(Video) Matthew Stafford Ending His MVP Speech by Announcing He’ll Return in 2026 Has Sean McVay, Kyren Williams Going Crazy

Soon to be 38 Matthew Stafford announced that he will continue to play for the Rams in 2026.

(Video) Matthew Stafford Ending His MVP Speech by Announcing He’ll Return in 2026 Has Sean McVay, Kyren Williams Going Crazy

Matthew Stafford reveals his future plans at NFL Honors (Image via IMAGO/X)

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It’s official: Matthew Stafford is returning to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 NFL season. This news came straight from Stafford’s mouth as he received the league MVP award at NFL Honors.

On Thursday, February 5, Stafford was present at The Palace of Fine Arts in California to receive his maiden MVP trophy. Dressed in a black tuxedo and trousers, the father of four stepped onto the stage to give his thank-you speech.

Near the end of the monologue, the soon-to-be 38-year-old declared that he has delayed his retirement plans and will suit up once more for the Rams in September. The moment Stafford said, “I’ll see you guys next year,” the once-silent audience instantly erupted with energy. Rams head coach Sean McVay and running back Kyren Williams savored the moment.

On January 25, McVay made it clear that the doors to the Rams facility were open for the veteran quarterback if he decided to come back.

Yeah, I mean, if he still wants to play, what the hell kind of question is that?” We’ve been totally present, and I know that if he wants to, he’s still playing at a pretty good clip. I mean, he’s the MVP of the league. I got respect for everybody else, but this guy has played at a level that’s just different.

Matthew Stafford wins the 2025-26 NFL MVP title

Stafford has played over 230 games across 17 years in the league, divided between the Lions and the Rams. He went to the Pro Bowl three times (only once while playing in Detroit).

(Video) Matthew Stafford Ending His MVP Speech by Announcing He’ll Return in 2026 Has Sean McVay, Kyren Williams Going Crazy
Matthew Stafford is the 2025 NFL MVP (Image via IMAGO)

In 2021, his first year on the West Coast, Stafford led the Rams to Super Bowl triumph, overcoming the Bengals in the final. He stood on the doorstep of another Super Bowl appearance in 2025. Unfortunately, the Rams were knocked out in the NFC Championship game by rivals the Seahawks.

Stafford played in every game, tallying 388 completions on 597 pass attempts for a league-leading 4,707 yards, with 46 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions. The NFL awarded him his first-ever All-Pro accolade.

Although he couldn’t make it to the Super Bowl for a second time, the voters chose Stafford as the 2025-26 NFL MVP.

How many votes did Stafford receive to win the 2025 NFL MVP award?

The NFL was divided into two poles toward the end of the regular season. One side wanted Stafford to win, and the other favored the Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. That being said, Maye’s candidacy had one big weakness. He and the Patriots enjoyed the advantage of facing the easiest schedule of the year, while the Rams battled tough opponents like the 49ers, Seahawks, Eagles, and several other teams with double-digit wins.

In the end, Stafford narrowly beat Maye by a single vote, 24 to 23. The 2024 winner and Bills quarterback Josh Allen got 2 votes, while the Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert secured just 1.

Stafford was also in the running for the Offensive Player of the Year award. He came in sixth (3 votes). Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba took home the trophy (14 votes). Stafford’s teammate and WR Puka Nacua finished third with 8 votes.

Nacua had a terrific year. He racked up 129 receptions, 1715 yards, and 10 touchdowns. With Stafford back for 2026, he and Nacua are expected to start for the Rams against the 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia’s first-ever NFL game.

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