{{short description|American football player (born 1988)}} {{for|the Irish politician|Matthew Stafford (politician)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox gridiron football biography | name = Matthew Stafford | image = Stafford 6 731 (cropped3).jpg | caption = Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 | number = 9 | current_team = Los Angeles Rams | position = Quarterback | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|02|07}} | birth_place = Tampa, Florida, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 3 | weight_lb = 214 | high_school = Highland Park (Dallas, Texas) | college = Georgia (2006–2008) | draftyear = 2009 | draftround = 1 | draftpick = 1 | pastteams = * Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|2009|2020}}) * Los Angeles Rams ({{NFL Year|2021}}–present) | status = Active | highlights = * Super Bowl champion (LVI) * NFL Most Valuable Player (2025) * NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2011) * First-team All-Pro (2025) * 3× Pro Bowl (2014, 2023, 2025) <!-- In 2022, Stafford was invited to the Pro Bowl as an alternate, but declined the invitation. Therefore, it does not count towards his career statistics. Please do not add it to the infobox. --> * NFL passing yards leader (2025) * NFL passing touchdowns leader (2025) * Detroit Lions All-Time Team * First-team All-American (2008) * Second-team All-SEC (2008) ;NFL records * Most game-winning drives in a single season: 8 (tied){{efn|with Kirk Cousins}} * Most fourth quarter comebacks in a single season: 8 (tied){{efn|with Kirk Cousins}} * Most passing touchdowns in a game by a rookie: 5 (tied){{efn|with Ray Buivid, Jameis Winston, Deshaun Watson, Daniel Jones, and C. J. Stroud}} * Most pass attempts per game, season: 45.4 (2012){{efn|Minimum 14 pass attempts per team game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minimum Requirements For Football Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/about/minimums.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101014248/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/about/minimums.htm |archive-date=January 1, 2026 |access-date=January 7, 2026 |website=Pro Football Reference}}</ref>}} *Most consecutive passing touchdowns without an interception: 28 | statweek = | statseason = 2025 | statlabel1 = Passing attempts | statvalue1 = 8,763 | statlabel2 = Passing completions | statvalue2 = 5,562 | statlabel3 = Completion percentage | statvalue3 = 63.5% | statlabel4 = TD–INT | statvalue4 = 423–196 | statlabel5 = Passing yards | statvalue5 = 64,516 | statlabel6 = Passer rating | statvalue6 = 92.4 | pfr = StafMa00 }} '''John Matthew Stafford'''<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR">{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407134229/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> (born February 7, 1988) is an American professional football quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, receiving first-team All-American honors in 2008, and was selected first overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL draft. Ranking in the top 10 of all time in pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns, Stafford is currently sixth all time in passing yards per game and the fastest player in NFL history to have reached 40,000 career passing yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Passing Yards per Game Career Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_per_g_career.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117193438/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_per_g_career.htm |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}}</ref>
As the Lions' primary starter from 2009 to 2020, Stafford had a breakout year in 2011 when he became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a single season, while also leading Detroit to their first playoff appearance since 1999. He helped the Lions reach the playoffs two more times in 2014 and 2016, earning Pro Bowl honors during the former and setting the NFL season record for comeback wins in the latter. After mutually agreeing to part ways with the Lions, Stafford was traded to the Rams in 2021 and led them to victory in Super Bowl LVI. In 2025, Stafford led the league in passing yards and touchdowns for the first time in his career, earning him NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Jackson |title=Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford wins NFL MVP |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/rams-quarterback-matthew-stafford-wins-nfl-mvp |access-date=February 5, 2026 |website=FoxNews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Early life== Stafford was born on February 7, 1988, in Tampa, Florida, to John and Margaret Stafford. He lived in Dunwoody, Georgia, while John attended graduate school at the University of Georgia. Stafford has an older sister named Page. His family then moved to Dallas, Texas, and Stafford attended Highland Park High School with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Todd |date=August 29, 2017 |title=Highland Park Grads Now Highest Paid in NFL, MLB |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/Highland-Park-Alumni-Matt-Stafford-Clayton-Kershaw-Now-Sports-Highest-Paid-442129963.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412141910/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/Highland-Park-Alumni-Matt-Stafford-Clayton-Kershaw-Now-Sports-Highest-Paid-442129963.html |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=January 7, 2018 |website=NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth |language=en}}</ref> He was coached by Randy Allen and was widely considered to be one of the best high school quarterbacks in the United States in the class of 2006,<ref name="prorivals">{{Cite web |title=Pro-style quarterbacks 2006 |url=https://n.rivals.com/position_rankings/football/2006/pro |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212150459/https://n.rivals.com/position_rankings/football/2006/pro |archive-date=December 12, 2024 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=Rivals.com}}</ref> ranked ahead of Tim Tebow.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Prospect Ranking |url=https://n.rivals.com/prospect_rankings/rivals100/2006?position=ALL%20POSITIONS |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204142645/https://n.rivals.com/prospect_rankings/rivals100/2006?position=ALL%20POSITIONS |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=Rivals.com}}</ref>
In 2005, Stafford led his team to a perfect 15–0 record and won the UIL 4A Division I State Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schedule – Highland Park Scots 2005 Football (Dallas, TX) |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/highland-park-scots-(dallas,tx)/football-fall-05/schedule.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214114343/https://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/highland-park-scots-(dallas,tx)/football-fall-05/schedule.htm |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |access-date=December 11, 2018 |website=MaxPreps.com}}</ref> During the playoff run, Stafford beat Ryan Mallett's Texarkana Texas 38–31, as well as Jevan Snead's Stephenville 41–38.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wixon |first=Matt |date=May 21, 2015 |title=98 days away: #TBT Highland Park QB Matthew Stafford |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/2015/05/21/98-days-away-tbt-highland-park-qb-matthew-stafford/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904195309/https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/2015/05/21/98-days-away-tbt-highland-park-qb-matthew-stafford/ |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=Dallas News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Askeland |first=Kevin |date=July 25, 2012 |title=Top 10 most memorable football games of the MaxPreps era |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/article.aspx?articleid=fba62cb6-6a8b-4f0b-add2-d053e342d17e&page=5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010131/https://www.maxpreps.com/news/article.aspx?articleid=fba62cb6-6a8b-4f0b-add2-d053e342d17e&page=5 |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=MaxPreps.com |language=en}}</ref> Stafford had over 4,000 yards passing despite not playing in the first three games of the season due to a knee injury. Stafford received numerous accolades, including being named to the ''Parade'' All-America Team and the ''USA Today'' Pre-Season Super 25 in 2005.<ref name="UGAbio">{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford Bio |url=http://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=307755&DB_OEM_ID=8800 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026080749/http://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8800&ATCLID=307755 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |website=Georgia Bulldogs Athletics}}</ref> He also won the MVP and Best Arm awards at the 2005 EA Sports Elite 11 Quarterback Camp and was named the 2005 EA Sports National Player of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stumpf |first=Brian |date=November 24, 2009 |title=Football Then & Now: McCoy, Stafford, Williams |url=https://www.espn.com/highschool/rise/football/news/story?id=4685242 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010131/https://www.espn.com/highschool/rise/football/news/story?id=4685242 |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Stafford was listed as the No. 1 pro-style quarterback prospect in the class of 2006 by Rivals.com.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford, 2006 Pro Style Quarterback, Georgia |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/matthew-stafford-18296?view=pv |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107140534/https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/matthew-stafford-18296?view=pv |archive-date=November 7, 2024 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="prorivals" />
Before he had even started a game at the collegiate level, analyst Mel Kiper Jr. predicted, correctly, that Stafford would eventually be the first pick in the NFL draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiper Jr. |first=Mel |author-link=Mel Kiper Jr. |last2=McShay |first2=Todd |author-link2=Todd McShay |date=2009-03-12 |title=Updated mock draft: Kiper's and McShay's first-round projections |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft09/insider/columns/story?id=3972427 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kowalski |first=Tom |date=January 29, 2009 |title=ESPN's Mel Kiper lauded Matthew Stafford as a high school QB, so he won't bail on him now |url=http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/01/heres_one_reason_why_mel_kiper.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305214915/http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/01/heres_one_reason_why_mel_kiper.html |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=July 31, 2019}}</ref>
{{College athlete recruit start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2006}} {{College athlete recruit entry | recruit = Matthew Stafford | position = QB | hometown = Dallas, Texas | highschool = Highland Park HS | feet = 6 | inches = 2 | weight = 210 | 40 = 4.7 | commitdate = May 13, 2005 | scout stars = 5 | rivals stars = 5 | espn grade = 93 }} {{College athlete recruit end | 40 = | year = 2006 | rivals ref title = Georgia Football Commitments | scout ref title = 2006 Georgia Football Commits | espn ref title = ESPN | rivals school = uga | scout s = 135 | espn schoolid = 61 | scout overall = 2 (QB) | rivals overall = 1 (QB) | espn overall = 1 (QB) | access-date = December 17, 2011 | bball = }}
==College career== ===2006 season=== {{Quote box| width=25%|align=right |quote = "Matthew Stafford eventually will be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. Write that down." |source = Football analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. on ''ESPN Radio'' in September 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-20 |title=10 Smartest NFL Players |url=https://www.collegeconsensus.com/features/smartest-nfl-players/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624143612/https://www.collegeconsensus.com/features/smartest-nfl-players/ |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |access-date=2019-09-18 |website=College Consensus |language=en-US}}</ref>}}
Stafford graduated early from high school and enrolled at the University of Georgia in January, where he became the first true freshman quarterback to start for the Georgia Bulldogs football team since Quincy Carter in 1998, and first out of high school to start since Eric Zeier in 1991.<ref>{{cite web | title=Stafford's day arrives early | website=The Augusta Chronicle | date=2006-09-16 | url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/sports/college/2006/09/16/uga-96898-shtml/14751487007/ | access-date=2026-01-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Gosselin |first=Rick |date=February 9, 2022 |title=Draft Review: Matthew Stafford, worth a 13-year wait |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/draft-review-matthew-stafford-worth-the-13-year-wait |access-date=January 20, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120233022/https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/draft-review-matthew-stafford-worth-the-13-year-wait }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 16, 2009 |title=Rookie Watch: Let someone else reach for Detroit QB Stafford |url=https://www.si.com/fantasy/2009/07/16/matt-stafford |access-date=January 20, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weiszer |first=Marc |date=April 7, 2012 |title=Appeal of enrolling early increasing for Georgia recruits |url=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2012/04/08/appeal-enrolling-early-increasing-georgia-recruits/15614360007/ |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=Online Athens |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford wore number 7 at Georgia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vitale |first=Joe |date=August 28, 2021 |title=7 days until Georgia football: Honoring Matthew Stafford |url=https://ugawire.usatoday.com/2021/08/28/7-days-until-georgia-football-honoring-matthew-stafford/ |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=University of Georgia Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref> He completed five of 12 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown in a Georgia spring game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cwalinski |first=Jamie |date=April 10, 2006 |title=Richt not concerned with interceptions |url=https://www.redandblack.com/sports/richt-not-concerned-with-interceptions/article_c6643a7b-447c-5fa0-bdd9-f818d44b7270.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830152610/https://www.redandblack.com/sports/richt-not-concerned-with-interceptions/article_c6643a7b-447c-5fa0-bdd9-f818d44b7270.html |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=The Red and Black |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford debuted late in the season opener of the 2006 season against Western Kentucky and went 3 of 5 passing for 40 yards and a touchdown pass in the 48–12 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Western Kentucky at Georgia Box Score, September 2, 2006 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-09-02-georgia.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108063958/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-09-02-georgia.html |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 7, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> During the season's second game, against South Carolina, starting quarterback Joe Tereshinski III was injured, forcing Stafford to come off the bench.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlabach |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Schlabach |date=September 10, 2006 |title=Georgia QB Tereshinski out 4–6 weeks with ankle sprain |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2582262 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010131/https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2582262 |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Although he completed just 8 of 19 passes for 171 yards and three interceptions, Georgia won the game, 18–0.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2006 |title=Bulldogs Open SEC Play With 18–0 Win At South Carolina |url=https://georgiadogs.com/news/2006/9/10/Bulldogs_Open_SEC_Play_With_18_0_Win_At_South_Carolina.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172800/https://georgiadogs.com/news/2006/9/10/Bulldogs_Open_SEC_Play_With_18_0_Win_At_South_Carolina.aspx |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=University of Georgia Athletics |language=en}}</ref> Against University of Alabama Birmingham the following week, Stafford made his first collegiate start. Georgia won, 34–0.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=James |date=September 16, 2006 |title=No. 10 Georgia Puts Up Back-to-Back Shutouts, 34–0 |url=https://www.wltx.com/article/sports/no-10-georgia-puts-up-back-to-back-shutouts-34-0/101-382794205 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=WLTX}}</ref> Victories over Colorado and Ole Miss improved Georgia's record to 5–0, but the heart of the conference schedule loomed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Georgia Bulldogs Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/2006-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140507/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/2006-schedule.html |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref>
The rest of the season was inconsistent for Stafford and the Bulldogs. Following home losses to both Tennessee and Vanderbilt, head coach Mark Richt named Stafford the starter for the rest of the season ahead of Tereshinski.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2006 |title=Vols win wild one over No. 9 Georgia, 51–33 |url=https://utsports.com/news/2006/10/7/vols_win_wild_one_over_no_9_georgia_51_33.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172837/https://utsports.com/news/2006/10/7/vols_win_wild_one_over_no_9_georgia_51_33.aspx |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=University of Tennessee Athletics |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2006 |title=Vanderbilt Upsets Georgia On Homecoming, 24–22 |url=https://georgiadogs.com/news/2006/10/14/Vanderbilt_Upsets_Georgia_On_Homecoming_24_22.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172807/https://georgiadogs.com/news/2006/10/14/Vanderbilt_Upsets_Georgia_On_Homecoming_24_22.aspx |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=University of Georgia Athletics |language=en}}</ref> Stafford completed 20 of 32 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns in a 27–24 win over Mississippi State, and was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Week for his efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Odum |first=Charles |title=Upset Bid Falls Short As Georgia Holds Off State, 27–24 |url=https://hailstate.com/news/1970/1/1/935081.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172842/https://hailstate.com/news/1970/1/1/935081.aspx |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Mississippi State Bulldogs Athletics |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Statistically, he had his best game of the season against the No. 5 Auburn Tigers. Stafford finished the game 14 of 20 for 219 yards and a touchdown, and added 83 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries in Georgia's 37–15 upset victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=James |date=November 11, 2006 |title=Georgia Digs Auburn's Grave, 37–15 |url=https://www.wltx.com/article/sports/georgia-digs-auburns-grave-37-15/101-382721702 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=WLTX |language=en}}</ref> The following week, Stafford led the Bulldogs on a 12-play, 64-yard drive and threw a late game-winning touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi in Georgia's 15–12 victory over No. 16 Georgia Tech.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 25, 2006 |title=Dawgs Win, 15–12 |url=https://uga.rivals.com/news/dawgs-win-15-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172804/https://uga.rivals.com/news/dawgs-win-15-12 |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Rivals.com}}</ref>
Stafford completed his freshman season by leading Georgia to a 31–24 come-from-behind victory over Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, after the Bulldogs trailed 21–3 at halftime. Stafford threw for 129 yards and a second half touchdown to spark the comeback and allow Georgia to finish the season with a 9–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Norm |date=December 31, 2006 |title=A Hokie Collapse |url=https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-20061231-2006-12-31-0612310231-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172924/https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-20061231-2006-12-31-0612310231-story.html |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Daily Press |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford finished with 1,749 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/matthew-stafford-1/gamelog/2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222014709/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/matthew-stafford-1/gamelog/2006 |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |access-date=December 22, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref>
===2007 season===
Stafford threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns as the Bulldogs defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys 35–14 in the season opener.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glier |first=Ray |date=September 2, 2007 |title=Georgia Uses Depth and Speed to Deny Oklahoma State's Defense |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/sports/ncaafootball/02bulldogs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172758/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/sports/ncaafootball/02bulldogs.html |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Following a 16–12 loss to South Carolina and a 45–16 victory over Western Carolina, the Bulldogs avoided an 0–2 start in SEC play by escaping Bryant–Denny Stadium with an overtime win over Alabama.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Carolina at Georgia Box Score, September 8, 2007 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-09-08-georgia.html |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Western Carolina at Georgia Box Score, September 15, 2007 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-09-15-georgia.html |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Kipp |date=September 22, 2016 |title=UGA beats Alabama in overtime |url=https://247sports.com/college/georgia/Article/Georgia-Bulldogs-Football-TBT-UGA-beats-Alabama-Crimson-Tide-in-26-23-OT-thriller-nine-years-ago-37379809/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010145/https://247sports.com/college/georgia/Article/Georgia-Bulldogs-Football-TBT-UGA-beats-Alabama-Crimson-Tide-in-26-23-OT-thriller-nine-years-ago-37379809/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Dawgs247 |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford connected with senior wide receiver Mikey Henderson on the Bulldogs' first play from scrimmage in overtime for the winning score.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Starrs |first=Chris |date=October 1, 2015 |title=Remember when... Mikey Henderson caught Matt Stafford's pass to beat Alabama in overtime |url=https://www.onlineathens.com/article/20151001/SPORTS/310019980 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904190038/https://www.onlineathens.com/article/20151001/SPORTS/310019980 |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=Athens Banner-Herald |language=en}}</ref> Following the Alabama game, Georgia won two of their next three.<ref name="07schedule">{{Cite web |title=2007 Georgia Bulldogs Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/2007-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140458/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/2007-schedule.html |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> In the win over No. 9 Florida, he completed 11 of 18 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns, including a career-long touchdown pass of 84 yards to Mohamed Massaquoi and a 53-yard touchdown pass to Henderson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garbin |first=Patrick |date=June 9, 2018 |title=UGASports' 100-Day Countdown of Plays—Day 84 |url=https://uga.rivals.com/news/ugasports-100-day-countdown-of-plays-day-84 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904190144/https://uga.rivals.com/news/ugasports-100-day-countdown-of-plays-day-84 |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=uga.rivals.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelley |first=Kevin |date=October 29, 2007 |title=Georgia stomps the Chomp, beats Florida in Jacksonville 42–30 |url=https://www.sicemdawgs.com/2007/10/georgia-stomps-the-chomp-beats-florida-in-jacksonville-42-30/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172758/https://www.sicemdawgs.com/2007/10/georgia-stomps-the-chomp-beats-florida-in-jacksonville-42-30/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=SicEmDawgs.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Georgia closed out the regular season on a six-game winning streak.<ref name="07schedule" /> The wins over Florida, Auburn, and Georgia Tech marked the first time that Georgia had defeated all three rivals in the same season since 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 8, 2007 |title=1982 Georgia Bulldogs Football Schedule |url=http://www.sicemdawgs.com/football/sched/fbsch_82.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103221038/http://www.sicemdawgs.com/football/sched/fbsch_82.php |archive-date=January 3, 2011 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |publisher=Sicemdawgs.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1982 Georgia Bulldogs Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/1982-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140645/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/1982-schedule.html |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford had 175 yards passing and a touchdown pass during Georgia's 41–10 rout of the No. 10 Hawaii Warriors in the 2008 Sugar Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thamel |first=Pete |author-link=Pete Thamel |date=January 2, 2008 |title=Georgia Runs Over Hawaii in Sugar Bowl, 41–10 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/02/sports/ncaafootball/02sugar.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172759/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/02/sports/ncaafootball/02sugar.html |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> He completed 194 of 348 passes for 2,523 yards (194.1/game) and 19 touchdowns as well as two rushing touchdowns for the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/matthew-stafford-1/gamelog/2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108063919/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/matthew-stafford-1/gamelog/2007 |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 7, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> He finished fifth in the SEC in pass completions and sixth in passing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Southeastern Conference Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/sec/2007-leaders.html |access-date=December 22, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> Stafford helped lead Georgia to an 11–2 record, their best mark since the 2002 season, and a No. 2 ranking in the Final AP Poll.<ref name="07schedule" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Polls |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2007-polls.html |access-date=May 29, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref>
