Kelly Stafford shared two reasons why Matthew could decide to retire from the NFL before long

Posted by Admin July 13, 2026 NFL

Los Angeles Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford’s wife, Kelly, hinted at several reasons why Stafford’s NFL tenure might end sooner rather than later during her appearance on “The Cutting Edge” podcast earlier this month.

When speaking about what her family life is like when Stafford is in the season, Kelly said, “One of the biggest things Matthew can’t stand is that he can’t come to [his kids’] weekend games.”

Matt and Kelly Stafford pose for a selfie while at a game together. Instagram/@kbstafford89

She then added, “That’s starting to wear and tear on him, that he’s not around for those. And they’re getting to the age … And they’re asking, ‘Well, when is dad gonna come to our games?'”

Matt and Kelly have four daughters together, all of whom are between six and nine years old.

A few minutes later in the podcast, Kelly said: “With the injury stuff, too, Matthew has had his fair share. And now the lingering ones, as he gets older in this league … Every year, I always worry about his head. That’s the one injury that diagnosing it is tough; knowing the repercussions of it is tough.”

Kelly Stafford speaks during an episode of “The Cutting Edge” podcast. YouTube/The Cutting Edge

She then added: “For [players] emotionally, it’s tough, because their identity right now is in what they do. And it’s true. So if you take that away from them, even for a small time because of injuries, it’s tough on them.

“Matthew’s back last year was the worst I’d ever seen him, mentally and emotionally, when it comes to an injury,” Kelly continued.

Stafford had to manage an aggravated disc in his back during the 2025 season, which kept him sidelined for most of training camp. It clearly didn’t impact his performance on the field much, given that he won the NFL MVP award, but its chronic nature will continue to be a storyline for the rest of his career.

Matt Stafford’s NFL tenure might end sooner rather than later due to lingering injuries and missing out on quality family time. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

In other words, Kelly is suggesting that Matthew is getting tired of missing his daughters’ sports games and other aspects of them growing up while he’s in the middle of a season. And the injuries (especially his chronic back issue) seem to be taking a toll on him mentally, physically and emotionally.

The 38-year-old Stafford hasn’t been clear about when he intends to retire. But when that decision is made (which will likely be within the next few years), one can likely point to these two factors as the reason.