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Matthew Stafford might end up being this year’s league MVP when all is said and done, but the end results for the Los Angeles Rams quarterback weren’t what he or the team were hoping for on Sunday night.
The Seattle Seahawks were NFC champions after beating the Rams, and Stafford and his teammates returned late to Los Angeles on what was likely a somber flight.
But despite what happened in Seattle, Stafford’s first priority was his family, as his wife, Kelly Stafford, revealed on social media.
No one would blame Stafford if he was still thinking about his loss early Monday morning, but his wife showed that his fatherly duties were the first thing he tended to when he got home.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford with his daughters on the sideline before facing the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on January 4, 2026. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
“After leaving everything on that field and failing, at 230 in the morning it was Matthew,” Kelly captioned an Instagram Story video from her indoor camera showing her husband saying goodnight to each of their four daughters — twins Sawyer and Chandler, Hunter and Tyler.
Making sure your kids are warm and sleeping is one of the best feelings as a parent, even when things haven’t gone well during the day.
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Stafford, 37, left it all on the turf at Lumen Field Sunday night, but it ultimately wasn’t enough.
A crucial play occurred on fourth-and-4 near the Seahawks’ goal line, where Stafford had an opportunity to take the lead with just under five minutes remaining in the NFC Championship Game.
But, as he backed up and scouted the end zone, he attempted to throw a pass to rookie tight end Terrence Ferguson, but it fell short, with Devon Witherspoon providing tight coverage for Seattle’s defense.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford poses with his family before the NFC Wild Card game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams game on Sunday, January 14, 2023 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. (Steven King/Sportswire Icon)
This was a crucial play, as Sam Darnold and the Seahawks offense had their own opportunity: pick up a few first downs and ice the game. They killed all but 25 seconds with a methodical drive, and Stafford attempted a miracle drive deep in his own territory, but ultimately failed.
As the Seahawks celebrated, the Rams, aiming for their first Super Bowl appearance since Stafford helped them win during the 2021 season, left the field disappointed.
Stafford’s final stat line of the season read 22 of 35 for 374 yards with three touchdowns. He was even spotted bloodied on his non-throwing left hand during the game.
As mentioned, Stafford is one of this season’s MVP finalists after leading the league in passing touchdowns (46) and passing yards (4,707) while going 12-5 in his 17th NFL season.
The question will likely arise this offseason whether Stafford wants to make Year 18 a reality with the Rams. He avoided a question in Seattle about his future in 2026, but he seemed focused on returning home and spending time with his family.
Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the field before the NFC NFL Championship football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
In fact, Stafford even thanked his wife and daughters for their support throughout the season with indulgent donuts and a sweet note, which his wife also shared on social media.
“Thank you for being such rockstars to me throughout the season!” Read Stafford’s note. “You have all been the inspiration for Dad’s incredible year! We [love] You!!”