===2008 season===
Stafford was chosen to ''Athlon Sports''{{'}} preseason Heisman Favorites Others To Watch list.<ref name="UGAbio" /> Georgia was ranked No. 1 in both the preseason coaches poll and the AP Poll, marking the first time Georgia has ever been No. 1 in the preseason version of either poll.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgia Bulldogs AP Poll History |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412141715/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/ |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> The team entered the 2008 season with the longest active winning streak among the 66 BCS conference teams, having won its last seven games of the 2007 season. He helped lead them to victories in their first four games to move the winning streak to 11.<ref name="2008schedule">{{Cite web |title=2008 Georgia Bulldogs Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/2008-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140623/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/2008-schedule.html |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> Stafford and the Bulldogs suffered their first setback in a 41–30 loss to No. 8 Alabama on September 27.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glier |first=Ray |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Rebuilt Alabama Unveils Its Power |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/sports/ncaafootball/28alabama.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407202845/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/sports/ncaafootball/28alabama.html |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=April 7, 2020 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford rebounded by helping lead the team to victories in five of the next six games, the lone exception being a 49–10 loss to the eventual National Champion Florida Gators.<ref name="2008schedule" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgia vs Florida Box Score, November 1, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-11-01-florida.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407202555/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-11-01-florida.html |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=April 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> In that stretch, he threw for over 300 yards in victories over Tennessee and Kentucky.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee at Georgia Box Score, October 11, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-10-11-georgia.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407202753/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-10-11-georgia.html |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=April 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgia at Kentucky Box Score, November 8, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-11-08-kentucky.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407202613/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-11-08-kentucky.html |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=April 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> In the final regular season game against Georgia Tech, Stafford completed 24 out of 39 attempts for 407 yards and five touchdowns, setting personal collegiate highs for passing yards and touchdowns in a single game, albeit a 45–42 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2008 |title=No. 18 Georgia Tech beats No. 13 Georgia 45–42 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/no-18-georgia-tech-beats-no-13-georgia-45-42/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172756/https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/no-18-georgia-tech-beats-no-13-georgia-45-42/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=HeraldNet.com |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford finished the season with a conference-leading 235 pass completions for 3,459 passing yards, the second most in school history, and 25 touchdowns, the single-season record for passing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgia Bulldogs Passing |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/passing.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325233600/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/passing.html |archive-date=March 25, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> He led the SEC in pass attempts and passing completions while finishing third for passing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Southeastern Conference Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/sec/2008-leaders.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325233326/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/sec/2008-leaders.html |archive-date=March 25, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/matthew-stafford-1/gamelog/2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108064002/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/matthew-stafford-1/gamelog/2008 |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 7, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}</ref> Georgia finished the regular season with a 9–3 mark and qualified for the Capitol One Bowl.<ref name="2008schedule" /> After defeating Michigan State 24–12 and winning the MVP of the 2009 Capital One Bowl, Stafford finished his three years at Georgia with a 3–0 record in bowl games and a 6–3 record in rivalry games (1–2 against Florida, 3–0 against Auburn, and 2–1 against Georgia Tech).<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2009 |title=Stafford, No. 15 Bulldogs get hot in second half to beat No. 18 Spartans |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=290010127 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901235548/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=290010127 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford chose to forgo his senior season and entered the 2009 NFL draft.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 7, 2009 |title=Georgia's Stafford, Moreno Enter 2009 NFL Draft |language=en |work=NCAA.com |url=http://ncaafootball.com/news/football/article/2009-01-07/georgias-stafford-moreno-enter-2009-nfl-draft |access-date=January 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140356/http://ncaafootball.com/news/football/article/2009-01-07/georgias-stafford-moreno-enter-2009-nfl-draft |archive-date=January 29, 2018}}</ref>
==Professional career== ===NFL draft=== In April 2008, several NFL analysts predicted that Stafford would be the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NFL draft if he chose to leave school early.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prisco |first=Pete |date=April 28, 2008 |title=Drafting '09: Georgia QB Stafford starts out as top dog |url=http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10803407 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725014658/http://sportsline.com/nfl/story/10803407 |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perloff |first=Andrew |date=April 29, 2008 |title=2009 Mock Draft |url=http://fannation.com/blogs/post/185277 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430134258/http://fannation.com/blogs/post/185277 |archive-date=April 30, 2008 |website=CNNSI.com}}</ref> Stafford eventually did, and on April 24, 2009, agreed to record contract terms with the Detroit Lions to become the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft, one day before the draft was held.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2009 |title=NFL Draft – Matthew Stafford agrees to deal with Lions |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/nfl-draft-matthew-stafford-agrees-to-deal-with-lions/ |access-date=July 17, 2024 |website=The Seattle Times|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref> He became the fourth player out of Georgia to be the first overall selection in the draft and the first since Harry Babcock in 1953.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/draft.htm |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=James |date=May 28, 2022 |title=Every No. 1 NFL draft pick from the University of Georgia |url=https://ugawire.usatoday.com/lists/top-nfl-draft-picks-uga-georgia-bulldogs-football-2022/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=University of Georgia Wire |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL and AFL Draft History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Clayton |first=John |author-link=John Clayton (sportswriter) |date=April 24, 2009 |title=Sources: Matthew Stafford agrees to $41.7M, six-year deal with Detroit Lions |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4097641 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126095456/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4097641 |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |access-date=December 23, 2019 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> The six-year contract reportedly contained $41.7 million in guaranteed money (the most guaranteed to any player in NFL history until July 30, 2010, when quarterback Sam Bradford signed a deal with $50 million guaranteed) and carried a total value of up to $78 million. Detroit negotiated a deal with Stafford on April 24, 2009, less than 24 hours before the draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John|author-link=John Clayton (sportswriter) |date=April 25, 2009 |title=Stafford, Lions agree to six-year, $41.7M deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft09/news/story?id=4097641 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904171553/https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft09/news/story?id=4097641 |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
{{NFL predraft | height ft = 6 | height in = 2 1/4 | weight = 225 | dash = 4.81 | ten split = 1.72 | twenty split = 2.83 | shuttle = 4.47 | cone drill = 7.06 | vertical = 30.5 | broad ft = 8 | broad in = 11 | wonderlic = 38 | arm span = 33 1/4 | hand span = 10 | note = All values from NFL Combine<ref name="NFLCombine">{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford NFL Combine and Draft Prospects |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/matthew-stafford/32005354-4113-4157-19b1-37e6835d09b9 |access-date=June 11, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford, Georgia, QB, 2009 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=66486&DraftYear=2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611203334/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=66486&DraftYear=2009 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |access-date=June 11, 2021 |website=draftscout.com}}</ref><ref name="PompeiWonderlic">{{Cite news |last=Pompei |first=Dan |date=March 22, 2009 |title=Georgia's Matthew Stafford stands out with NFL Wonderlic score |work=Chicago Tribune |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-22-pompei-scout-mar22,0,7151782.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501224522/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-22-pompei-scout-mar22,0,7151782.story |archive-date=May 1, 2009}}</ref> }}
===Detroit Lions===
====2009 season==== {{Main|2009 Detroit Lions season}}
thumb|left|upright=0.5|Stafford in 2009 On September 6, 2009, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz announced that Stafford would be the Lions' starting quarterback heading into the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 7, 2009 |title=Lions to start No. 1 overall pick Stafford at QB |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4452545 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930033745/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4452545 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |access-date=February 23, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kowalski |first=Tom |date=September 7, 2009 |title=Matthew Stafford named Lions' starting QB; coach Jim Schwartz: this isn't an experiment |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2009/09/matthew_staffords_starting_job.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731173617/https://www.mlive.com/lions/2009/09/matthew_staffords_starting_job.html |archive-date=July 31, 2019 |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=mlive.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 7, 2009 |title=Lions to start Stafford at QB |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4452545&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610225816/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4452545&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines |archive-date=June 10, 2015 |access-date=September 28, 2014 |website=ESPN |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He was the first Lions rookie quarterback to start in Week 1 since Greg Landry in 1968.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kowalski |first=Tom |date=September 8, 2009 |title=Teammates back Matthew Stafford as Lions' starting quarterback; 'he's way beyond his years' |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2009/09/teammates_back_matthew_staffor.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904190841/https://www.mlive.com/lions/2009/09/teammates_back_matthew_staffor.html |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=mlive.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford completed 16-of-37 passes for 205 yards and three interceptions while scoring his first NFL touchdown on a one-yard touchdown early in the third quarter of the 45–27 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martel |first=Brett |date=September 13, 2009 |title=Brees sharp, extends Lions' losing streak, 45–27 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2009Sep13/0,4675,FBNLionsSaints,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830171243/https://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2009Sep13/0,4675,FBNLionsSaints,00.html |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=FOX News}}</ref> In the next game against the Minnesota Vikings, Stafford had 152 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions during the 27–13 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – September 20th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909200det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411153111/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909200det.htm |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |access-date=April 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Stafford recorded his first win the following week against the Washington Redskins, throwing for 241 yards and a touchdown in the 19–14 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions – September 27th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909270det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723155143/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909270det.htm |archive-date=July 23, 2020 |access-date=April 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> The win was significant for the Lions as it snapped a 19-game losing streak going back to the 2007 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kowalski |first=Tom |date=September 28, 2009 |title=Lions beat Redskins to snap 19-game losing streak; 'we got King Kong off our back' |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2009/09/detroit_lions_snap_19-game_los.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023213643/https://www.mlive.com/lions/2009/09/detroit_lions_snap_19-game_los.html |archive-date=October 23, 2019 |access-date=April 11, 2020 |website=mlive |language=en}}</ref>
During Week 11, Stafford threw for 422 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions in a narrow 38–37 victory over the Cleveland Browns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Detroit Lions – November 22nd, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911220det.htm |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He became the youngest quarterback ever to throw five touchdowns in a game, being more than a year younger than the former record holder, Dan Marino.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Stafford's TD at :00 wins game after Browns called for interference on Hail Mary |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291122008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307164112/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291122008 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In a thrilling ending, Stafford received high acclaim when he stepped back onto the field despite team doctors' urge to stay on the sideline after suffering a separated shoulder on the previous play and threw the final touchdown pass as time expired. Stafford's 422 passing yards was a record for a rookie at that time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2009 |title=Stafford passes way into record book |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2009/11/news-stafford-passes-way-into-record-book |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=Pro Football Hall of Fame |language=en}}</ref> For his performance, Stafford was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week and Pepsi Rookie of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wywrot |first=Chrissie |date=November 24, 2009 |title=Stafford Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week |url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Stafford-Named-NFC-Offensive-Player-of-the-Week/f8de6f01-97b1-48ed-89aa-6bf31d9a1c8d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127054610/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Stafford-Named-NFC-Offensive-Player-of-the-Week/f8de6f01-97b1-48ed-89aa-6bf31d9a1c8d |archive-date=November 27, 2009 |access-date=November 24, 2009 |website=Detroit Lions.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2009 |title=QB Matthew Stafford Voted Week 11 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week |url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/QB-Matthew-Stafford-Voted-Week-11-Pepsi-NFL-Rookie-of-the-Week/7e2feed7-e1f6-47bc-b11a-70f3d1299275 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201003743/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/QB-Matthew-Stafford-Voted-Week-11-Pepsi-NFL-Rookie-of-the-Week/7e2feed7-e1f6-47bc-b11a-70f3d1299275 |archive-date=December 1, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2009 |website=Detroit Lions}}</ref> He was mic'd up for the game for ''NFL Films''. The show's creator Steve Sabol said it was the most dramatic performance he's seen in the show's 30-year history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Monkovic |first=Toni |date=November 29, 2009 |title=Matthew Stafford Had 'Most Dramatic Player Wiring' |url=https://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/matthew-stafford-had-most-dramatic-player-wiring/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904190629/https://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/matthew-stafford-had-most-dramatic-player-wiring/ |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=The Fifth Down |language=en-US}}</ref> In the next game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, Stafford completed 20-of-43 passes for 213 yards, a touchdown, and four interceptions during the 34–12 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lage |first=Larry |date=November 26, 2009 |title=Packers win 34–12 in Detroit's sixth straight Thanksgiving loss |url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/packers-win---in-detroit-s-sixth-straight-thanksgiving/article_3f591ca9-8053-53ba-a03c-0610843311f2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172747/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/packers-win---in-detroit-s-sixth-straight-thanksgiving/article_3f591ca9-8053-53ba-a03c-0610843311f2.html |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The Oakland Press |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford was placed on injured reserve on December 24 for the minor knee injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John|author-link=John Clayton (sportswriter) |date=December 24, 2009 |title=Lions rookie QB Stafford to have knee surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4770527 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412173715/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4770527 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He finished his rookie year with 2,267 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions to go along with 20 carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games and starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2009/ |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In all of his starts, Stafford either threw or ran for a touchdown despite the Lions finishing 2–8 in games that he started in. The Lions did not win another game without Stafford and finished with a 2–14 record overall.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2009.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140454/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2009.htm |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2010 season==== {{Main|2010 Detroit Lions season}}
thumb|Stafford in 2010 Stafford injured his right shoulder during the season-opening 19–14 loss to the Bears.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2010 |title=Calvin Johnson's TD catch overruled; Bears survive vs. Lions |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=300912003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430142726/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=300912003 |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |access-date=December 18, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford returned in Week 8 against the Redskins and threw for 212 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception to lead the Lions to a 37–25 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kowalski |first=Tom |date=September 14, 2010 |title=Lions' Matthew Stafford could miss 4–6 weeks – or less |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2010/09/lions_matthew_stafford_could_m.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830171528/https://www.mlive.com/lions/2010/09/lions_matthew_stafford_could_m.html |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=Michigan Live |language=en-US}}</ref> In the next game against the New York Jets, he re-injured his shoulder during the fourth quarter of the 23–20 overtime loss after throwing for 240 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casselberry |first=Ian |date=November 7, 2010 |title=Lions' Matthew Stafford Leaves Game With Apparent Shoulder Injury |url=https://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-lions/2010/11/7/1799787/matthew-stafford-injury-lions-jets |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830171648/https://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-lions/2010/11/7/1799787/matthew-stafford-injury-lions-jets |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=SB Nation Detroit}}</ref> The Lions announced that Dr. James Andrews had performed surgery on Stafford's throwing shoulder, which included an AC joint repair and a clavicle shaving, prematurely ending his season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kowalski |first=Tom |date=January 22, 2011 |title=Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford undergoes shoulder surgery |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2011/01/detroit_lions_matthew_stafford_9.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830171755/https://www.mlive.com/lions/2011/01/detroit_lions_matthew_stafford_9.html |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=Michigan Live |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=January 21, 2011 |title=Matthew Stafford has shoulder surgery |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/21/matthew-stafford-has-shoulder-surgery/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830171714/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/21/matthew-stafford-has-shoulder-surgery/ |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford finished his second professional season with 535 passing yards, six touchdowns, and an interception to go along with four carries for 11 yards and a touchdown in three games and starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00.htm |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
====2011 season: Playoff debut==== {{Main|2011 Detroit Lions season}}
