Matthew Stafford is once again one of the NFL’s most fascinating figures heading into the Los Angeles Rams’ upcoming season — and not just because of his connection to Jared Goff and the blockbuster trade that reshaped two franchises.
From the day the Detroit Lions made him the No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft, through his rocky but prolific years in the Motor City, to his eventual trade to Los Angeles and instant Super Bowl success, Stafford has always carried with him a blend of immense talent and lingering questions. That hasn’t changed in 2025.
Stafford was recently ranked No. 20 on Mike Jones’ list of the NFL’s most intriguing players for this season in The Athletic, and the reasoning is obvious. At 37 years old, Stafford is still capable of being one of the league’s most dangerous passers. But he is also one of the most fragile.
Health Concerns Could Potentially Define Rams Season
This summer, Stafford missed significant time during training camp and preseason because of an aggravated disk in his back. For a Rams team that entered the offseason with high expectations — highlighted by the blockbuster addition of All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams — seeing their quarterback sidelined again was the worst possible sight.
The Rams have rebuilt their roster in a way that suggests they believe Stafford still has enough left to win another championship.
Stafford-Goff Comparisons Continue
Jones noted that Stafford and former Rams quarterback Jared Goff will always be tied together because of the trade that sent Goff to Detroit and Stafford to Los Angeles. The Rams cashed in quickly, winning a Super Bowl in Stafford’s first season.
Goff eventually helped the Lions rise into NFC contenders, making the deal one of the rare win-win trades in NFL history. But while Goff is now seen as the steady, reliable presence in Detroit, Stafford remains the ultimate high-risk, high-reward option in Los Angeles.
“Stafford and Goff’s careers will be forever linked,” The Athletic’s Mike Jones wrote. “The Rams did get a Super Bowl out of the deal, and after rebuilding their roster with young, impactful draft selections, they’re hoping they can make another deep postseason run. But much of it will hinge on the health of Stafford, who has missed time this offseason and preseason because of an aggravated disk in his back. Can he and L.A.’s coaches and medical team manage the situation enough for him to remain effective, especially late in the year, when the Rams have a chance to make some noise if they still have their 37-year-old gunslinger on the field?”
The Rams have put themselves in position to contend again. They have an elite No. 1 wide receiver in Adams, an emerging running game led by Kyren Williams, and a defense that leans on a young pass rush while hoping a veteran secondary can hold up. But none of it matters if Stafford’s back issues flare up once more.
That’s why he’s so intriguing — because the Rams’ entire season could swing based on his health. If Stafford manages the grind of another year, Los Angeles could absolutely make a run in the NFC.
Stafford’s story has always been about resilience. In 2025, it’s about proving he can squeeze one more big run out of a career that already has one Super Bowl ring — and might still have room for another.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Rams’ Matthew Stafford Lands On Exclusive List Ahead Of Pivotal Season appeared first on Heavy Sports.