The NFL’s Most Valuable Player, Matthew Stafford, has affirmed his intention to be back on the field in 2026, a declaration he made during his acceptance speech for the 2025 award at Thursday’s NFL Honors event, effectively quashing rumors of potential retirement at the age of 37.
“I eagerly anticipate your cheers next season as we dominate on the field,” Stafford conveyed to his four daughters, who were beside him on stage. “Therefore, I’ll see you all next year. Ideally, I won’t be at this ceremony, but rather preparing for another match at SoFi Stadium.”
During the 2025-26 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams’ signal-caller secured his inaugural NFL MVP accolade, having accumulated a league-leading 3,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes against only eight interceptions across 17 contests.
Backstage, Stafford confided to journalists that his declaration was “something I had contemplated.”
He further elaborated, stating, “I concluded the season in good health and was a member of an outstanding squad. With many colleagues and mentors present, it simply seemed like the opportune moment to make the announcement. I am pleased to be returning.”
Stafford’s victory for the award was a close contest, as he garnered 24 first-place ballots compared to the 23 received by New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. This voting margin marked the tightest MVP race witnessed since 2003, when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were co-recipients of the distinction.
Having completed his 17th professional season, which commenced with a bout of back discomfort in training camp later identified as an aggravated disc, uncertainty lingered about whether Stafford would choose to conclude his career after five seasons with the Rams, a tenure that included a Super Bowl victory.
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Following the Rams’ 31-27 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship contest, inquiries were posed to head coach Sean McVay regarding his expectation of Stafford’s return for the subsequent season. Visibly affected by the loss, McVay retorted, “Certainly, if he desires to continue playing. What sort of inquiry is that?”
McVay emphasized the conditional aspect of his initial statement: “If he still wishes to participate.” The following day, he expanded on these comments, affirming that he “unequivocally” desired Stafford’s comeback, yet acknowledged the signal-caller’s need for personal reflection on his choice.
Nevertheless, Stafford definitively resolved any lingering doubts about his career trajectory on Thursday, having been honored as the NFL’s premier performer for the 2025-26 campaign.