The Lions opened the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with high expectations.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=October 11, 2011 |title=Raised expectations no problem for Lions |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2011/10/11/raised-expectations-no-problem-for-lions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218015330/https://www.si.com/nfl/2011/10/11/raised-expectations-no-problem-for-lions |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |access-date=December 18, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> Stafford played well, throwing for 305 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in a 27–20 road victory, the first season opener the Lions had won since 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Matay |first=Reinhold |date=September 11, 2011 |title=Stafford throws for 305 yards, 3 TDs in Lions' 27–20 win over Buccaneers |language=en-CA |work=The Hamilton Spectator |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports-story/2216853-stafford-throws-for-305-yards-3-tds-in-lions-27-20-win-over-buccaneers/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172737/https://www.thespec.com/sports-story/2216853-stafford-throws-for-305-yards-3-tds-in-lions-27-20-win-over-buccaneers/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019}}</ref> Another strong performance followed the following week against the Kansas City Chiefs with Stafford throwing for four touchdowns, 294 yards, and an interception in a 48–3 blowout victory, the largest win margin in team history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lage |first=Larry |date=September 18, 2011 |title=Lions 48, Chiefs 3: Detroit gets historically big victory |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=52605060&itype=cmsid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702100023/http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=52605060&itype=CMSID |archive-date=July 2, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford won the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week for his performance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fans vote Stafford Week 2 FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week |url=http://blogs.detroitlions.com/2011/09/23/fans-vote-stafford-week-2-fedex-air-nfl-player-of-the-week/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925201319/http://blogs.detroitlions.com/2011/09/23/fans-vote-stafford-week-2-fedex-air-nfl-player-of-the-week/ |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Detroit Lions}}</ref> In Weeks 3 and 4, Stafford led the team to consecutive comeback victories, a 26–23 overtime road victory over the Vikings after trailing 20–0 at halftime in Week 3, and a 34–30 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys after trailing 27–3 with 12:27 left in the third quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krawczynski |first=Jon |date=September 25, 2011 |title=Stafford rallies Lions to 26–23 OT win at Vikings |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-stafford-rallies-lions-to-26-23-ot-win-at-vikings-2011sep25-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172740/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-stafford-rallies-lions-to-26-23-ot-win-at-vikings-2011sep25-story.html |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2011 |title=Down 24, Stafford leads Lions past Cowboys 34–30 |url=https://www.theeagle.com/sports/down-stafford-leads-lions-past-cowboys/article_c5bf44d8-dda6-51dc-bf49-1e9fff1811eb.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172741/https://www.theeagle.com/sports/down-stafford-leads-lions-past-cowboys/article_c5bf44d8-dda6-51dc-bf49-1e9fff1811eb.html |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The Eagle |language=en}}</ref> The 24-point comeback marked the largest in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions Biggest Comebacks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/comebacks.htm |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
During Week 5 against the Bears on ''Monday Night Football'', Stafford completed 19-of-26 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns in the 24–13 victory. This marked the first time the Lions had gone 5–0 since 1956, the year before they won their last NFL Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2011 |title=Detroit Lions 5–0 after beating rival Bears |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/detroit-lions-5-0-after-beating-rival-bears/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172739/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/detroit-lions-5-0-after-beating-rival-bears/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> During a Week 10 37–13 road loss to the Bears, Stafford threw for 329 yards, a touchdown, and four interceptions, including two that were returned for touchdowns on consecutive drives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2011 |title=Moore Ejected In Bears' Win |url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/11/13/moore-ejected-in-bears-win/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172744/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/11/13/moore-ejected-in-bears-win/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=CBS – Chicago |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Anwar S. |date=November 14, 2011 |title=Matthew Stafford tosses four interceptions as Detroit Lions mauled by Chicago Bears, 37–13 |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2011/11/detroit_lions_defeated_by_chic.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172743/https://www.mlive.com/lions/2011/11/detroit_lions_defeated_by_chic.html |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=MLive.com |language=en}}</ref> The game was marred by a brawl that began when Stafford threw Bears cornerback D. J. Moore to the ground by his helmet during a block on an interception return. In response, Moore attacked Stafford and a sideline-clearing brawl ensued.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2011 |title=Bears DB Moore ejected after fight with Lions QB Stafford |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82415827/article/bears-db-moore-ejected-after-fight-with-lions-qb-stafford |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904171730/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82415827/article/bears-db-moore-ejected-after-fight-with-lions-qb-stafford |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford was fined $7,500 for his role in the brawl.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=November 18, 2011 |title=Stafford fined $7,500; Moore fined $15,000 |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/18/stafford-fined-7500-moore-fined-15000/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904171519/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/18/stafford-fined-7500-moore-fined-15000/ |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en}}</ref>
During Week 11, Stafford threw for 335 yards and tied his career-high with five touchdowns as the Lions defeated the Carolina Panthers in another comeback, 49–35, after trailing 24–7 in the second quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lage |first=Larry |date=November 20, 2011 |title=Stafford-led Lions rally to beat Panthers 49–35 |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=52956396&itype=cmsid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701145432/http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=52956396&itype=CMSID |archive-date=July 1, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford became the first quarterback since at least 1950 to win back-to-back games after trailing by at least 20 points, the first to win three games in a season after trailing by at least 17 points, and the first to win four games in a season after trailing by at least 13 points according to STATS, LLC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2011 |title=Matthew Stafford's 5th TD seals comeback win for Lions over Panthers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/311120008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508220151/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/311120008 |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
During the regular-season finale against the Packers, Stafford became the fourth quarterback in NFL history and third in the 2011 season, along with Tom Brady and Drew Brees, to throw for 5,000 passing yards in a season after recording a career-high 520 passing yards in the 45–41 road loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Chris |date=January 1, 2012 |title=Lions can't stop Packers QB Flynn in 45–41 loss |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8259dcaf/article/lions-cant-stop-packers-qb-flynn-in-4541-loss |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172748/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8259dcaf/article/lions-cant-stop-packers-qb-flynn-in-4541-loss |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In this game, Stafford threw an interception on an attempted 37-yard touchdown pass that, had he been successful, he would've broken Norm Van Brocklin's record for most yards in a game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – January 1st, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201010gnb.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829080513/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201010gnb.htm |archive-date=August 29, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> The accomplishment made Stafford the second-youngest quarterback in NFL history, at the age of 23 years and 328 days, to reach 5,000 yards, behind only Dan Marino.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2012 |title=Patriots' Brady now No. 2 on single-season passing list |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82597c6c/article/patriots-brady-now-no-2-on-singleseason-passing-list |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926052300/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82597c6c/article/patriots-brady-now-no-2-on-singleseason-passing-list |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=NFL.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Packers' Backup Flynn Throws For Team Record Six Touchdowns In Win |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=383969 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108034226/https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=383969 |archive-date=January 8, 2012 |website=TSN |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford became the first player in Lions' franchise history to have two games in a single season with at least five passing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Players with multiple games with at least five passing touchdowns in a single game, NFL history |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/piEeo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010154/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=piEeo |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=April 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Over the last four games of the 2011 regular season, Stafford became the only quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 1,500 yards (1,511) and 14 touchdowns over a four-game span.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rathee |first=Aabha |date=November 1, 2015 |title=NFL: 10 Players With the Most Touchdowns in One Season |url=https://www.sportscasting.com/10-quarterbacks-with-most-touchdowns-peyton-manning-watch-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218015345/https://www.sportscasting.com/10-quarterbacks-with-most-touchdowns-peyton-manning-watch-2/ |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |access-date=December 18, 2019 |website=Sportscasting |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford and the Lions finished the regular season with a 10–6 record, good enough for the Lions to make their first playoff appearance since 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2011.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140444/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2011.htm |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions Team Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004011702/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
During the Wild Card Round against the New Orleans Saints, Stafford threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown. However, he threw two late interceptions in the fourth quarter that sealed the 45–28 loss for the Lions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martel |first=Brett |date=January 7, 2012 |title=Brees, Saints shred the Lions, 45–28 |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2012/01/07/brees-saints-shred-the-lions-45-28/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215172746/https://www.ocregister.com/2012/01/07/brees-saints-shred-the-lions-45-28/ |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Orange County Register |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford was named a Pro Bowl alternate for the NFC after the 2011 NFL season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Twentyman |first=Tim |date=January 6, 2012 |title=Stafford, Suh, and Delmas named Pro Bowl alternates |url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Stafford-Suh-and-Delmas-named-Pro-Bowl-alternates/76971202-e7e6-41e4-9545-75656672329f |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923223202/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Stafford-Suh-and-Delmas-named-Pro-Bowl-alternates/76971202-e7e6-41e4-9545-75656672329f |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |access-date=January 6, 2012 |website=Detroit Lions}}</ref> He was later named the 2011 Pro Football Weekly Comeback Player of the Year, AP Comeback Player of the Year, and NFL Alumni Quarterback of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yuille |first=Sean |date=January 16, 2012 |title=Matthew Stafford Voted Comeback Player Of The Year By PFW/PFWA |url=https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2012/1/16/2712497/matthew-stafford-pfw-pfwa-awards |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=Pride Of Detroit|publisher=SB Nation |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AP Comeback Player of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-comeback-player-award.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325232745/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-comeback-player-award.htm |archive-date=March 25, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Stafford was ranked 41st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407054434/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2012 season==== {{Main|2012 Detroit Lions season}}
[[File:Matt Stafford (6837730403).jpg|thumb|Stafford visiting the White House in 2012]] While the 2011 season proved to be the best season of Stafford's young career, 2012 was one full of setbacks. During the opening game against the St. Louis Rams, Stafford threw three interceptions and one touchdown pass. However, the Lions won the game 27–23.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trister |first=Noah |date=September 9, 2012 |title=Stafford's TD pass gives Lions 27–23 win over Rams |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-staffords-td-pass-gives-lions-27-23-win-over-rams-2012sep09-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010204/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-staffords-td-pass-gives-lions-27-23-win-over-rams-2012sep09-story.html |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford and the Lions lost the next three games to the San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, and Vikings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keeney |first=Tim |date=September 16, 2012 |title=Defense Leads San Francisco 49ers to 27–19 Win over Detroit Lions |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1336884-defense-leads-san-francisco-49ers-to-27-19-win-over-detroit-lions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920001651/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1336884-defense-leads-san-francisco-49ers-to-27-19-win-over-detroit-lions |archive-date=September 20, 2012 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2012 |title=Lions lose Matthew Stafford to injury; Titans pull off overtime stunner |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-lose-matthew-stafford-to-injury-titans-pull-off-overtime--0ap1000000065162 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=NFL.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Dane |date=September 30, 2012 |title=Matt Stafford critical fumble overturned in Lions |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/30/3433876/matt-stafford-critical-fumble-overturned-in-lions-final-drive-versus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010150/https://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/30/3433876/matt-stafford-critical-fumble-overturned-in-lions-final-drive-versus |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}}</ref> In the ensuing weeks, the Lions managed to win three games, including impressive comeback wins against the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles, and a dominating performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2012 |title=Stafford rallies Lions to OT win |url=https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2012/10/15/Eagles-waste-10-point-lead-Stafford-rallies-Lions-to-26-23-OT-win/stories/20121015086 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010210/https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2012/10/15/Eagles-waste-10-point-lead-Stafford-rallies-Lions-to-26-23-OT-win/stories/20121015086 |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Toledo Blade |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2012 |title=Lions top Seahawks 28–24 with 20 seconds left |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121028/sports/710289897/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010150/https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121028/sports/710289897/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Mark |date=November 5, 2012 |title=Jaguars still winless at home |url=https://www.staugustine.com/article/20121105/SPORTS/311059990 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010200/https://www.staugustine.com/article/20121105/SPORTS/311059990 |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The St. Augustine Record |language=en}}</ref> These proved to be the final winning games of the 2012 season as the Lions ended the season with an eight-game losing streak and with a 4–12 record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Briggs |first=David |date=December 31, 2012 |title=Lions end with 8-game losing skid |url=https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/12/31/Lions-fall-to-Bears-end-year-with-8-game-losing-streak/stories/20121231090 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218015447/https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/12/31/Lions-fall-to-Bears-end-year-with-8-game-losing-streak/stories/20121231090 |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |access-date=December 18, 2019 |website=Toledo Blade |language=en}}</ref> One highlight in the losing streak was the Week 16 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, where Stafford recorded a career-high 37 completions for 443 passing yards and an interception in the 31–18 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions – December 22nd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212220det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110225024/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212220det.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford finished the season with a league-leading 435 pass completions for 20 touchdown passes, significantly less compared to the 41 touchdowns he passed for in the 2011 season; 17 interceptions, one more than 2011, and second most in his career since his rookie season; 4,967 passing yards on 727 attempts (an NFL record; the previous record was 691 by Drew Bledsoe); and a QB rating of 79.8, the lowest since his rookie season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Passes Completed Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_single_season.htm |access-date=May 29, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Stafford rushed for a career-high 126 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 35 carries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108063415/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2012 |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 7, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked No. 76 among his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042306/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2013 season==== {{Main|2013 Detroit Lions season}}
On July 7, 2013, Stafford agreed to a three-year, $53 million extension with the Lions with $41.5 million guaranteed through 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McIntyre |first=Brian |date=July 9, 2013 |title=Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford on verge of three-year contract extension |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-verge-three-contract-extension-185836185.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713133244/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-verge-three-contract-extension-185836185.html |archive-date=July 13, 2013 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref>
During Week 4 against the Bears, Stafford completed 23-of-35 passes for 242 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the 40–32 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trister |first=Noah |date=September 30, 2012 |title=Stafford, Lions beat rival Bears 40–32 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sdut-stafford-lions-beat-rival-bears-40-32-2013sep30-story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010213/https://www.nydailynews.com/sdut-stafford-lions-beat-rival-bears-40-32-2013sep30-story.html |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=New York Daily News}}</ref> This gave him 14,069 yards through 49 games, surpassing Kurt Warner (13,864) for the best 50-game start to a career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meinke |first=Kyle |date=September 30, 2013 |title=Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford off to best 50-game start in NFL history |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2013/09/detroit_lions_qb_matthew_staff_56.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830185946/https://www.mlive.com/lions/2013/09/detroit_lions_qb_matthew_staff_56.html |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=Michigan Live |language=en-US}}</ref>
"I might (reflect on that) when I'm done playing someday," Stafford said. "I had no idea about that, or that it was coming. It's something that I'll probably look back on when I'm done and realize it was something pretty special."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasche |first=Paula |date=September 29, 2013 |title=Pettigrew comes up big, Delmas too |url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/detroit-lions-notes-pettigrew-comes-up-big-delmas-too/article_eca35127-a25d-5fcc-b659-392e5ba81da1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830190037/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/detroit-lions-notes-pettigrew-comes-up-big-delmas-too/article_eca35127-a25d-5fcc-b659-392e5ba81da1.html |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=The Oakland Press |language=en}}</ref> Stafford set a record for completions over 50 games at 1,214, over Marc Bulger's 1,115. He finished second in career 300-yard passing performances through 50 games at 19, trailing Warner's 29.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meinke |first=Kyle |date=September 29, 2013 |title=Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford off to best 50-game start in NFL history |url=http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2013/09/detroit_lions_qb_matthew_staff_56.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003114728/http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2013/09/detroit_lions_qb_matthew_staff_56.html |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |website=MLive.com}}</ref>
Stafford led the Lions to a 5–3 record entering their mid-season bye. During Week 8, the Lions narrowly defeated the Cowboys 31–30 in the final game before the bye, throwing for 488 yards and a touchdown despite two interceptions; down 30–24 with just 62 seconds to work with and no timeouts Stafford completed a 23-yard pass to Calvin Johnson to the Cowboys 1-yard line; he hustled the team to the line as though to spike the ball, but instead jumped over the line for the winning touchdown with 14 seconds to go, to go to 5–3.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2013 |title=Sly Stafford Makes Big Day by Johnson Count for Lions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/28/sports/football/nfl-roundup.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104015110/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/28/sports/football/nfl-roundup.html |archive-date=November 4, 2017 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chase |first=Chris |date=October 27, 2013 |title=Matthew Stafford fooled the Cowboys with a quarterback sneak for the win |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/10/matt-stafford-sneak-lions-cowboys |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830190214/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/10/matt-stafford-sneak-lions-cowboys |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=For The Win |language=en}}</ref>
However, the Lions finished 2–6 for a final record of 7–9.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2013.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129142026/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2013.htm |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Lions head coach Jim Schwartz was fired following the season.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Lindsay H. |date=December 30, 2013 |title=Lions fire coach Jim Schwartz after failing to reach playoffs |language=en |work=USA TODAY |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2013/12/30/jim-schwartz-fired-detroit/4249791/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129143346/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2013/12/30/jim-schwartz-fired-detroit/4249791/ |archive-date=January 29, 2018}}</ref> Stafford finished the 2013 season with 4,650 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions to go along with 37 carries for 69 yards and two touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108063210/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2013 |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 7, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked No. 100 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014 players' list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112164602/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2014 season==== {{Main|2014 Detroit Lions season}}
