Stafford claimed the league MVP, beating out New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, and the moment sits against a backdrop of historical context. Only five players in NFL history have won back-to-back MVP awards, with Aaron Rodgers being the most recent to accomplish the feat.
The decision to retire after an MVP year is rare in NFL history, as only two players have done so—Norm Van Brocklin in 1960 and Jim Brown in 1965—making Stafford’s next steps a topic of heightened speculation among fans and analysts.
Stafford himself has emphasized his love for the game, noting that a back injury sidelined him last offseason and that his appreciation for Sundays and practicing with his teammates has grown as a result. He has not publicly tipped his hand about retirement, but his comments reflect a renewed enjoyment of competition.
At the Pro Bowl Games, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua said he’s not pressuring Stafford and is focused on preparing for the next season, noting he hasn’t yet spoken to his quarterback about retirement as the team processes the missed bid for a Super Bowl.
Los Angeles remains prepared for a potential return, with general manager Les Snead signaling a continued plan to invest in sustained success if Stafford chooses to come back. Snead acknowledged the goal of maximizing the time with Stafford and the possible impact of his decision on the Rams’ championship trajectory.
Ultimately, the MVP award has raised the stakes of Stafford’s retirement choice, underscoring the possibility of further NFL history depending on whether he returns to lead another Rams title run or begins a new chapter away from football.
