Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford would not discuss possible retirement in the aftermath of Los Angeles’ playoff agony against the Seahawks.
Stafford enjoyed a stunning season as he led the Rams all the way to the NFC Championship game, where they were beaten 31-27 by Seattle.
The quarterback is expected to win Most Valuable Player for the 2025 season but he will turn 38 on the eve of next month’s Super Bowl.
In the locker room after Sunday’s game, Stafford was asked to assess his season. He was also asked if he will be back for an 18th year in the NFL.
‘I can’t generalize six months of my life 10 minutes after a loss,’ the 37-year-old said.
‘I appreciate the guys in this locker room a whole hell of a lot – everyone who helped me and helped our team be as successful as we were this year. And that’s all I’ll answer for you.’
Matthew Stafford would not discuss retirement in the aftermath of Los Angeles’ playoff agony
The quarterback is expected to win MVP for the 2025 season but he will turn 38 next month
Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns in a nail-biting NFC Championship game against the Seahawks on Sunday night.
But the Rams were ultimately undone by critical errors, notably a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter. On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown and a 24-13 lead.
But Stafford refused to blame Smith, insisting: ‘I think it came down to a whole lot more than just that. It was a battle the whole game.
‘It wasn’t like we were all just waiting for one play here or there. There are a million plays in a football game that can turn the tide and we had our opportunities and didn’t make it.’
He added: ‘I’m obviously disappointed we lost. It’s a great football team we just played. It was a great effort, really good football game – obviously we didn’t come out on top and it’s a tough pill to swallow at the moment.