thumb|left|Stafford in 2014 On January 14, 2014, the Lions announced Jim Caldwell as their new head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=January 14, 2014 |title=Jim Caldwell hired by Detroit Lions as next coach |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jim-caldwell-hired-by-detroit-lions-as-next-coach-0ap2000000313063 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822114040/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000313063/article/jim-caldwell-hired-by-detroit-lions-as-next-coach |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref> The Lions rebounded from a disappointing 2013 campaign by finishing with an 11–5 record, thus earning the NFC's 6th seed, their first playoff appearance since 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2014.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727182746/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2014.htm |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford began the 2014 season strong, throwing for 346 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a touchdown in the season-opening 35–14 victory over the New York Giants..<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2014 |title=Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson lead Lions past Giants, 35–14 |url=https://www.dailypress.com/la-sp-giants-lions-20140909-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904175842/https://www.dailypress.com/la-sp-giants-lions-20140909-story.html |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=Daily Press |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> During Week 13 against the Bears on Thanksgiving, he threw for a season-high 390 passing yards and two touchdowns in the 34–17 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gauruder |first=Dana |date=November 27, 2014 |title=Stafford passes Detroit Lions past Chicago Bears |url=https://bangordailynews.com/2014/11/27/sports/stafford-passes-detroit-lions-past-chicago-bears/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904180130/https://bangordailynews.com/2014/11/27/sports/stafford-passes-detroit-lions-past-chicago-bears/ |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=Bangor Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref> During the season, Stafford became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 20,000 passing yards. He accomplished the feat in his 71st game, breaking Dan Marino's mark of 74.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |date=November 16, 2014 |title=Stafford tops Marino for fastest to 20K yards |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11887791/matthew-stafford-detroit-lions-sets-record-fastest-20000-yards-passing |access-date=July 17, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He led the NFL with five game-winning drives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/leaders.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915221740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/leaders.htm |archive-date=September 15, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Stafford finished the 2014 season with 4,257 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions to go along with 43 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108130704/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2014 |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 7, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> [[File:Matthew Stafford 2015 Pro Bowl.jpg|thumb|Stafford at the 2015 Pro Bowl]]
On January 4, 2015, Stafford and the Lions went against the Dallas Cowboys, in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. After the Lions had a 20–7 lead in the third quarter, the Cowboys scored 17 unanswered points to win 24–20. In the fourth quarter, with the Lions up 20–17, Stafford threw a pass to tight end Brandon Pettigrew. The ball hit Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens on the back. Pass interference was initially called on the Cowboys. However, the officials reversed the call on the series that ended up being crucial as the Lions were forced to punt later on the drive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Jade |date=January 5, 2015 |title=Pass Interference Or Not? That Is The Question |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/detroit-lions-dallas-cowboys-penalty-controversy_n_6414684 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505173017/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/detroit-lions-dallas-cowboys-penalty-controversy_n_6414684 |archive-date=May 5, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref> Stafford threw for 323 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the road loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=R.J. |date=January 4, 2015 |title=Lions QB Matthew Stafford takes Wild Card loss vs. Cowboys |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-qb-matthew-stafford-takes-wild-card-loss-vs-cowboys/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904152009/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-qb-matthew-stafford-takes-wild-card-loss-vs-cowboys/ |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref>
On January 19, 2015, it was announced that Stafford was selected to the 2015 Pro Bowl, his first Pro Bowl appearance as a replacement for Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos, due to a quad injury.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061701/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stapleton |first=Arnie |date=January 19, 2015 |title=Stafford Replaces Peyton Manning In Pro Bowl |url=https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/01/19/stafford-replaces-peyton-manning-in-pro-bowl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904180839/https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/01/19/stafford-replaces-peyton-manning-in-pro-bowl/ |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=CBS – Detroit |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford was named Pro Bowl Offensive MVP after throwing for 316 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=January 25, 2015 |title=Lions' Stafford named Offensive MVP in first Pro Bowl |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/01/25/matthew-stafford-pro-bowl/22330125/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904151916/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/01/25/matthew-stafford-pro-bowl/22330125/ |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en}}</ref>
====2015 season==== {{Main|2015 Detroit Lions season}}
[[File:Matthew Stafford 2015.jpg|thumb|150px|Stafford during the 2015 preseason in Landover]] The 2015 season started rough for Stafford and the Lions with a 0–5 start.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=October 18, 2015 |title=Lions' 0–5 start puzzling, but they're far from 0–16 team |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/10/18/detroit-lions-befuddling-start/74167726/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224154149/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/10/18/detroit-lions-befuddling-start/74167726/ |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |access-date=December 24, 2019 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en}}</ref> In the stretch, Stafford passed for six touchdowns and eight interceptions to go along with an average of 241 passing yards per game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2015 Game Log (Games 1–5) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2015/#78-82-sum:stats |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220094832/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2015/#78-82-sum:stats |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |access-date=December 24, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> The Lions got their first victory during Week 6 against the Bears, with Stafford recording 405 passing yards, four touchdowns, and an interception in the 37–34 overtime result.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2015 |title=Lions earn first win, 37–34 over Bears in OT |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/10/19/lions-earn-first-win-37-34-over-bears-in-ot/74204094/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224153727/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/10/19/lions-earn-first-win-37-34-over-bears-in-ot/74204094/ |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |access-date=December 24, 2019 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
During Week 12 against the Eagles on Thanksgiving, Stafford threw for 337 yards and five touchdowns in the 45–14 victory.<ref>{{cite web |date=2015-11-26 |title=Stafford throws 5 TD passes, Lions beat Eagles 45-14 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/stafford-throws-5-td-passes-lions-beat-eagles-45-14-0ap3000000588801 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815072112/https://www.nfl.com/news/stafford-throws-5-td-passes-lions-beat-eagles-45-14-0ap3000000588801 |archive-date=August 15, 2025 |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=NFL.com }}</ref> It was the fourth time in Stafford's career with a five-touchdown game, becoming the tenth player in NFL history to pull off the feat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL players by total number of games with at least five passing touchdowns, NFL history |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/abdvE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010220/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=abdvE |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=April 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Two weeks later against the St. Louis Rams, Stafford reached 25,000 passing yards in his 90th career game, becoming the fastest quarterback to reach this milestone, surpassing the previous record held by Dan Marino of 92 games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |date=December 13, 2015 |title=Lions QB Matthew Stafford reaches 25,000 yards passing in 90 games |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14358039/detroit-lions-qb-matthew-stafford-fastest-ever-25000-passing-yards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151214210437/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14358039/detroit-lions-qb-matthew-stafford-fastest-ever-25000-passing-yards |archive-date=December 14, 2015 |access-date=December 13, 2015 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The following week against the Saints, Stafford posted a single-game career high in passer rating, and broke Jon Kitna's single-game franchise record with an 88.0 completion percentage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=December 23, 2015 |title=Streaking Matthew Stafford leads Lions past Saints |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/streaking-matthew-stafford-leads-lions-past-saints-0ap3000000607081 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222181504/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000607081/article/streaking-matthew-stafford-leads-lions-past-saints |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=December 22, 2015 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Stafford finished the 35–27 victory completing 22-of-25 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns to give him a career-high 148.6 passer rating.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2015 |title=Stafford leads Lions past Saints, 35–27 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791729 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211080622/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791729 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=December 18, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
Stafford became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete 60 percent or more of his passes in all 16 games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kacsmar |first=Scott |date=February 23, 2016 |title=Matthew Stafford's Obscure Record |url=https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2016/matthew-staffords-obscure-record |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904152405/https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2016/matthew-staffords-obscure-record |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=Football Outsiders}}</ref> Stafford finished the 2015 season with 4,262 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions to go along with 44 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108130711/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2015 |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 7, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Despite his success, the Lions finished with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2015.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140708/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2015.htm |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2016 season==== {{Main|2016 Detroit Lions season}}
thumb|241x241px|Stafford in 2016 Stafford started the 2016 season off with a strong performance against the Indianapolis Colts, finishing with 340 passing yards and three touchdowns in the 39–35 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=September 11, 2016 |title=Stafford outduels Luck in Lions' late win over Colts |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/stafford-outduels-luck-in-lions-late-win-over-colts-0ap3000000700667 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016133924/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000700667/article/stafford-outduels-luck-in-lions-late-win-over-colts |archive-date=October 16, 2016 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref> The Lions followed that up with three consecutive losses before getting a narrow 24–23 victory over the Eagles in Week 5 to have a 2–3 record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lage |first=Larry |date=October 9, 2016 |title=Prater's kick, Slay's pick give Lions 24–23 win over Eagles |url=https://foxbaltimore.com/sports/sports-unlimited/praters-kick-slays-pick-give-lions-24-23-win-over-eagles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010232/https://foxbaltimore.com/sports/sports-unlimited/praters-kick-slays-pick-give-lions-24-23-win-over-eagles |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=WBFF}}</ref> During Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams, he had 270 passing yards and four touchdowns in the 31–28 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasche |first=Paula |date=October 16, 2016 |title=Detroit Lions – Stafford leads comeback in 31–28 win over Rams |url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2016/10/16/detroit-lions-stafford-leads-comeback-in-31-28-win-over-rams/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010223/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/detroit-lions-stafford-leads-comeback-in---win-over/article_4d1de314-6298-5252-82d7-94f734b118e5.html |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=The Oakland Press |language=en}}</ref> On December 11, 2016, Stafford broke Peyton Manning's NFL record of most fourth quarter comebacks in a season with eight. In his career, he has 25 such victories, the most in the NFL since he made his debut in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2016 |title=Trail in fourth quarter? Nothing new for Lions |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/126649/trail-in-fourth-quarter-nothing-new-for-lions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125123556/http://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/126649/trail-in-fourth-quarter-nothing-new-for-lions |archive-date=November 25, 2016 |access-date=November 24, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Stafford got the Lions to a 9–4 start but he suffered a hand injury in Week 14 and lost the last three games of the season to finish 9–7.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Monarrez |first=Carlos |date=December 12, 2016 |title=Experts: Finger injury shouldn't hamper Lions' Matthew Stafford much |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/12/12/stafford-finger-injury-experts/95358002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904152631/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/12/12/stafford-finger-injury-experts/95358002/ |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2016.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108130655/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2016.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |access-date=January 7, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> They managed to get the sixth seed in the playoffs, only to lose to the Seahawks 26–6 in the Wild Card Round. Stafford passed for 206 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=January 7, 2017 |title=Lions falter in another playoff game, 26–6 in Seattle |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/01/07/detroit-lions-seattle-seahawks-nfl-playoffs/96308082/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504150110/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/01/07/detroit-lions-seattle-seahawks-nfl-playoffs/96308082/ |archive-date=May 4, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford ended the season with 4,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions – his sixth consecutive season with at least 4,000 passing yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> He became the fastest player in NFL history to reach the 30,000 career passing yards milestone. Stafford became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 30,000 in their first eight seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMara |first=Max |date=January 21, 2017 |title=Detroit Lions name Matthew Stafford 2016 offensive MVP |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Detroit-Lions-name-Matthew-Stafford-2016-offensive-MVP-50715184/ |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=Detroit Lions |language=en-US}}</ref> He was ranked 31st by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124714/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2017 season==== {{Main|2017 Detroit Lions season}}
On August 28, 2017, Stafford signed a five-year, $135 million extension with $92 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time.<ref name="newcontract">{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=August 28, 2017 |title=Lions, Matthew Stafford agree to 5-year contract extension; $27 million a year |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/08/28/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-contract-extension/531861001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829044035/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/08/28/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-contract-extension/531861001/ |archive-date=August 29, 2017 |access-date=August 29, 2017 |publisher=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=August 28, 2017 |title=Lions, Matthew Stafford agree to $135M extension |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-matthew-stafford-agree-to-135m-extension-0ap3000000836494 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410073148/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/08/31/aaron-donald-los-angeles-rams-record-setting-nfl-contract |archive-date=April 10, 2020 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>
During the season-opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Stafford finished with 292 passing yards, four touchdowns, and an interception as the Lions rallied and won by a score of 35–23.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lage |first=Larry |date=September 10, 2017 |title=Matthew Stafford throws 4 TD passes; Lions rally past Cardinals |url=http://www.wxyz.com/sports/football/lions/matthew-stafford-throws-4-td-passes-lions-rally-past-cardinals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912101959/http://www.wxyz.com/sports/football/lions/matthew-stafford-throws-4-td-passes-lions-rally-past-cardinals |archive-date=September 12, 2017 |access-date=September 10, 2017 |publisher=WXYZ Detroit}}</ref> It was his 27th fourth quarter/overtime comeback since 2011, the most in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2017 |title=Lions prep for Giants with Odell Beckham Jr. |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/lions-prep-for-giants-with-odell-beckham-jr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920121000/http://www.foxsports.com/detroit/story/lions-prep-for-giants-with-odell-beckham-jr-091717 |archive-date=September 20, 2017 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |website=FOX Sports |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In the next game against the Giants on ''Monday Night Football'', Stafford threw his 193rd career touchdown pass during the 24–10 road victory, passing Bob Griese for 48th on the all-time touchdown pass list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |date=September 18, 2017 |title=Matthew Stafford fights off apparent eye poke to pass Bob Griese on TD list |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/30733/matthew-stafford-fights-off-apparent-eye-poke-to-pass-bob-griese-on-td-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904162954/https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/30733/matthew-stafford-fights-off-apparent-eye-poke-to-pass-bob-griese-on-td-list |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
During a Week 8 20–15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on ''Sunday Night Football'', Stafford became the only player in NFL history to throw for more than 400 yards and no touchdowns in two different games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |date=October 31, 2017 |title=Matthew Stafford's 400-yard, no-touchdown game? It has happened before |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/31602/matthew-staffords-400-yard-no-touchdown-game-sunday-its-happened-before |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106155143/http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/31602/matthew-staffords-400-yard-no-touchdown-game-sunday-its-happened-before |archive-date=November 6, 2017 |access-date=October 31, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the next game against the Packers, Stafford recorded his 200th career touchdown in the first quarter of the game, becoming the fourth quarterback in NFL history to do so before the age of 30, joining Brett Favre, Dan Marino, and Peyton Manning.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=November 6, 2017 |title=Lions' Matthew Stafford joins exclusive club with 200th career TD pass |url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/11/06/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford/838597001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107120541/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/11/06/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford/838597001/ |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=November 6, 2017 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press}}</ref> During the regular-season finale against the Packers, Stafford recorded his 3,000th career completion in his 125th career game, becoming the fastest player to reach the milestone in NFL history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |date=December 31, 2017 |title=Matthew Stafford fastest in NFL history to 3,000 completions |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/32779/matthew-stafford-fastest-quarterback-in-nfl-history-to-3000-completions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004013311/https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/32779/matthew-stafford-fastest-quarterback-in-nfl-history-to-3000-completions |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The Lions finished with a 9–7 record, but did not qualify for the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126203805/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/ |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford finished the season with 4,446 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, his seventh consecutive season with at least 4,000 passing yards, to go along with 29 carries for 98 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atkins |first=Nate |date=December 31, 2017 |title=Matthew Stafford is the fastest QB in NFL history to 3,000 completions |url=http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2017/12/matthew_stafford_is_the_fastes.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231222703/http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2017/12/matthew_stafford_is_the_fastes.html |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 31, 2017 |website=MLive}}</ref> He led the NFC in passing yards in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/passing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140613/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/passing.htm |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Stafford was ranked 31st by his peers for the second consecutive year on the list of the Top 100 NFL Players of 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408124716/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2018 season==== {{Main|2018 Detroit Lions season}}
Going into the 2018 season, Stafford had a new head coach in Matt Patricia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Edward |date=February 5, 2018 |title=Patriots DC Matt Patricia named head coach of Lions |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-dc-matt-patricia-named-head-coach-of-lions-0ap3000000914727 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209152959/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000914727/article/patriots-dc-matt-patricia-named-head-coach-of-lions |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |access-date=December 11, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}</ref>
