Rams' Stafford shuts down retirement rumors on wife's podcast

Matthew Stafford Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Rams QB Matthew Stafford shuts down retirement rumors on wife's podcast

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/20/22

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford made it clear Tuesday morning that he's not retiring.
When asked by his wife on her podcast "The Morning After with Kelly Stafford," the 34-year-old shutdown the notion that his playing career was over.

Here it is from Matthew himself on retirement: pic.twitter.com/S3hUsHlArR
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) December 20, 2022

Stafford's response backs up Rams head coach Sean McVay's words from earlier this month, when he said he expected the former No. 1 overall pick to have a healthy upcoming offseason. Stafford hasn't played since Week 11 due to a spinal cord contusion, and with Los Angeles being officially eliminated from playoff contention following their "Monday Night Football" loss to the Green Bay Packers, it's assumed that the one-time Pro Bowler won't play again this season.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo broke down Stafford's contract situation heading into 2023.

Matthew Stafford is due $27.5 million from the #Rams in 2023. All of it is guaranteed for injury, with $1.5 million of it fully guaranteed.

There’s a $26 million option bonus in March that basically triggers another $31 million fully guaranteed in 2024. https://t.co/gIMCdWZlDk
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 20, 2022

The longtime Detroit Lions quarterback first entered the league's concussion protocol after the Rams' Week 9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stafford missed the next game against the Arizona Cardinals but returned against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 20 before again being evaluated for a concussion that afternoon.

This is just the second year since 2011 where Stafford hasn't played a full season, as he was limited to eight contests in 2019. He has a 68.0% completion percentage for 2,087 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season.

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