Matthew Stafford has been the face of the Los Angeles Rams since 2021, guiding the franchise to its first-ever Super Bowl title in his first season with the team. But after a disappointing 2024 campaign, trade rumors began to swirl around the veteran quarterback.
Amid that noise, Stafford’s wife, Kelly, made a startling revelation, saying their daughters were singled out and bullied at school, all because of a bizarre rumor about her relationship with the quarterback.
Matthew Stafford’s Kids Targeted Over Rumors Blaming Their Mom for QB’s Future
Speaking on Sunday Sports Club, Kelly revealed that she was dragged into speculation as the supposed reason behind her husband’s trade rumors. The chatter didn’t just affect her. It spilled into their children’s lives at school, where classmates told them they might have to move because of their mother.
“When there was speculation of Matthew getting traded this past year,” she explained. “And then there was a headline that his wife was the problem and that was the reason…the kids at school were picking on them, being like, ‘You’re gonna have to move because your mom is an issue — she’s too loud and whatever.’”
The Staffords have four daughters, and Kelly recalled one of them even asking if the family had to move because “the Rams don’t like you.” However, she understands that scrutiny is part of life as an NFL spouse, but in the end, the rumors proved unfounded. Stafford and the Rams ultimately agreed to a revised deal, putting the speculation to rest.
In the previous iteration of his Rams contract, the 37-year-old Stafford had two years and $58 million remaining on the four-year, $160 million contract extension he signed in 2022, shortly after leading Los Angeles to a Super Bowl victory.
However, his $27 million salary for the upcoming season was well below the compensation typically given to quarterbacks of Stafford’s caliber. Eventually, the two sides agreed to a new two-year, $84 million deal, with $44 million for the 2025 season jumping from $27.
And the Rams’ decision to restructure Stafford’s contract has paid early dividends. Los Angeles is off to a 2-0 start, with the veteran quarterback looking sharp and throwing for 543 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception. Surrounded by a strong supporting cast, Stafford appears rejuvenated and will be eager to guide the Rams on another run toward Super Bowl glory.