During the season opener against the Jets on ''Monday Night Football'', Stafford had 286 passing yards, a touchdown, and four interceptions in the 48–17 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=September 10, 2018 |title=Jets 48, Lions 17: Matt Patricia era begins in embarrassing fashion |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/09/10/detroit-lions-new-york-jets/1262957002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328143746/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/09/10/detroit-lions-new-york-jets/1262957002/ |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=October 8, 2018 |website=Detroit Free Press}}</ref> He rebounded statistically in the following game against the San Francisco 49ers, passing for 347 yards and three touchdowns during the 30–27 road loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2018 |title=Lions' late rally falls short vs. 49ers |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/football-nfl-sf-det-recap-idUSMTZEE9H6A0MMR |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123071629/https://www.reuters.com/article/football-nfl-sf-det-recap-idUSMTZEE9H6A0MMR |archive-date=January 23, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |website=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> The Lions got their first win of the season the following week against the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots on ''Sunday Night Football'' as Stafford recorded 262 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the 26–10 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Matt Patricia-led Lions beat Bill Belichick, Patriots 26–10 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/09/23/matt-patricia-led-lions-beat-bill-belichick-patriots-26-10/37916333/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123121244/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/09/23/matt-patricia-led-lions-beat-bill-belichick-patriots-26-10/37916333/ |archive-date=January 23, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |website=USA Today |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Overall, the rest of the season was inconsistent for Stafford and the Lions. He never passed for more than two touchdowns in any game for the rest of the season as the Lions finished with a 6–10 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2018.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107180852/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2018.htm |archive-date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2018/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226164300/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2018/ |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> One memorable game for the Lions was a 31–0 shutout of their rival, the Packers, with Stafford passing for 266 yards and two touchdowns in the regular-season finale.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2018 |title=Matthew Stafford-led Detroit Lions blank Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers |url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2018/12/30/Matthew-Stafford-led-Detroit-Lions-blank-Aaron-Rodgers-Green-Bay-Packers/5871546220975/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123071653/https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2018/12/30/Matthew-Stafford-led-Detroit-Lions-blank-Aaron-Rodgers-Green-Bay-Packers/5871546220975/ |archive-date=January 23, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |website=United Press International |language=en}}</ref> Overall, Stafford finished with 3,777 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions to go along with 25 carries for 71 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mulholland |first=Mike |date=January 21, 2019 |title=Lions 2018 review: Matthew Stafford has to get right again |url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/01/lions-2018-review-matthew-stafford-has-to-get-right-again.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123071438/https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/01/lions-2018-review-matthew-stafford-has-to-get-right-again.html |archive-date=January 23, 2019 |access-date=January 22, 2019 |website=MLive Media Group|publisher=Advance Publications |language=en-US}}</ref>
====2019 season==== {{Main|2019 Detroit Lions season}}
During the season-opener on the road against the Cardinals, Stafford threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns in the 27–27 tie game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=David |date=September 8, 2019 |title=Murray, Cardinals settle for 27–27 tie vs. Lions |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910085726/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127999 |archive-date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford helped lead the Lions to consecutive victories over the next two games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Eagles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2019 |title=Stafford overcomes mistakes to help Lions top Chargers 13–10 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128072 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721100821/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128072 |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |access-date=September 15, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=September 22, 2019 |title=Lions grades: Matthew Stafford, WRs make plays, but both lines must improve |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/22/detroit-lions-game-eagles/2410149001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027173702/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/22/detroit-lions-game-eagles/2410149001/ |archive-date=October 27, 2019 |access-date=October 27, 2019 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en}}</ref> The Lions dropped consecutive games against the eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs in Week 4 and Packers in Week 6.<ref name="2019gl">{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> During Week 7 against the Vikings, Stafford threw for 364 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception in the 42–30 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2019 |title=Cousins has 4 TD passes as Vikings surge past Lions 42–30 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127947 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226221727/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127947 |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He also reached 40,000 passing yards in his 147th career game, becoming the fastest quarterback to the reach the milestone.<ref name="40,000">{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Justin |date=October 20, 2019 |title=Lions' Matthew Stafford becomes fastest to 40,000 career passing yards |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/20/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-fastest-40-k-career-passing-yards/4045636002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021111812/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/20/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-fastest-40-k-career-passing-yards/4045636002/ |archive-date=October 21, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |newspaper=The Detroit News}}</ref>
During Week 10 against the Bears, Stafford missed his first game since 2010, ending his streak of 136 consecutive regular-season starts. Stafford's streak was the sixth-longest for a quarterback in league history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rapoport |first=Ian |author-link=Ian Rapoport |date=November 10, 2019 |title=Matthew Stafford (back/hip) out vs. Bears; Jeff Driskel to start |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/matthew-stafford-back-hip-out-vs-bears-jeff-driskel-to-start-0ap3000001074686 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110161405/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001074686/article/matthew-stafford-backhip-out-vs-bears-jeff-driskel-to-start |archive-date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=November 10, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Jeff |date=November 10, 2019 |title=Matthew Stafford reportedly out for Lions, ends consecutive starts streak at 136 games |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/matthew-stafford-reportedly-out-for-lions-ends-consecutive-starts-streak-at-136-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110215353/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/matthew-stafford-reportedly-out-for-lions-ends-consecutive-starts-streak-at-136-games/ |archive-date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=November 10, 2019 |website=CBSsports.com}}</ref> It was eventually revealed that he was diagnosed with non-displaced fractures in his upper thoracic spine, causing Stafford to miss more time than usual.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=November 17, 2019 |title=Matthew Stafford (back) could miss up to six weeks |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/matthew-stafford-back-could-miss-up-to-six-weeks-0ap3000001077217 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117174749/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001077217/article/matthew-stafford-back-could-miss-up-to-six-weeks |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> On December 18, 2019, he was placed on injured reserve after missing the previous six games and the Lions missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Twentyman |first=Tim |date=December 17, 2019 |title=Lions place quarterback Matthew Stafford on Reserve/Injured |url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-place-quarterback-matthew-stafford-on-reserve-injured |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219042410/https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-place-quarterback-matthew-stafford-on-reserve-injured |archive-date=December 19, 2019 |access-date=December 21, 2019 |website=DetroitLions.com}}</ref> At the time of his shutdown, Stafford was well on pace for an impressive statistical season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMara |first=Max |date=May 12, 2020 |title=Stats Prove Lions' Matthew Stafford Was Robbed From MVP Level Season |url=https://heavy.com/sports/2020/05/lions-matthew-stafford-2019-stats-nfl-mvp/ |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=Heavy.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He had passed for 2,499 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight games and starts.<ref name="2019gl" />
====2020 season: Final season in Detroit==== {{Main|2020 Detroit Lions season}}
thumb|Stafford in 2020 At the start of training camp, Stafford was temporarily on the reserve/COVID-19 list due to a false-positive test.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rothstein, Michael |date=August 1, 2020 |title=Lions place QB Matthew Stafford on reserve/COVID-19 list |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29579040/lions-place-qb-matthew-stafford-reserve-covid-19-list |url-status=live |access-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801214734/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29579040/lions-place-qb-matthew-stafford-reserve-covid-19-list |archive-date=August 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Schlitt | first=Erik | title=Matthew Stafford removed from reserve/COVID-19 list after false-positive test | website=Lions Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2020-08-04 | url=https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/08/04/matthew-stafford-removed-from-reserve-covid-19-list-after-false-positive-test-result/79878423007/ | access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref>
Stafford made his return from injury in the season-opener against the Bears, passing for 297 yards, a touchdown, and an interception during the 27–23 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2020 |title=Trubisky throws 3 TDs in 4th to help Bears beat Lions 27–23 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220282 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031105126/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220282 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Two weeks later against the Cardinals, Stafford had 270 passing yards and two touchdowns in the 26–23 victory. This was the Lions' first win since October 27, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals – September 27th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009270crd.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924112916/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009270crd.htm |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> During Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons, Stafford threw for 340 yards and the game winning touchdown to tight end T. J. Hockenson with no time left on the clock in the narrow 23–22 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons – October 25th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010250atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115121539/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010250atl.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=October 25, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> In the next game against the Colts, Stafford threw for 336 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception returned for a touchdown in the 41–21 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions – November 1st, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011010det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030003009/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011010det.htm |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
On November 4, 2020, Stafford was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list again after being a high-risk close contact with a non-team person who tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2020 |title=Detroit Lions place QB Matthew Stafford on reserve/COVID list |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/detroit-lions-place-qb-matthew-stafford-on-reserve-covid-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104234134/https://www.nfl.com/news/detroit-lions-place-qb-matthew-stafford-on-reserve-covid-list |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=November 4, 2020 |title=Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford back for second stint on reserve/COVID-19 list |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/11/04/matthew-stafford-covid-19-list-detroit-lions/6164390002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104210437/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/11/04/matthew-stafford-covid-19-list-detroit-lions/6164390002/ |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=Detroit Free Press}}</ref> Three days later, Stafford was removed from the COVID-19 list after he came back negative for the virus and was cleared for the Lions' Week 9 matchup against the Vikings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jelani |date=November 7, 2020 |title=Lions activate QB Matthew Stafford off reserve/COVID-19 list |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-activate-qb-matthew-stafford-off-reserve-covid-19-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108014747/https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-activate-qb-matthew-stafford-off-reserve-covid-19-list |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rapoport |first=Ian |author-link=Ian Rapoport |last2=Pelissero |first2=Tom |author-link2=Tom Pelissero |date=November 8, 2020 |title=Lions QB Matthew Stafford cleared to play after week in isolation |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-qb-matthew-stafford-ready-to-go-after-week-in-isolation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108113212/https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-qb-matthew-stafford-ready-to-go-after-week-in-isolation |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Stafford threw for 211 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions before leaving the eventual 34–20 road loss in the fourth quarter and was evaluated for a concussion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=November 8, 2020 |title=Lions QB Matthew Stafford exits early in loss to Vikings, cleared from concussion protocol |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-qb-matthew-stafford-concussion-vikings-exits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108204315/https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-qb-matthew-stafford-concussion-vikings-exits |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=November 8, 2020 |title=Detroit Lions humiliated by Vikings, 34–20, as Matthew Stafford leaves with concussion |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/11/08/detroit-lions-minnesota-vikings-matthew-stafford-concussion/6212933002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115090703/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/11/08/detroit-lions-minnesota-vikings-matthew-stafford-concussion/6212933002/ |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2020 |website=Detroit Free Press}}</ref> He return from injury in the next game against the Washington Football Team and threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns during the 30–27 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washington Football Team at Detroit Lions – November 15th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011150det.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117045513/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011150det.htm |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Three weeks later against the Bears, he had 402 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in the 34–30 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – December 6th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012060chi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032702/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012060chi.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> During Week 16 against the eventual Super Bowl champion Buccaneers, Stafford was forced to leave the game in the first quarter of the 47–7 loss due to an ankle injury and did not return.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2020 |title=Lions QB Stafford leaves Buccaneers game with ankle injury |url=http://pro32.ap.org/article/lions-qb-stafford-leaves-buccaneers-game-ankle-injury |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111223039/https://pro32.ap.org/article/lions-qb-stafford-leaves-buccaneers-game-ankle-injury |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=pro32.ap.org |language=en}}</ref> In the regular-season finale against the Vikings, Stafford threw for 293 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception during the narrow 37–35 loss, which would be his final game as a Lion.<ref>{{cite web | last=Wetzel | first=Dan | title=If this is end for Matthew Stafford in Detroit, his Lions run ends with frustration at inability to end 'curse' | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2021-01-03 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/if-this-is-end-for-matthew-stafford-in-detroit-his-lions-legacy-ends-with-frustration-at-inability-to-end-curse-235708580.html | access-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>
Overall, in the 2020 season, Stafford started all 16 games and finished with 4,084 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions to go along with 29 carries for 112 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110015427/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2020/ |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |access-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
===Los Angeles Rams===
====2021 season: Super Bowl LVI==== {{Main|2021 Los Angeles Rams season}}
On March 18, 2021, Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in a package involving Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick and two first-round picks in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="ramsTrade">{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=March 18, 2021 |title=Rams trade Jared Goff, future draft picks to Lions for Matthew Stafford |url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-trade-jared-goff-future-draft-picks-to-lions-for-matthew-stafford |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905232029/https://www.therams.com/news/rams-trade-jared-goff-future-draft-picks-to-lions-for-matthew-stafford |archive-date=September 5, 2021 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |website=Los Angeles Rams}}</ref>
Stafford made his Rams debut during ''Sunday Night Football'' against the Bears and finished the 34–14 victory with 321 passing yards and three touchdowns with a career-best 156.1 passer rating.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jim |date=September 13, 2021 |title=Matthew Stafford leads Rams to resounding victory over Bears in Los Angeles debut |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/matthew-stafford-leads-rams-to-resounding-victory-over-bears-in-los-angeles-debu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914095848/https://www.nfl.com/news/matthew-stafford-leads-rams-to-resounding-victory-over-bears-in-los-angeles-debu |archive-date=September 14, 2021 |access-date=September 14, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Stafford was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for the first time since the 2009 season for his performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon, Grant |date=September 15, 2021 |title=Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Rams QB Matthew Stafford lead Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-rams-qb-matthew-stafford |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018011804/https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-rams-qb-matthew-stafford |archive-date=October 18, 2021 |access-date=October 18, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In the next game against the Colts, Stafford had 278 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception during the 27–24 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Indianapolis Colts – September 19th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202109190clt.htm |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The following week against the Buccaneers, Stafford threw for 343 yards, and four touchdowns in the 34–24 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benjamin |first=Cody |date=September 26, 2021 |title=Rams vs. Buccaneers score, takeaways: Matthew Stafford outduels Tom Brady as Los Angeles stays undefeated |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rams-vs-buccaneers-score-takeaways-matthew-stafford-outduels-tom-brady-as-los-angeles-stays-undefeated/live/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927162144/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rams-vs-buccaneers-score-takeaways-matthew-stafford-outduels-tom-brady-as-los-angeles-stays-undefeated/live/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> He earned his second NFC Offensive Player of the Week award of the season for his performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon, Grant |date=September 29, 2021 |title=Record-setting Ravens kicker Justin Tucker leads Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2021-week-3-justin-tucker |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018035211/https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2021-week-3-justin-tucker |archive-date=October 18, 2021 |access-date=October 18, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>
During a Week 5 26–17 road victory over the Seahawks on ''Thursday Night Football'', Stafford threw for 365 yards, a touchdown, and an interception despite injuring his finger.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=October 8, 2021 |title=Rams QB Matthew Stafford 'popped' out finger, 'threw it back in' during Thursday's win |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-qb-matthew-stafford-popped-out-finger-threw-it-back-in-during-thursday-s-wi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008125251/https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-qb-matthew-stafford-popped-out-finger-threw-it-back-in-during-thursday-s-wi |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |access-date=October 8, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In the next game against the Giants, Stafford completed 22-of-28 passes for 251 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception during the 38–11 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2021 |title=Stafford throws 4 TDs, D forces 4 TOs, Rams rout Giants |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401326416 |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> The following week against his former team, the Detroit Lions, Stafford had 334 passing yards and three touchdowns in the 28–19 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Thiry |first1=Lindsey |last2=Woodyard |first2=Eric |date=October 24, 2021 |title=Rams QB Matthew Stafford throws for 3 TDs in win over former Lions team: 'Glad to have this one over with' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32469670/rams-qb-matthew-stafford-throws-3-tds-win-former-lions-team-glad-one-with |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027162559/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32469670/rams-qb-matthew-stafford-throws-3-tds-win-former-lions-team-glad-one-with |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
During Week 8 against the Houston Texans, Stafford had 305 passing yards and three touchdowns in the 38–22 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2021 |title=Stafford has 3 TD passes as Rams roll past Texans 38–22 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401326442 |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> In the next game against the Titans on ''Sunday Night Football'', he threw for 294 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions during the 28–16 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles Rams – November 7th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202111070ram.htm |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Following a Week 11 bye, the Rams went on the road to face the Packers. Stafford finished the 36–28 road loss with 302 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers – November 28th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202111280gnb.htm |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
