Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has broken his silence on the franchise’s decision to draft his eventual successor, Ty Simpson.
Former Alabama quarterback Simpson was projected by many to be a second-round pick but, instead, became the surprise No. 13 selection in Pittsburgh last month.
Now, the reigning NFL MVP has addressed the situation publicly for the first time during a Wednesday appearance on the popular ‘Pat McAfee Show.’
Stafford was asked about how much interaction he has had with Simpson since Draft night, before revealing that he has been offering his words of wisdom to the rookie.
‘I’m with him in the meeting room, on the practice field, trying to share as much knowledge as I can,’ Stafford said.
‘I was a big fan of Ty when he was at Alabama. I sent him a text after he got drafted and said, ‘Really enjoyed watching you play, just you were in the wrong jersey.’
Matthew Stafford has broken his silence on the franchise’s decision to draft Ty Simpson
The Rams selected Simpson out of Alabama with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft
Stafford, who recently signed a lucrative $55 million extension, insisted he is happy to share his extensive knowledge on the field.
He noted that older veterans took the time to help him adjust early in his career, and he feels a responsibility to pay that forward now.
‘I did enjoy watching him play. He’s a talented kid,’ he added. ‘I’m going to do everything I can to get this team ready to play, to win, but at the same time share some of the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career.
‘Because I wouldn’t be in the seat that I am right now talking to you guys after a really good football season if I didn’t have people that were helping me out along the way, too, so I’m happy to do that. He’s been a sponge, he’s looking to get better.’
Stafford, 38, is heading into the final year of his contract and stirred retirement speculation at the end of last season.
The Rams appear to be preparing for Stafford’s departure with Simpson now waiting in the wings when the veteran does eventually hang up his cleats.
Simpson raised eyebrows last month when he was asked if he had chance to speak to Stafford following the draft.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson poses with Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Los Angeles Rams
‘I have not,’ Simpson told reporters. ‘Kelly (Stafford) has actually texted me on Instagram and welcomed me and told [me] to hit her up if we need anything but I can’t wait to talk to Matthew.
‘I’m super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain about everything.’
Meanwhile, head coach Sean McVay was accused of being angry with the Rams’ selection of Simpson when his less-than-enthusiastic reaction in the team’s draft room was picked up.
But the coach insisted that he was upset about an unrelated matter, which clouded his reaction.
