Matthew Stafford has a unique opportunity to achieve something unprecedented in NFL history.
He’s emerged as a top contender for the NFL MVP award, which, if won, would make him the longest-tenured player ever to receive it. After 17 seasons in the league, this year marked the first time he landed in the top five for MVP voting.
Before finding out the outcome, Stafford walked the red carpet at the NFL Honors event alongside his wife, Kelly.
In what many consider the peak of his career, Stafford threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns—both leading the NFL.
He guided the Rams to playoff victories over Carolina and NFC West rival San Francisco, but fell short against Seattle in the NFC title game, completing 22 of 35 passes for 374 yards and three touchdowns in that match.
Stafford signed a two-year, $80 million contract with the Rams last offseason, but there was a catch. It effectively became a two-year, $40 million deal, as the second $40 million is guaranteed only if he remains on the roster by March 15, the fifth day of the new league year.
As speculation swirls around his future for next season, there are hints that he could lift the MVP trophy and potentially step away from football. However, if he decides to return, the Rams are expected to be favorites for the Super Bowl next season, especially with the event set to take place in Los Angeles in February 2027. That could be an appealing narrative for a grand farewell.
The 15th Annual NFL Honors 2026 will be hosted by Jon Hamm at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