Starting in Week 13, Stafford helped lead the Rams to a five-game winning streak to aid in playoff positioning.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cothrel |first=Nicholas |date=January 2, 2022 |title=Rams Gut Out 20–19 Win Over Ravens, Extending Win Streak to Five Games With Playoffs Nearing |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/news/rams-ravens-gut-out-win-five-game-win-streak-playoffs-nfl-week-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102224322/https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/news/rams-ravens-gut-out-win-five-game-win-streak-playoffs-nfl-week-17#:~:text=Rams%20Gut%20Out%2020%2D19%20Win%20Over%20Ravens%2C%20Extending%20Win,a%20record%20of%2012%2D4. |archive-date=January 2, 2022 |access-date=May 9, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> Despite losing to the 49ers 27–24 in overtime during the regular-season finale,<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – January 9th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201090ram.htm |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> the Rams finished atop the NFC West with a 12–5 record in Stafford's first season with the team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=January 10, 2022 |title=Rams win NFC West for 3rd time under Sean McVay – albeit, in bittersweet fashion |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/09/rams-nfc-west-49ers-sean-mcvay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111075940/https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/09/rams-nfc-west-49ers-sean-mcvay/ |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |access-date=May 9, 2022 |website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford set franchise records for pass completions, pass attempts, and passing yards and tied Kurt Warner's mark for passing touchdowns in a single season.<ref name="LAPFR">{{Cite web |title=Cleveland/LA/St. Louis Rams Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/single-season-passing.htm |access-date=January 17, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Stafford threw for 4,886 yards and 41 touchdowns, but also an NFL-leading 17 interceptions thrown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=January 17, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 Los Angeles Rams Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2021.htm |access-date=January 17, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/passing.htm |access-date=January 17, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, Stafford earned the first postseason victory of his career in his fourth attempt with a 34–11 victory over the Cardinals, throwing for 202 yards and two touchdowns, along with 22 rushing yards and scoring a rushing touchdown for the first time since 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2022 |title=NFL playoffs: Rams' Matthew Stafford secures first postseason win with beatdown of Cardinals |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3512125/2022/01/18/nfl-playoffs-rams-matthew-stafford-secures-first-postseason-win-with-beatdown-of-cardinals/ |access-date=January 18, 2022 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref> In Stafford's first career Divisional Round appearance, he threw for 366 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a touchdown during a 30–27 road victory over the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Brady |date=January 23, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams outlast Tampa Bay Buccaneers in memorable playoff game that was 'a whole lot of fun' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33133867/los-angeles-rams-outlast-tampa-bay-buccaneers-earn-opportunity-host-nfc-championship-game |access-date=January 24, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> With the Rams' having squandered a 27–3 lead to allow a 27–27 tie game with the Buccaneers, Stafford completed two passes to wide receiver Cooper Kupp for 64 yards, including a 44-yard shot down the field to set up the game-winning field goal.<ref>{{cite web | last=Henderson | first=Brady | title=From 'love of the game' to Rams' game-winner: Inside the Matthew Stafford-Cooper Kupp pass | website=ESPN.com | date=2022-01-24 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/43224/from-love-of-the-game-to-rams-game-winner-inside-the-matthew-stafford-cooper-kupp-play | access-date=2026-01-01}}</ref> Playing in the NFC Championship Game for the first time in his career, Stafford and the Rams defeated the 49ers by a score of 20–17. Despite being down 17–7 heading into the fourth quarter, Stafford managed to drive his team downfield culminating in a touchdown to Kupp, which cut the deficit to 17–14. Two subsequent drives ended in field goals, with the Rams taking the lead with 1:46 to go in the fourth quarter. The game was sealed when Jimmy Garoppolo threw an interception to linebacker Travin Howard while being pressured by Aaron Donald. The victory qualified the Rams for Super Bowl LVI, to be played in the Rams' home stadium, SoFi Stadium. Stafford completed 31-of-45 passes for 337 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polacek |first=Scott |date=January 31, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford, Rams Rally Past Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers, Advance to 2022 Super Bowl |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10025379-matthew-stafford-rams-rally-past-jimmy-garoppolo-49ers-advance-to-2022-super-bowl |access-date=January 31, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> During the Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Rams came away victorious on their home field with a final score of 23–20. Scoring started early in the first quarter thanks to a long drive that culminated in a Odell Beckham Jr. touchdown reception. The Bengals managed a field goal to make the score 7–3. Stafford then tossed another touchdown to wide receiver Cooper Kupp on the next possession to extend the lead to 13–3. However, on the first play of the second half, Cincinnati retook the lead, 17–13. After field goals by both teams, the Rams trailed 20–16 in the fourth quarter. Stafford orchestrated a drive in the final minutes that ended with another touchdown pass to Kupp to regain the lead 23–20. Overall, Stafford completed 26-of-40 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions as he earned his first championship ring in his first season with the Rams.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polacek |first=Scott |date=February 14, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp Lift Rams over Joe Burrow, Bengals to Win Super Bowl 56 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10026971-matthew-stafford-cooper-kupp-lift-rams-over-joe-burrow-bengals-to-win-super-bowl-56 |access-date=February 14, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref>
Stafford passed for the second-most yards in a single postseason with 1,188.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Passing Yards Single-Season Playoffs Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_single_season_playoffs.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501223644/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_single_season_playoffs.htm |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> He became the first quarterback since Eli Manning to lead a fourth-quarter comeback in a Conference Championship and a Super Bowl in the same playoff season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McVeigh |first=Griffin |date=February 15, 2022 |title=Dan Orlovsky makes bold declaration on Matt Stafford's Super Bowl performance |url=https://www.on3.com/news/espn-analyst-dan-orlovsky-makes-bold-declaration-los-angeles-rams-quarterback-matthew-stafford-super-bowl-56-performance/ |access-date=May 29, 2022 |website=On3 |language=en}}</ref> Stafford became the first player in NFL history to pass for at least 6,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in the regular season and postseason combined all while leading a team to a Super Bowl victory in the same season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford just pulled off a QB feat that not even Tom Brady or Peyton Manning ever accomplished |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/matthew-stafford-just-pulled-off-a-qb-feat-that-not-even-tom-brady-or-peyton-manning-ever-accomplished/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219000709/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/matthew-stafford-just-pulled-off-a-qb-feat-that-not-even-tom-brady-or-peyton-manning-ever-accomplished/ |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked 27th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2022-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2022 season==== {{Main|2022 Los Angeles Rams season}}
On March 19, 2022, Stafford signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Rams.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maya |first=Adam |date=March 19, 2022 |title=Rams QB Matthew Stafford signs four-year, $160M extension |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-qb-matthew-stafford-signing-four-year-160m-extension |access-date=March 20, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> During the offseason, he underwent an elbow procedure on his right elbow after experiencing pain throughout the previous season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=September 8, 2022 |title=Sources: Stafford had offseason elbow procedure |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34547927/los-angeles-rams-qb-matthew-stafford-underwent-offseason-elbow-procedure-sources-say |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
During the NFL Kickoff Game against the Buffalo Bills, Stafford threw for 240 yards and a touchdown, but threw three interceptions and was sacked seven times in the 31–10 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iyer |first=Vinnie |date=September 9, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford has lost it, Josh Allen is already MVP, Von Miller gives Buffalo a Super 'D': Bills-Rams overreactions |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/matthew-stafford-josh-allen-von-miller-bills-rams-overreactions/nkiwxe2uckjm2ernnbbbrcdl |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=Sporting News |language=en}}</ref> In the game, Stafford became the 12th quarterback in NFL history to reach 50,000 career passing yards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=September 9, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford becomes 12th QB to reach 50,000 yards, tied for fastest to get there |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/08/rams-matthew-stafford-yardage-milestone-record/ |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref> He tied Drew Brees as the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach the mark in terms of games played to reach the mark with 183.<ref name="JeffKerr">{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Jeff |date=September 8, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford matches Drew Brees for quickest to 50,000 passing yards in NFL history |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/matthew-stafford-matches-drew-brees-for-quickest-to-50000-passing-yards-in-nfl-history/ |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> During Week 5 against the Cowboys, Stafford completed 28 passes of 42 attempts for 308 passing yards, threw a touchdown pass and an interception in the 22–10 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=October 10, 2022 |title=Sean McVay reflected on Rams' struggles that Stafford needs help |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34765000/matthew-stafford-needs-help |access-date=October 10, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford was put in concussion protocol following the Rams' Week 9 16–13 road loss to the Buccaneers, where he missed the Week 10 matchup against the Cardinals. The Cardinals game marked Stafford's first game as a Ram where he would not play.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Gary |date=November 9, 2022 |title=More Rams trouble: Quarterback Matthew Stafford in concussion protocol |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2022-11-09/more-rams-trouble-quarterback-matthew-stafford-in-concussion-protocol |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arthur |first=Kenneth |date=November 13, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford to miss first game since joining Rams |url=https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2022/11/13/23456576/matthew-stafford-injury-update-inactive-rams-week-10 |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=Turf Show Times|publisher=SB Nation |language=en}}</ref> Stafford returned in week 11 against the Saints, where he threw for 159 yards and two touchdowns, but left the eventual 27–20 loss in the third quarter after suffering a concussion.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Perez |first=Daniela |date=November 20, 2022 |title=Rams QB Matthew Stafford Evaluated for Concussion After Hit vs. Saints |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/11/20/rams-matthew-stafford-concussion-protocol-saints |access-date=December 10, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Gary |date=November 21, 2022 |title=Seasons for Matthew Stafford, Rams hang in balance as QB is evaluated for concussion |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2022-11-21/matthew-stafford-rams-concussion-evaluated |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> Following the Rams' Week 13 loss to the Seahawks, head coach Sean McVay revealed that Stafford suffered a spinal cord contusion which would end his season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=December 4, 2022 |title=McVay: Matthew Stafford has spinal cord contusion, "good chance" he's done for 2022 season |url=https://www.therams.com/news/matthew-stafford-injury-update-spinal-cord-contusion-likely-done-2022-season |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Rams |language=en-US}}</ref> Stafford was placed on injured reserve on December 5, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=December 3, 2022 |title=Rams place Matthew Stafford on injured reserve |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/rams-place-matthew-stafford-on-injured-reserve |access-date=July 17, 2024 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rodrigue |first=Jourdan |date=December 3, 2022 |title=Rams place QB Matthew Stafford on IR |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3965468/2022/12/03/matthew-stafford-ir-rams-injury/ |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref>
In nine games, Stafford finished with 2,087 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions to go along with nine rushing yards and a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> The Rams went 3–6 in the games he played, contributing to a disappointing 5–12 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2022.htm |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Rams' 12 losses marked the most in NFL history for a defending Super Bowl champion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=January 2, 2023 |title=Rams set NFL record for most losses by defending Super Bowl champion |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/01/rams-nfl-record-losses-super-bowl-champion/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
====2023 season==== {{Main|2023 Los Angeles Rams season}}
thumb|210px|Stafford in 2023 Stafford returned as the Rams starting quarterback in 2023 after speculations that he might retire due to the injuries he sustained in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Alex |date=December 20, 2022 |title=Rams' Matthew Stafford ends retirement speculation, plans to return in 2023 |url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2022/12/20/Rams-QB-Matthew-Stafford-not-retiring-return-2023/2551671551245/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref>
During the season-opener against the Seahawks, Stafford completed 24-of-38 passes for 334 yards in the 30–13 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=September 10, 2023 |title=Game Recap: Big days from Kyren Williams, Cam Akers, Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell lead Rams to 30–13 season-opening road victory over Seahawks |url=https://www.therams.com/news/game-recap-rams-seahawks-week-1-2023-kyren-williams-puka-nacua-tutu-atwell |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=TheRams.com}}</ref> Three weeks later against the Colts, Stafford passed for 319 yards and threw a game-winning touchdown to rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua in the 29–23 overtime road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |title=Stafford overcomes injury to throw winning TD pass to Nacua in OT to give Rams 29–23 win over Colts |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20231001_LAR@IND/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref>
During Week 8 against the Cowboys, Stafford threw for 162 yards and a touchdown but also threw a pick-six to Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland in the 43–20 road loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dixon |first=Schuyler |date=October 29, 2023 |title=Prescott throws 4 TDs, Bland gets 3rd pick-6 of season as Cowboys rout Rams 43–20 |url=https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-rams-matthew-stafford-dak-prescott-75f6dc054814b37d9fa3d21bd87214c5 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=AP.com |publisher=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford exited the game during the third quarter after injuring his right thumb on a two-point conversion pass from Tutu Atwell, and was replaced at quarterback by Brett Rypien.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=October 29, 2023 |title=Rams QB Matthew Stafford leaves loss to Cowboys with thumb injury |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-qb-matthew-stafford-thumb-questionable-to-return-vs-cowboys |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Stafford was later diagnosed with a sprained UCL and would miss the next game against the Packers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=October 30, 2023 |title=Rams QB Matthew Stafford day-to-day with UCL sprain in thumb |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38782050/rams-qb-matthew-stafford-day-day-ucl-sprain-thumb |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Macri |first=Jonathan |date=November 5, 2023 |title=NFL Week 9 Game Recap: Green Bay Packers 20, Los Angeles Rams 3 |url=https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-9-game-recap-green-bay-packers-20-los-angeles-rams-3 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=PFF.com |publisher=Pro Football Focus}}</ref>
Stafford returned as starter in Week 11 against the Seahawks and threw for 190 yards, a touchdown, and an interception each during a narrow 17–16 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macri |first=Jonathan |date=November 20, 2023 |title=NFL Week 11 Game Recap: Los Angeles Rams 17, Seattle Seahawks 16 |url=https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-11-game-recap-los-angeles-rams-17-seattle-seahawks-16 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=PFF.com |publisher=Pro Football Focus}}</ref> In the next game the Cardinals, he had 229 passing yards, a season-high four touchdowns, and an interception during the 37–14 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=November 26, 2023 |title=Game Recap: Rams blow out Cardinals 37–14 in Arizona for second-straight win |url=https://www.therams.com/news/game-recap-rams-blow-out-cardinals-37-14-in-arizona-for-second-straight-win |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=TheRams.com}}</ref> Between Weeks 12 and 14, Stafford threw a total of 10 touchdowns and one interception in a three-game stretch after starting out the season throwing for nine touchdowns and eight interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=December 11, 2023 |title=Matthew Stafford's recent 3-game stretch is among the best of his career |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2023/12/11/rams-matthew-stafford-stats-streak-week-14/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=Rams Wire |publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
Stafford finished the regular season 3,965 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions to go along 21 carries for 65 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}</ref> The Rams finished with a 10–7 record and clinched a Wild Card spot in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 7, 2024|agency=Associated Press |title=Carson Wentz leads the Rams to the NFC's 6th seed with a 21–20 win over the 49ers |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/carson-wentz-leads-the-rams-to-the-nfcs-6th-seed-with-a-21-20-win-over-the-49ers/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=CBS News – Los Angeles}}</ref> Stafford was selected to his second Pro Bowl as a reserve for the NFC.<ref>{{cite web | last=Jackson | first=Stu | title=Four Rams selected to 2024 Pro Bowl, one selected as alternate | website=TheRams.com | date=2024-01-04 | url=https://www.therams.com/news/four-rams-selected-to-2024-pro-bowl-one-selected-as-alternate | access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref>
In the Wild Card Round, Stafford and the Rams faced his former team, the Lions. The game marked the first time Stafford returned to Detroit since being traded to Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2024|agency=Associated Press |title=Matthew Stafford loves Detroit, but embraces being "the bad guy" as he returns for Rams-Lions game |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/matthew-stafford-returning-to-detroit-for-matchup-rams-lions/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=CBS News – Detroit}}</ref> He finished the narrow 24–23 loss completing 25-of-36 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns as Lions got their first playoff win in 32 seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2024 |title=Jared Goff leads Lions to first playoff win in 32 years, 24–23 over Matthew Stafford and the Rams |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401547753 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Stafford was ranked 42nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2024-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====2024 season==== {{Main|2024 Los Angeles Rams season}}
Stafford and the Rams opened the season in Detroit in a rematch of last year's Wild Card game, with Stafford completing 34-of-49 passes for 317 yards, a touchdown, and an interception during the 26–20 overtime road loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenstein |first=Greg |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Rams vs. Lions highlights: Detroit defeats Los Angeles 26–20 in overtime thriller |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/live-blog/rams-lions-nfl-live-updates-rcna170134 |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=NBC News}}</ref> Following a blowout loss to the Cardinals to drop to 0–2 and injuries to star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, Stafford rallied the Rams from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit in Week 3 against the 49ers to win 27–24.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Ryan |date=September 22, 2024 |title=Matthew Stafford, Rams rally to stun 49ers with game-winning field goal |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/matthew-stafford-rams-rally-to-stun-49ers-with-game-winning-field-goal-233409655.html |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> During a Week 4 loss against the Bears, Stafford passed Eli Manning for 10th in the all-time passing yards list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=September 29, 2024 |title=Rams' Matthew Stafford moves into 10th all time in passing yards |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41515274/rams-matthew-stafford-moves-10th-all-passing-yards |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
With the return of wide receivers Kupp and Nacua in Week 8 against the Vikings, Stafford had a standout game, passing for 279 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception during the 30–20 victory.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Stu |title=Game Recap: Stafford's four touchdown passes, defense's timely plays lead Rams to 30–20 win over Vikings on Thursday Night Football |url=https://www.therams.com/news/game-recap-stafford-s-four-touchdown-passes-defense-s-timely-plays-lead-rams-to-30-20-win-over-vikings-on-thursday-night-football |access-date=October 25, 2024 |work=TheRams.com |date=October 24, 2024}}</ref> Three weeks later against the Patriots, he had 295 passing yards and four touchdowns in the 28–22 road victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at New England Patriots – November 17th, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202411170nwe.htm |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford finished the 2024 season with 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions as he helped lead the Rams to a playoff berth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> In the Wild Card Round against the Vikings, Stafford completed 19-of-27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns during the 27–9 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams – January 13th, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202501130ram.htm |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> During the Divisional Round against the Eagles, he threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns but had two fumbles, including one lost, in the 28–22 road loss.<ref name="b348">{{cite web | last=Spadaro | first=Dave | title=Spadaro: 6 takeaways from a heart-pounding, thrilling 28–22 victory over the Rams | website=Philadelphia Eagles | date=2025-01-20 | url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/spadaro-6-takeaways-from-a-heart-pounding-thrilling-28-22-victory-over-the-rams | access-date=2025-01-21}}</ref> He was ranked 59th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2025 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2025-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
====2025 season: MVP season==== {{Main|2025 Los Angeles Rams season}}
thumb|250px|right|Stafford (#9) in 2025 After being given permission to speak with other teams, Stafford had discussions with the New York Giants<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Traina |first=Patricia |date=February 28, 2025 |title=After Losing Out on Matthew Stafford, Giants Reportedly Set to Turn Attention to Aaron Rodgers |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/after-losing-out-on-matthew-stafford-giants-reportedly-set-to-turn-attention-to-aaron-rodgers-01jn745em6fq |access-date=March 14, 2025 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> and Las Vegas Raiders<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=February 28, 2025 |title=Report: Raiders and Matthew Stafford have found common ground on a new contract |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-raiders-and-matthew-stafford-have-found-common-ground-on-a-new-contract |access-date=March 14, 2025 |website=NBC Sports}}</ref> before deciding to remain with the Rams and agreeing to a restructured contract on February 28, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=February 28, 2025 |title=Matthew Stafford agrees to restructured deal to stay with Rams |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44055674/matthew-stafford-agrees-restructured-deal-stay-rams |access-date=March 14, 2025 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> An aggravated disc in his back caused Stafford to miss most of training camp and there was concern within the Rams organization as to whether his condition would affect him during the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25242030-matthew-staffords-back-injury-reportedly-will-need-be-managed-rams |title=Matthew Stafford's Back Injury Reportedly Will Need to Be 'Managed' by Rams|website=BleacherReport.com |last=Chiari|first=Mike |date=September 7, 2025|access-date=September 7, 2025}}</ref>
