Matt Stafford is stepping into an unfamiliar role in his professional football journey: becoming a mentor.
During a recent appearance on Chris Long’s Green Light Podcast, Stafford was asked what he would like rookie quarterback Ty Simpson to remember about him two decades down the line.
“I hope he can look back and say he had a mentor who treated him well,” Stafford reflected. “Someone who showed him what it means to be a true professional and, well, be yourself. I mean, I’m not a robot or anything. My main focus is to ensure that the team and I are ready to perform our best.”
Stafford added, “If he picks up lessons along the way and takes it to heart, that motivates me. A better Ty means a better team.”
Some eyebrows were raised when the Rams selected Simpson as the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Many had anticipated that the Rams would chase a more immediate impact player to boost their chances this season rather than investing in the future.
Simpson had a modest college career, starting just once in four years. His redshirt junior year at Alabama was strong, where he threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, guiding the Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record before falling to Indiana 38-3 in the Rose Bowl during the College Football Playoff’s second round.
With Stafford signing a hefty $105 million contract extension, Simpson will now settle into a backup role as part of the team for the foreseeable future.
For Simpson, having Stafford as a mentor is invaluable. Stafford, a veteran quarterback with 18 years under his belt, clinched his first Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021 and earned his MVP title last season after throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns. This puts Simpson in a rather advantageous position as a rookie.
As Stafford eyes another Super Bowl victory before hanging up his cleats, he seems enthusiastic about guiding the next generation of players.
“Hopefully,” he mused, “[Ty Simpson] will be able to look back in 15 to 20 years and say, ‘I had a great experience with Matthew, and I learned so much from him.’”
