with fewer than 10 interceptions in a single season.
This impressive season helped the Rams clinch a 12-5 record and secure another Super Bowl appearance. Although they faced a setback against the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, it doesn’t diminish Stafford’s accomplishments during the year.
Now, the big question is whether this MVP win signals the end of his career or if it could propel him to further success, perhaps another MVP title or even a Super Bowl victory.
While Stafford isn’t the oldest player to receive the NFL MVP award, he does join the ranks of notable quarterbacks who achieved this honor later in their careers. Tom Brady, for example, won the award at age 40 in 2017, while Aaron Rodgers claimed it at ages 37 and 38 in back-to-back years.
Stafford is no stranger to challenges, having missed most of training camp due to issues with a deteriorating disc in his back. There were fears that this injury could sideline him for the entire season. He even faced uncertainty about wearing a Rams uniform after a contract stalemate earlier last year.
After discussions about a potential trade with teams like the Raiders and Giants, Stafford and the Rams eventually found common ground in a contract restructuring. Yet, injuries and trade discussions led to an unusually challenging start for an MVP candidate.
“It was a rocky road at times,” he reflected during the playoffs. Conversations between Rams’ medical staff and head coach Sean McVay resulted in a solid plan that kept him on the field for the season.
Looking back, Stafford noted that significant therapy and hard work got him there. “I wasn’t sure how things would unfold, but I just focused on doing my best,” he said, revealing a sense of relief about how the season turned out.
This latest recognition adds to an already interesting career trajectory for Stafford, especially as he prepared for another Super Bowl after a rocky start. His journey has been dotted with ups and downs, similar to the story of Sam Darnold, who transitioned from disappointment to success in Seattle.
Stafford was drafted first overall in 2009 and boasted raw talent and the potential for a long-lasting career. Yet things didn’t always align smoothly. Despite his impressive stats, including throwing for over 4,000 yards multiple times in his first 12 seasons, he struggled with a franchise that often underperformed.
His tenure with the Lions was defined more by missed opportunities than wins. Stafford experienced four winning seasons in those years, with the team holding a record of 74-90-1 while he was at the helm. It often felt like a challenging situation for him, and he wondered about how quarterbacks are judged based on wins alone.
“It’s a complex metric,” he commented. “Sometimes we play well and still lose; other times we don’t play great but come away with a win. It isn’t always just about the quarterback.” This makes it clear how crucial teamwork is for success.
His time in Los Angeles has been eye-opening. The coaching and teammate dynamics are different, allowing him to thrive. Even with a record number of touchdowns this year, he feels he is performing at the same level statistically as before — just under more effective guidance.
“Yeah, I’m doing my best to lead and win games,” he said. “But the truth is, those wins and losses don’t rest solely on my shoulders. We win as a unit and lose as one, too.”