During the season-opening 14–9 victory over the Houston Texans, Stafford completed 21 of 29 passes for 245 yards and a touchdown while also becoming the tenth quarterback in NFL history to reach 60,000 career passing yards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/los-angeles-rams/rams-news-matthew-stafford-reflects-hitting-rare-qb-milestone|title=Rams' Matthew Stafford reflects on hitting incredibly rare QB milestone|website=ClutchPoints|last=Pursiainen|first=Kris|date=September 7, 2025|access-date=September 7, 2025}}</ref> Beginning with a 375-yard, three-touchdown performance (during which he threw an 88-yard score to wide receiver Tutu Atwell, the longest touchdown pass of Stafford's career) during a 27–20 victory over the Colts in Week 4, Stafford went eight straight games without throwing an interception and threw 28 touchdown passes in that span.<ref>{{cite web | last=DaSilva | first=Cameron | title=Matthew Stafford finally throws INT after setting NFL record | website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=November 30, 2025 | url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2025/11/30/matthew-stafford-rams-interception-panthers-record/87539744007/ | access-date=January 1, 2026}}</ref> During Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, Stafford threw for just 181 yards in the 17–3 road victory, but the yardage total was enough for him to surpass Dan Marino for ninth in NFL career passing yards. In the next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Stafford threw for 182 yards and tied a career-high with five passing touchdowns during the 35–7 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Jacksonville Jaguars – October 19th, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202510190jax.htm |access-date=December 5, 2025 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford's streak of games without an interception ended in Week 13 during a 31–28 loss at the Carolina Panthers, but his 243 passing yards on the day lifted him above Matt Ryan into the eighth spot on the NFL career passing yards list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford sets record for most TD passes without an interception, then throws 2 interceptions and fumbles in Rams 31–28 loss to Panthers |last=Reed |first=Steve |date=November 30, 2025 |access-date=January 5, 2026 |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/matthew-stafford-sets-record-for-most-td-passes-without-an-interception-then-throws-2-interceptions-and-fumbles-in-rams-31-28-loss-to-panthers/3810113/ |website=NBCLosAngeles.com}}</ref> Stafford was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November.<ref>{{cite web | last=Gordon | first=Grant | title=Rams QB Matthew Stafford, Browns DE Myles Garrett highlight November Players of the Month | website=NFL.com | date=December 4, 2025 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-month-november-2025-matthew-stafford-myles-garrett | access-date=January 9, 2026}}</ref> He threw for 457 yards, which is his most with the Rams, and three touchdowns in the narrow 38–37 overtime road loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. The performance also passed Philip Rivers for seventh place all-time in passing yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rams' Matthew Stafford climbs prestigious NFL record list with epic Thursday night stats |last=Heyen |first=Billy |date=December 19, 2025 |access-date=December 31, 2025 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rams-matthew-stafford-climbs-prestigious-203742261.html |work=Yahoo Sports}}</ref> In the next game against the Atlanta Falcons, Stafford had 269 passing yards during the 27–24 road loss, with the yardage total moving him past Ben Roethlisberger for the sixth-most passing yards in NFL history,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford passes Ben Roethlisberger for 6th-most passing yards in NFL history |last=Miller |first=Wyatt |date=December 29, 2025 |access-date=January 5, 2026 |url=https://www.therams.com/news/matthew-stafford-passes-ben-roethlisberger-for-6th-most-passing-yards-in-nfl-history |website=TheRams.com}}</ref> and his two touchdown passes gave him 42 for the season, breaking his own personal single-season best of 41 set in 2011 with Detroit and equaled in 2021 during his first season in Los Angeles. During the regular season finale, Stafford threw for 259 yards and four touchdowns in the 37–20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Rams QB Matthew Stafford highlight Players of the Week |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=January 7, 2026 |access-date=January 7, 2026 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2025-week-18-rhamondre-stevenson-matthew-stafford |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Following the end of the regular season, Stafford was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for the second consecutive month covering December/January.<ref>{{cite web | last=Jackson | first=Stu | title=Matthew Stafford named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December/January | website=TheRams.com | date=December 23, 2025 | url=https://www.therams.com/news/matthew-stafford-named-nfc-offensive-player-of-the-month-december-january-2025 | access-date=January 11, 2026}}</ref>
In finishing with 4,707 passing yards and a franchise-record 46 touchdown passes for the regular season, Stafford led the NFL in both categories for the first time in his career. Stafford finished with a career-high 109.2 passer rating for the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford 2025 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/2025/ |access-date=January 8, 2026 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2025 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2025/passing.htm |access-date=January 8, 2026 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=NFL roundup: Stafford reaches 46 TD passes as Rams handle Cardinals | website=West Hawaii Today | date=January 5, 2026 | url=https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2026/01/05/sports/nfl-roundup-stafford-reaches-46-td-passes-as-rams-handle-cardinals/ | access-date=January 9, 2026}}</ref> He was named to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career,<ref>{{cite web | last=Jackson | first=Stu | title=Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Jared Verse and Byron Young selected to 2026 Pro Bowl | website=TheRams.com | date=December 23, 2025 | url=https://www.therams.com/news/matthew-stafford-puka-nacua-jared-verse-and-byron-young-selected-to-2026-pro-bowl | access-date=January 9, 2026}}</ref> and was named to an Associated Press first team All-Pro Quarterback, the first All-Pro honor of his career.<ref>{{cite web | last=Maaddi | first=Rob | title=Stafford gets first nod for AP All-Pro. Garrett, Nacua and Smith-Njigba are unanimous choices | website=APNews.com | date=January 10, 2026 | url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-allpro-team-86b72f1cb4283f16c9ae6b6908418d21 | access-date=January 1, 2026}}</ref>
During the Wild Card Round against the Carolina Panthers, Stafford completed 24-of-42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception as he rallied the Rams to a 34–31 road victory, his fourth playoff comeback victory since being traded to Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rams QB Matthew Stafford displayed 'MVP type of stuff' in game-winning drive over Panthers |last=Baca |first=Michael |date=January 10, 2026 |access-date=January 11, 2026 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-qb-matthew-stafford-displayed-mvp-type-of-stuff-in-game-winning-drive-over-panthers |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In the Divisional Round against the #2-seed Chicago Bears, Stafford had 258 passing yards during the 20–17 overtime road victory, sending the Rams to the NFC Championship Game.<ref> {{Cite web |last=Seligman |first=Andrew |title=Rams shake off wild TD pass by Caleb Williams to force OT, beat Bears |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/other/2026/01/18/rams-shake-off-wild-td-pass-by-caleb-williams-to-force-ot-beat-bears/88246593007/ |access-date=2026-01-19 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref> However, despite Stafford going 22-for-35 for 374 yards and three touchdowns, the Rams lost on the road 31–27.<ref>https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/matthew-stafford-makes-brutal-nfl-144033663.html</ref> On February 5th, 2026, Stafford was named 2026 Most Valuable Player at the 15th NFL Honors, and concluded his acceptance speech by declaring that he would return to the Rams for the 2026 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dragon |first=Tyler |title=Rams QB Matthew Stafford named NFL MVP |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2026/02/05/matthew-stafford-nfl-mvp-2025-la-rams/88131511007/ |access-date=February 5, 2026 |website=USAToday.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
====2026 season==== On May 21, 2026, Stafford signed a one-year, $55 million contract extension with the Rams.<ref>{{Cite web| last=Kownack | first=Bobby | date=May 21, 2026 | title= Report: Rams, QB Matthew Stafford agree to one-year, $55 million contract extension | website=NFL.com | url= https://www.nfl.com/news/report-rams-qb-matthew-stafford-agree-to-one-year-55-million-contract-extension | access-date=May 22, 2026}}</ref>
==Career statistics==
===NFL=== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" ! colspan="2"| Legend |- | style="background:#ff0; width:3em;"| | AP NFL MVP |- |- | style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"| | Won the Super Bowl |- | style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| | Led the league |- | '''Bold''' | Career high |}
====Regular season==== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="3"| Games ! colspan="9"| Passing ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="2"| Sacks ! colspan="2"| Fumbles |- ! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|GS|Games started}} !! {{abbr|Record|Record as a starter}} !! {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} !! {{abbr|Att|Passes attempted}} !! {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} !! {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest pass completion}} !!{{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}}!! {{abbr|Rtg|Passer rating}} !! {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} !! {{abbr|Avg|Yards per rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Sck|Times sacked}} !! {{abbr|SckY|Yards lost due to sacks}} !! {{abbr|Fum|Fumbles}} !! {{abbr|Lost|Fumbles lost}} |- ! 2009 !! DET | 10 || 10 || 2–8 || 201 || 377 || 53.3 || 2,267 || 6.0 || 75 || 13 || '''20''' || 61.0 || 20 || 108 || 5.4 || 21 || 2 || 24 || 169 || 4 || 1 |- ! 2010 !! DET | 3 || 3 || 1–2 || 57 || 96 || 59.4 || 535 || 5.6 || 36 || 6 || 1 || 91.3 || 4 || 11 || 2.8 || 9 || 1 || 4 || 36 || 2 || 1 |- ! 2011 !! DET | 16 || 16 || 10–6 || 421 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 663 || 63.5 || '''5,038''' || 7.6 || 73 || 41 || 16 || 97.2 || 22 || 78 || 3.5 || 22 || 0 || 36 || 257 || 5 || 1 |- ! 2012 !! DET | 16 || 16 || 4–12 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''435''' || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''727''' || 59.8 || 4,967 || 6.8 || 57 || 20 || 17 || 79.8 || 35 || 126 || 3.6 || 11 || '''4''' || 29 || 212 || 6 || 4 |- ! 2013 !! DET | 16 || 16 || 7–9 || 371 || 634 || 58.5 || 4,650 || 7.3 || 87 || 29 || 19 || 84.2 || 37 || 69 || 1.9 || 14 || 2 || 23 || 168 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''12''' || 4 |- ! 2014 !! DET | 16 || 16 || 11–5 || 363 || 602 || 60.3 || 4,257 || 7.1 || 73 || 22 || 12 || 85.7 || 43 || 93 || 2.2 || 18 || 2 || 45 || 254 || 8 || 3 |- ! 2015 !! DET | 16 || 16 || 7–9 || 398 || 592 || 67.2 || 4,262 || 7.2 || 57 || 32 || 13 || 97.0 || '''44''' || 159 || 3.6 || 18 || 1 || 44 || 251 || 4 || 2 |- ! 2016 !! DET | 16 || 16 || 9–7 || 388 || 594 || 65.3 || 4,327 || 7.3 || 73 || 24 || 10 || 93.3 || 37 || '''207''' || '''5.6''' || '''24''' || 2 || 37 || 216 || 3 || 2 |- ! 2017 !! DET | 16 || 16 || 9–7 || 371 || 565 || 65.7 || 4,446 || 7.9 || 71 || 29 || 10 || 99.3 || 29 || 98 || 3.4 || 15 || 0 || '''47''' || '''287''' || 11 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''7''' |- ! 2018 !! DET | 16 || 16 || 6–10 || 367 || 555 || 66.1 || 3,777 || 6.8 || 67 || 21 || 11 || 89.9 || 25 || 71 || 2.8 || 10 || 0 || 40 || 255 || 6 || 4 |- ! 2019 !! DET | 8 || 8 || 3–4–1 || 187 || 291 || 64.3 || 2,499 || '''8.6''' || 66 || 19 || 5 || 106.0 || 20 || 66 || 3.3 || 12 || 0 || 18 || 137 || 5 || 3 |- ! 2020 !! DET | 16 || 16 || 5–11 || 339 || 528 || 64.2 || 4,084 || 7.7 || 73 || 26 || 10 || 96.3 || 29 || 112 || 3.9 || 17 || 0 || 38 || 254 || 2 || 1 |- ! 2021 !! style="background:#afe6ba;"|LAR | 17 || 17 || '''12–5''' || 404 || 601 || 67.2 || 4,886 || 8.1 || 79 || 41 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 17 || 102.9 || 32 || 43 || 1.3 || 12 || 0 || 30 || 243 || 5 || 2 |- ! 2022 !! LAR | 9 || 9 || 3–6 || 206 || 303 || '''68.0''' || 2,087 || 6.9 || 75 || 10 || 8 || 87.4 || 13 || 9 || 0.7 || 4 || 1 || 29 || 208 || 5 || 3 |- ! 2023 !! LAR | 15 || 15 || 9–6 || 326 || 521 || 62.6 || 3,965 || 7.6 || 80 || 24 || 11 || 92.5 || 21 || 65 || 3.1 || 9 || 0 || 30 || 205 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2024 !! LAR | 16 || 16 || 10–6 || 340 || 517 || 65.8 || 3,762 || 7.3 || 69 || 20 || 8 || 93.7 || 30 || 41 || 1.4 || 15 || 0 || 28 || 213 || 6 || 2 |- ! style="background:#ff0;|2025 !! LAR | 17 || 17 || '''12–5''' || 388 || 597 || 65.0 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 4,707 || 7.9 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''88''' || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''46''' || 8 || '''109.2''' || 29 || 1 || 0.0 || 6 || 0 || 23 || 150 || 7 || 3 |- ! colspan="2" |[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00.htm Career] !! 239 !! 239 !! 120–118–1 !! 5,562 !! 8,763 !! 63.5 !! 64,516 !! 7.4 !! 88 !! 423 !! 196 !! 92.4 !! 470 !! 1,357 !! 2.9 !! 24 !! 15 !! 525 !! 3,515 !! 91 !! 43 |}
====Postseason==== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="3"| Games ! colspan="9"| Passing ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="2"| Sacks ! colspan="2"| Fumbles |- ! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|GS|Games started}} !! {{abbr|Record|Record as a starter}} !! {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} !! {{abbr|Att|Passes attempted}} !! {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} !! {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest pass completion}} !!{{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} !! {{abbr|Rtg|Passer rating}} !! {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} !! {{abbr|Avg|Yards per rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Sck|Times sacked}} !! {{abbr|SckY|Yards lost due to sacks}} !! {{abbr|Fum|Fumbles}} !! {{abbr|Lost|Fumbles lost}} |- ! 2011 !! DET | 1 || 1 || 0–1 || 28 || 43 || 65.1 || 380 || 8.8 || 42 || 3 || 2 || 97.0 || 2 || 1 || 0.5 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2014 !! DET | 1 || 1 || 0–1 || 28 || 42 || 66.7 || 323 || 7.7 || 51 || 1 || 1 || 87.7 || 1 || 9 || '''9.0''' || 9 || 0 || 3 || 16 || 2 || '''2''' |- ! 2016 !! DET | 1 || 1 || 0–1 || 18 || 32 || 56.3 || 205 || 6.4 || 30 || 0 || 0 || 75.7 || 3 || 15 || 5.0 || 11 || 0 || 3 || 23 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2021 !! style="background:#afe6ba;"|LAR | 4 || 4 ||style="background:#cfecec;"| '''4–0''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''98''' || '''140''' || '''70.0''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''1,188''' || 8.5 || '''70''' || '''9''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''3''' || 108.3 || '''18''' || '''42''' || 2.3 || '''14''' || '''2''' || '''7''' || 42 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2023 !! LAR | 1 || 1 || 0–1 || 25 || 36 || 69.4 || 367 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''10.2''' || 50 || 2 || 0 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''120.9''' || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 10 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2024 !! LAR | 2 || 2 || 1–1 || 45 || 71 || 63.4 || 533 || 7.5 || 48 || 4 || 0 || 105.0 || 4 || 4 || 1.0 || 5 || 0 || '''7''' || 40 || 2 || 1 |- ! 2025 !! LAR | 3 || 3 || 2–1 || style="background:#cfecec;"|66 || style="background:#cfecec;"|119 || 55.5 || style="background:#cfecec;"|936 || 7.9 || 44 || style="background:#cfecec;"|6 || 1 || 94.4 || 5 || 15 || 3.0 || 13 || 0 || 6 || '''47''' || '''3''' || 0 |- ! colspan="2"|[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StafMa00/gamelog/post/ Career] !! 13 !! 13 !! 7–6 !! 308 !! 483 !! 63.8 !! 3,932 !! 8.1 !! 70 !! 25 !! 7 !! 100.4 !! 33 !! 86 !! 2.6 !! 14 !! 3 !! 28 !! 178 !! 7 !! 3 |}
===College=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Season ! rowspan="2" |Team ! colspan="3" | Games ! colspan="8"| Passing ! colspan="5"| Rushing |- ! GP !! GS !! Record !! Cmp !! Att !! Pct !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Int !! Rtg !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD |- ! 2006 ! Georgia | 13 || 8 || 6–2 || 135 || 256 || 52.7 || 1,749 || 6.8 || 7 || '''13''' || 109.0 || 47 || '''191''' || '''4.1''' || '''3''' |- ! 2007 ! Georgia | 13 || 13 || '''11–2''' || 194 || 348 || 55.7 || 2,523 || 7.3 || 19 || 10 || 128.9 || 39 || −18 || −0.5 || 2 |- ! 2008 ! Georgia | 13 || 13 || 10–3 || '''235''' || '''383''' || '''61.4''' || '''3,459''' || '''9.0''' || '''25''' || 10 || '''153.5''' || '''55''' || 40 || 0.7 || 1 |- ! colspan="2" | [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/matthew-stafford-1.html Total] !! 39 !! 34 !! 27–7 !! 564 !! 987 !! 57.1 !! 7,731 !! 7.8 !! 51 !! 33 !! 133.3 !! 141 !! 207 !! 1.5 !! 6 |} *Stafford's 25 touchdown passes in 2008 broke the previous Georgia record of 24, set by D. J. Shockley (2005) and Eric Zeier (1993, 1994).<ref>{{Cite web |title=UGA Football Passing Records |url=https://www.sicemdawgs.com/uga-football-records/passing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407064740/https://www.sicemdawgs.com/uga-football-records/passing/ |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=SicEmDawgs.com |language=en-US}}</ref> *Stafford's 3,459 yards passing in 2008 were second-most in Georgia history, surpassed only by Zeier's 3,525 yards in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Georgia Football Media Guide |url=https://issuu.com/georgiadogs/docs/l000379_uga_fball_web/1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804165656/https://issuu.com/georgiadogs/docs/l000379_uga_fball_web/1 |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |website=issuu|date=July 21, 2014 }}</ref>
==Career highlights==
===Awards and honors=== '''NFL''' *Super Bowl champion (LVI)<ref name="LVI SB Win">{{cite web |last1=Henderson |first1=Brady |title=L.A. story: All-in approach pays off as Rams win Super Bowl LVI in home stadium |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33268372/los-angeles-rams-all-star-heavy-approach-results-super-bowl-lvi-win-cincinnati-bengals |website=ESPN |access-date=December 18, 2023 |language=en |date=February 14, 2022}}</ref> * AP NFL Most Valuable Player (2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford wins NFL MVP award |url=https://abc7.com/post/rams-quarterback-matthew-stafford-wins-nfl-mvp-award/18550798/ |access-date=February 5, 2026 |website=www.ABC7.com |language=en-US}}</ref> * PFWA NFL MVP (2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stafford named 2025 PFWA MVP |url=https://www.therams.com/news/matthew-stafford-named-2025-pfwa-mvp |access-date=January 21, 2026 |website=www.therams.com |language=en-US}}</ref> * NFL Comeback Player of the Year ({{NFL Year|2011}})<ref>{{cite web |last1=Seifert |first1=Kevin |title=Matthew Stafford wins comeback award |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/38191/matthew-stafford-wins-comeback-award |website=ESPN |access-date=December 18, 2023 |language=en |date=February 5, 2012}}</ref> * First-Team All-Pro (2025) * 3× Pro Bowl (2014, 2023, 2025)<ref>{{cite web |title=2014 Pro Bowl: Complete roster |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/2014-pro-bowl-complete-roster-0ap2000000304771 |website=National Football League |access-date=December 18, 2023}}</ref> * Pro Bowl Offensive MVP (2014) * Detroit Lions All-Time Team<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reisman |first1=Jeremy |date=September 29, 2019 |title=Detroit Lions announce All-Time Team, including Matthew Stafford |url=https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2019/9/29/20889825/detroit-lions-announce-all-time-team-roster |access-date=December 18, 2023 |website=Pride Of Detroit|publisher=SB Nation |language=en}}</ref> * Ranked No. 41 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * Ranked No. 76 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * Ranked No. 100 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * Ranked No. 31 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * Ranked No. 31 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * Ranked No. 27 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * Ranked No. 42 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * Ranked No. 59 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * 2× FedEx Air Player of the Week: Week 2 (2011),<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2011 |title=Matthew Stafford Wins FedEx Air Player Of The Week |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/matthew-stafford-wins-fedex-air-player-of-the-week/ |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=CBS News}}</ref> Week 11 (2011)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yuille |first=Sean |date=November 26, 2011 |title=Lions Notes: 7–4 Isn't The End Of The World |url=https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2011/11/26/2587728/lions-news-ndamukong-suh-ejection-packers |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=Pride Of Detroit|publisher=SB Nation |language=en}}</ref> * 2× NFC Offensive Player of the Month: November (2025),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=December 4, 2025 |title=Matthew Stafford named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November 2025 |url=https://www.therams.com/news/matthew-stafford-named-nfc-offensive-player-of-the-month-for-november-2025 |access-date=December 4, 2025 |website=Los Angeles Rams |language=en}}</ref> December/January (2025)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Grant |title=Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, Rams QB Matthew Stafford highlight December/January Players of the Month |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-month-december-2025-trevor-lawrence-matthew-stafford |website=National Football League |access-date=9 January 2026 |date=January 8, 2026}}</ref> * 4× NFC Offensive Player of the Week: Week 11 (2009),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Players of the Week |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/players-of-the-week.htm |access-date=January 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> Week 1 (2021),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=September 15, 2021 |title=Matthew Stafford is the NFC offensive player of the week |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/matthew-stafford-is-the-nfc-offensive-player-of-the-week |access-date=July 17, 2024 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> Week 3 (2021),<ref>{{cite web | last=DaSilva | first=Cameron | title=Matthew Stafford wins 2nd NFC Offensive Player of the Week award in 3rd Rams game | website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2021-09-29 | url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2021/09/29/rams-matthew-stafford-nfc-offensive-player-award-week-3/80628774007/ | access-date=2026-01-08}}</ref> Week 18 (2025)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Grant |title=Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Rams QB Matthew Stafford highlight Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2025-week-18-rhamondre-stevenson-matthew-stafford |website=National Football League |access-date=9 January 2026 |date=January 7, 2026}}</ref>
'''College''' * First-team All-American (2008)<ref name="Rams bio">{{cite web |title=Matthew Stafford (QB): Bio, News, Stats & more |url=https://www.therams.com/team/players-roster/matthew-stafford/ |website=Los Angeles Rams |access-date=December 18, 2023}}</ref> * Second-team All-SEC (2008)<ref name="Rams bio" /> *Named SEC Freshman of the Week twice during the 2006 season<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wittry |first=Andy |date=February 13, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford's Georgia career: College football stats, highlights, records |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-02-13/matthew-staffords-georgia-career-college-football-stats-highlights-records |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404040544/https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-02-13/matthew-staffords-georgia-career-college-football-stats-highlights-records |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=www.ncaa.com |language=en}}</ref> *Named to the 2006 SEC Coaches' All-Freshman Team<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2007 |title=2006 SEC Football All-Freshman Team Announced |url=http://www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=8065&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930161036/http://www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=8065&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |access-date=September 18, 2019 |website=SEC Sports}}</ref> *Named Offensive MVP of the 2006 Chick-fil-A Bowl *Named All-America in 2008 by Pro Football Weekly<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farrier |first=John |date=June 23, 2010 |title=2010 Detroit Lions Sophomore Leadership on Display: Matthew Stafford |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/410404-2010-detroit-lions-sophomore-leadership-on-display-matthew-stafford |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407163239/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/410404-2010-detroit-lions-sophomore-leadership-on-display-matthew-stafford |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=April 7, 2020 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> *MVP of the 2009 Capital One Bowl<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wangrin |first=Mark |date=January 1, 2009 |title=Stocco, Badgers Win Capital One Bowl |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/01/AR2007010100399.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214064547/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/01/AR2007010100399.html |archive-date=December 14, 2018}}</ref>
