Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford couldn't wait any longer to announce his plans for the 2026 NFL season.
Stafford was exceptional for the Rams this season, completing 65% of his pass attempts for 4,707 yards with 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Although the Rams fell short of their ultimate goal, they were firmly in the Super Bowl conversation because of their quarterback.
After the Rams lost the NFC Championship, head coach Sean McVay made it clear that he wanted Stafford back for another season. There's been rumblings about him potentially retiring in the offseason.
“If that’s something that he wants to do, the answer is absolutely yes. I think what’s great is he’s gonna take his time with (his wife) Kelly and the girls and see what’s best, but man, is he still playing at an incredible level,” McVay said, via NFL.com. “Our hope is that he does (return), but with respect to his timetable and ability to be able to communicate with you guys whenever he feels ready to make that announcement, we’ll let him be able to do that.”
Well, McVay got his wish.
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On Thursday night, Stafford was named MVP of the 2025 season. During his acceptance speech, he announced that he'll be coming back for another run at the Lombardi Trophy.
"I’ll see you guys next year," Stafford said.
NFL fans react to Stafford's return.
"He just fooled the entire league into giving him a retirement MVP just to come back," one fan wrote on X.
"Was anyone expecting him to retire this year? I don't think this is a surprise tbh, he clearly still has a lot left in the tank," a second fan replied.
"37 years old. MVP in hand. Retirement rumors? Nah. Stafford just dropped the coldest line of the night: ‘I’ll see y’all in 2026.’ Legend stays cooking," another fan commented.
"Run it back lets goo," a Rams fan said.
There's no question Stafford has enough gas left in the tank to lead the Rams to another championship. Will he though? We'll have to wait and see.