===Records=== ====NFL records==== * Most passing touchdowns in a single game by a rookie quarterback: 5 (tied with Ray Buivid, Jameis Winston, Deshaun Watson, Daniel Jones, and C. J. Stroud)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most passing touchdowns by a rookie in a single game, NFL history |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/iggPr |access-date=April 7, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref> * Youngest quarterback to throw for at least five touchdowns in a single game (21 years, 288 days) (November 22, 2009, against the Cleveland Browns)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Youngest quarterbacks to throw five or more touchdowns in a single game, NFL history |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/WL3Tm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010239/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=WL3Tm |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * First player in NFL history to complete 60% or more of all passes in each game in a season (2015)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most games with at least 60% of passes completed in a single season, NFL history |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/2H6At |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010226/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=2H6At |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Most games with at least one touchdown pass in a season: 17 (2021) (tied with Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Players with the most games with at least one passing touchdown in a single season, NFL history |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/players-with-the-most-games-with-at-least-one-passing-touchdown-in-a-single-season |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref> * Most consecutive touchdowns thrown without an interception: 28 <ref>{{Cite web |last=Elman |first=Jake |date=November 24, 2025 |title=Rams’ Matthew Stafford Extends Historic Touchdown Streak in Latest Win |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rams-matthew-stafford-extends-historic-164556700.html |access-date=November 24, 2025 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> * Most consecutive 350+ yards passing games: 4 (2011–2012, tied with Drew Brees)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most consecutive games with at least 350 passing yards, NFL history |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/WCro3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729191904/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=WCro3 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |access-date=November 26, 2015 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref> * Most passing yards thrown for in a single game without a touchdown pass: (443, December 22, 2012, against the Atlanta Falcons)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most yards thrown for without a touchdown pass, single game, NFL history |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/BwP2M |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004012902/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=BwP2M |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=February 25, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> * Most pass attempts per game, season: 45.44 (2012)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Single-Season Pass Attempts per Game Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_att_per_g_single_season.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004013117/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_att_per_g_single_season.htm |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=November 26, 2015 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref> * Most games with 40+ pass attempts in a season: 13 (2012)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most games with at least 40 pass attempts in a single season, NFL history |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/t6gTW |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010316/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=t6gTW |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=November 26, 2015 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref> * Fastest player to reach 35,000 career passing yards (126 games played)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fewest games to reach 35,000 passing yards, NFL history |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/nfl-least-amount-of-games-played-to-reach-35000-passing-yards |access-date=September 15, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref> * Fastest player to reach 40,000 career passing yards (147 games played)<ref name="40,000" /> * Fastest player to reach 45,000 career passing yards (165 games played)<ref name="Quickest to 45000 yards">{{Cite web |last=Whitaker |first=Michael |date=January 3, 2021 |title=Matthew Stafford become quickest to 45,000 yards with TD pass to Marvin Jones Jr. |url=https://detroitsportsnation.com/matthew-stafford-become-quickest-to-45000-yards-with-td-pass-to-marvin-jones-jr/mwhitaker/nfl/detroit-lions-news/01/03/2021/242240/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214141753/https://detroitsportsnation.com/matthew-stafford-become-quickest-to-45000-yards-with-td-pass-to-marvin-jones-jr/mwhitaker/nfl/detroit-lions-news/01/03/2021/242240/ |archive-date=December 14, 2021 |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=Detroit Sports Nation |language=en-us}}</ref> * Fastest player to reach 50,000 career passing yards (183 games played, tied with Drew Brees)<ref name="JeffKerr" /> * Fastest player to reach 3,000 completions (125 games played)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |date=December 31, 2017 |title=Matthew Stafford fastest in NFL history to 3,000 completions |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/32779/matthew-stafford-fastest-quarterback-in-nfl-history-to-3000-completions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004013311/https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/32779/matthew-stafford-fastest-quarterback-in-nfl-history-to-3000-completions |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> * Most fourth-quarter comebacks in a season: 8 (2016)<ref name="4CBWin">{{Cite web |title=NFL Fourth Quarter Comebacks Single-Season Leaders (since 1960) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/comebacks_single_season.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214141751/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/comebacks_single_season.htm |archive-date=December 14, 2021 |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Most game-winning drives in a single season: 8 (2016)<ref name="4QCB">{{Cite web |title=NFL Game-Winning Drives Single-Season Leaders (since 1960) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/gwd_single_season.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308120059/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/gwd_single_season.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>
====Detroit Lions franchise records==== * Most career pass completions – 3,898 (2009–2020)<ref name="career" /> * Most passing completions in a single season – 435 (2012)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most pass completions in a single season, Detroit Lions |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/xh0Vq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010246/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=xh0Vq |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 24, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Most career pass attempts – 6,224 (2009–2020)<ref name="career" /> * Most pass attempts in a single season – 727 (2012) * Most career interceptions – 144<ref name="career" /> * Most passing attempts in a game – 63 (November 13, 2011, against the Chicago Bears)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most pass attempts in a single game, Detroit Lions |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/f0UiA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010329/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=f0UiA |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 24, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Highest career completion percentage – 62.6% (2009–2020)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Highest career completion percentage, Detroit Lions |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/s3onX |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010247/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=s3onX |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 24, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Highest completion percentage in a single season – 67.2% (2015)<ref name="pro-football-reference.com" />(tied with Jared Goff (2021))<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berreman |first=Brad |date=January 18, 2022 |title=Jared Goff set or tied two franchise marks in first season as a Lion |url=https://sidelionreport.com/2022/01/18/jared-goff-set-tied-two-franchise-marks-first-season-lion/ |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=SideLion Report |language=en-US}}</ref> * Highest completion percentage in a game – 88.0% (December 21, 2015, vs. New Orleans Saints)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most completion percentage in a single game, Detroit Lions |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/aHNIt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010235/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=aHNIt |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 24, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Most career passing yards – 45,109 (2009–2020)<ref name="career" /> * Most passing yards in a single season – 5,038 (2011)<ref name="pro-football-reference.com">{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions Team Encyclopedia - Pro-Football-Reference.com |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004011702/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}}</ref> * Most passing yards in a game – 520 (January 1, 2012, vs. Green Bay Packers)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Copeland |first=Kareem |date=January 2, 2012 |title=Packers: Record-setting day for Flynn, Stafford |url=https://madison.com/sports/football/professional/packers-record-setting-day-for-flynn-stafford/article_bf2b77bc-34f1-11e1-afd8-001871e3ce6c.html |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=Madison.com |language=en}}</ref> * Most career 4,000 passing yard seasons – 8<ref name="career" /> * Most consecutive seasons with 4,000 passing yards – 7 (2011–2017)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most consecutive 4,000+ passing yard seasons, Detroit Lions |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/iVJxk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010236/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=iVJxk |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 24, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Most career games with 400+ passing yards – 10 (2009–2020)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most career games with 400+ passing yards, Detroit Lions |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/KjYXd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010237/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=KjYXd |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=November 23, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=400 Yard Passing Games By Matt Stafford |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/400-yard-passing-games-by-matt-stafford |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207191032/https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/400-yard-passing-games-by-matt-stafford |archive-date=December 7, 2021 |access-date=December 7, 2021 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref> * Most career games with 300+ passing yards – 49 (2009–2020)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most career games with 300+ passing yards, Detroit Lions |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/7Po73 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010239/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=7Po73 |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=November 23, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}</ref> * Most games with 300+ passing yards in a single season – 8 (2011 and 2012)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most 300-yard passing games in a single season, Detroit Lions |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/who-has-the-most-300-yard-passing-games-in-a-season-detroit-lions |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref> * Most passing touchdowns in a single season – 41 (2011)<ref name="pro-football-reference.com" /> * Most passing touchdowns in a game – 5 (tied with Gary Danielson)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most passing touchdowns in a single game, Detroit Lions |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/detroit-lions-player-most-passing-touchdowns-in-a-game |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref> * Most career passing touchdowns – 282 (2009–2020)<ref name="career" /> * Most games in a season with at least one passing touchdown – 16 (2011)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most games with at least one passing touchdown in a single season, Detroit Lions |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/who-has-the-most-games-with-one-passing-touchdown-in-a-season-detroit-lions |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en}}</ref> * Lowest career interception percentage – 2.3% (2009–2020)<ref name="career" /> * Most career yards per game – 273.4 (2009–2020)<ref name="career">{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions Career Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/career-passing.htm |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Most yards per game in a single season – 314.9 (2011)<ref name="ssl">{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/single-season-passing.htm |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Highest career passer rating – 89.9 (2009–2020)<ref name="career" /> * Highest passer rating in a single season – 106.0 (2017)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Passer Rating Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_rating_single_season.htm |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref> * Most career fourth quarter comeback wins – 31<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * Most fourth-quarter comeback wins in a single season – 8 (2016) (NFL record)<ref name="4CBWin" /> * Most career game-winning drives – 38<ref name="Matthew Stafford - PFR" /> * Most game-winning drives in a single season – 8 (2016) (NFL record)<ref name="4QCB" /> * Most consecutive completed pass attempts in a game – 14 (December 4, 2016, vs. New Orleans Saints)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=December 4, 2016 |title=Stafford saves heroics for another day in Lions win |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/stafford-saves-heroics-for-another-day-in-lions-win-0ap3000000750994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004012142/https://www.nfl.com/news/stafford-saves-heroics-for-another-day-in-lions-win-0ap3000000750994 |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=December 5, 2016 |url-status=live |website=NFL.com}}</ref> * Most yards per pass attempts, career (minimum 1,500 attempts) 7.2 (tied with Bobby Layne)<ref name="career" /> * Most wins as a starting quarterback, career: 74<ref name="career" /> * Most losses as a starting quarterback, career: 90<ref name="career" /> * Most wins as a starting quarterback, single-season: 11 (2014) (tied with Milt Plum)<ref name="ssl" />
====Los Angeles Rams franchise records==== * Most touchdown passes in a single season: 46 (2025) <ref name="LAPFR" /> * Most passing yards in a single season: 4,886 (2021)<ref name="LAPFR" /> * Most pass completions in a single season: 404 (2021)<ref name="LAPFR" />
==Personal life== At Georgia, Stafford met cheerleader Kelly Hall, the sister of former NFL player and current New York Giants assistant quarterbacks coach Chad Hall.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bishop |first=Greg |date=September 8, 2022 |title=Kelly Stafford's Husband Faces Her Brother in NFL Opener |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/09/08/kelly-stafford-brother-faces-off-against-matthew-stafford |access-date=May 30, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> They got married on April 4, 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macke |first=Johnni |date=August 1, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford and Wife Kelly's Relationship Timeline |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/nfl-qb-matthew-stafford-wife-kellys-relationship-timeline-pics/ |access-date=October 27, 2023 |website=Us Magazine}}</ref> and have four daughters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=French |first=Megan |date=April 11, 2017 |title=NFL Star Matthew Stafford, Wife Kelly Welcome Twins |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/nfl-star-matthew-stafford-wife-kelly-welcome-twins-w476108 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403231307/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/nfl-star-matthew-stafford-wife-kelly-welcome-twins-w476108/ |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=April 11, 2017 |website=US Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramirez |first=Charles E. |date=August 24, 2018 |title=Matthew Stafford, wife welcome third child |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/08/24/matthew-stafford-wife-welcome-third-child/1082974002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004011249/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/08/24/matthew-stafford-wife-welcome-third-child/1082974002/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=The Detroit News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 28, 2020 |title=Matthew Stafford and Wife Kelly Welcome Their Fourth Child: 'Our Family Became Complete' |url=https://people.com/parents/matthew-stafford-kelly-stafford-welcome-fourth-child/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916123851/https://people.com/parents/matthew-stafford-kelly-stafford-welcome-fourth-child/ |archive-date=September 16, 2020 |access-date=June 28, 2020 |website=PEOPLE.com |language=EN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Maakaron |first=John |date=July 3, 2020 |title=Matthew Stafford's Fourth Child Is a Baby Girl |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/matthew-stafford-fourth-child-baby-girl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174657/https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/matthew-stafford-fourth-child-baby-girl |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=October 29, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> In April 2019, Kelly Stafford stated on Instagram that she had a brain tumor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubin |first=Jared |date=April 3, 2019 |title=Matthew Stafford's wife Kelly Stafford reveals she is dealing with a brain tumor |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/matthew-staffords-wife-kelly-stafford-reveals-she-is-dealing-with-a-brain-tumor/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010924/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/matthew-staffords-wife-kelly-stafford-reveals-she-is-dealing-with-a-brain-tumor/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref> Kelly underwent a 12-hour surgery on April 17.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=April 22, 2019 |title=Kelly Stafford 'learning new normal' after 12-hour brain surgery |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/21/kelly-stafford-brain-surgery/3535991002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010813/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/04/21/kelly-stafford-brain-surgery/3535991002/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2019 |website=Detroit Free Press}}</ref> Stafford took time off from being with the Lions, as training camp started up shortly after Kelly's surgery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Emily |author-link=Emily Kaplan |date=October 14, 2019 |title=Kelly Stafford's recovery from brain tumor: 'My biggest fear is not being here' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27814828/kelly-stafford-recovery-brain-tumor-my-biggest-fear-not-being-here |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812234358/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27814828/kelly-stafford-recovery-brain-tumor-my-biggest-fear-not-being-here |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |access-date=April 13, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
In 2015, Stafford donated $1 million to the S.A.Y. Detroit Play Center.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staes |first=Jer |date=October 21, 2015 |title=Thanks To Matt Stafford's $1 Million Donation, Rec Center In Detroit Reopens |url=https://www.dailydetroit.com/thanks-to-matt-staffords-1-million-donation-rec-center-in-detroit-reopens/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010624/http://www.dailydetroit.com/2015/10/21/thanks-to-matt-staffords-1-million-donation-rec-center-in-detroit-reopens/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=October 3, 2020 |website=Daily Detroit |language=en-US}}</ref> Three years later, Stafford was the Lions' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Demara |first=Max |date=December 6, 2018 |title=Matthew Stafford Lions Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Matthew-Stafford-Lions-Walter-Payton-Man-of-the-Year-nominee-125969386/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004010258/https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Matthew-Stafford-Lions-Walter-Payton-Man-of-the-Year-nominee-125969386/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |website=247 Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> Prior to the 2020 NFL season, the Stafford family donated $1.5 million to the University of Georgia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlitt |first=Erik |date=August 21, 2020 |title=Matthew and Kelly Stafford's donation to Georgia totals $1.5 million |url=https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/08/21/matthew-and-kelly-staffords-donation-to-georgia-totals-1-5-million/ |access-date=October 27, 2023 |website=Lions Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref> The donation funded social justice initiatives and scholarships for needy students.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwabe |first=Clarke |date=August 24, 2020 |title=Former UGA football star pledges $1.5 million |url=https://news.uga.edu/stafford-million-dollar-gift/ |access-date=October 27, 2023 |website=UGA Today |language=en-US}}</ref> Around 2021, the Stafford family donated $1 million with the purpose of funding an educational center in Detroit after the couple had left for Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Maakaron |first=John |date=February 11, 2021 |title=Matthew and Kelly Stafford's Gift to Detroit |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/staffords-gift-to-detroit |access-date=January 20, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref>
Stafford is the godfather of Dylan Raiola, who was the top football recruit in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vitale |first=Joe |date=May 15, 2023 |title=Nation's No. 1 overall player Dylan Raiola commits to Georgia |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nation-no-1-overall-player-171702836.html |access-date=October 27, 2023 |website=Yahoo! Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> Raiola was the starting quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and is the son of Dominic Raiola who was teammates with Stafford with the Lions from 2009 to 2014.<ref name="StaffordGodfather">{{Cite web |last=Shelton |first=J.C. |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Recruiting experts project top QB to sign with Georgia football |url=https://ugawire.usatoday.com/2023/03/31/recruiting-experts-project-top-quarterback-sign-with-georgia-football-dylan-raiola/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331205450/https://ugawire.usatoday.com/2023/03/31/recruiting-experts-project-top-quarterback-sign-with-georgia-football-dylan-raiola/ |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2023 |website=UGAWire |publisher=USA Today}}</ref><ref name="g479">{{cite web | last=Sherman | first=Mitch | title=True freshman Dylan Raiola named Nebraska's starting QB for season opener | website=The Athletic | date=2024-08-21 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5714549/2024/08/21/nebraska-football-dylan-raiola-starting-quarterback/ | access-date=2025-02-17}}</ref>
==See also== * List of 500-yard passing games in the National Football League * List of NFL quarterbacks with 5,000 passing yards in a season * List of first overall National Football League draft picks * List of most consecutive starts by a National Football League quarterback * List of National Football League career passing completions leaders * List of National Football League career passing touchdowns leaders * List of National Football League career passing yards leaders * List of National Football League career quarterback wins leaders * List of Super Bowl starting quarterbacks * List of Detroit Lions starting quarterbacks * List of Los Angeles Rams starting quarterbacks
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}}
* {{Instagram|matthewstafford}} {{footballstats|nfl=Matthew-Stafford|espn=12483|yahoo=9265|cbs=1114942/matthew-stafford/|pfr=S/StafMa00}} * [https://www.therams.com/team/players-roster/matthew-stafford/ Los Angeles Rams profile]
{{Los Angeles Rams roster navbox}} {{Navboxes| title = |list1 = {{Elite 11 MVPs}} {{Mr. Football USA}} {{Georgia Bulldogs quarterback navbox}} {{NFL Number One Draft Picks}} {{2009 NFL Draft}} {{LionsFirstPick}} {{Lions2009DraftPicks}} {{Detroit Lions All-Time Team}} {{AP NFL MVPs}} {{AP NFL Comeback Player}} {{NFL Comeback Players of the Year}} {{Detroit Lions starting quarterback navbox}} {{Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback navbox}} {{Super Bowl LVI}} {{Super Bowl champion quarterbacks}} {{NFL annual passing yards leaders}} {{NFL annual passing touchdowns leaders}} }} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stafford, Matthew}} Category:1988 births Category:American football quarterbacks Category:American philanthropists Category:Detroit Lions players Category:First overall NFL draft picks Category:Georgia Bulldogs football players Category:Highland Park High School (University Park, Texas) alumni Category:Living people Category:Los Angeles Rams players Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players Category:NFL Comeback Player of the Year winners Category:NFL Most Valuable Player winners Category:People from Dunwoody, Georgia Category:People from Highland Park, Texas Category:People from University Park, Texas Category:Players of American football from Dallas Category:Players of American football from DeKalb County, Georgia Category:Players of American football from Tampa, Florida Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players