Does Matthew Stafford, nearly 35, have it in him to return to Super Bowl-winning form after spinal cord injury?
What a difference a year makes! Matthew Stafford had just turned 34 and received the best gift when he won the Super Bowl in 2022. He rounded off a perfect season, where he threw for 4,886 yards and landed 41 touchdowns, by lifting the Lombardi Trophy.
Fast forward to the end of the same year, Matthew Stafford's age seems to be catching up with him. Since winning the Super Bowl last season, there has been a misconception that Stafford is in his prime. His prime years as an athlete were wasted with the Detroit Lions in an organization that seems to have forgotten its will to win.
The question in front of him is not just to do with this season. This season is a washout and they might end their season with a losing record. The question is can he return and lead the team to another Super Bowl run or something close to it?
Matthew Stafford's age and injury may mean that his Super Bowl-winning season remains an exception
There are three things to consider as we determine if Matthew Stafford can return to his old form. The first is his spinal cord injury. The second is Matthew Stafford's age. Finally, the third factor is the Los Angeles Rams themselves. We will take a look at each one of them.
Matthew Stafford will be turning 35 come next February. If he is out for the season, as it looks likely, he will return next season as someone on the wrong side of the thirties. Many great quarterbacks have played late into their careers, notably players like Tom Brady, Brett Favre, John Elway and Peyton Manning. But all these Hall-of-Famers are exceptions and not the norm.
The nature of his injury is also serious. He has a spinal cord contusion. He was placed on injured reserve last week, which confirmed that he will miss at least four games and most likely the season. This is why the Los Angeles Rams went ahead and hired Baker Mayfield.
He picked up the injury against the New Orleans Saints and, very concerningly, he still has numbness in his legs. It is never a good sign when spinal cord injuries lead to effects on the extremities. In the worst cases, it can lead to neck surgery. Now, there is obviously an example of Peyton Manning coming back from neck surgery and playing some of the best years of his career. But such injuries and potential surgeries can end careers.
.@RealSkipBayless on Baker Mayfield’s future at QB with the Rams:
“Longterm, Baker will be the starting QB for the Rams. Matt Stafford had a serious spinal injury and he’s got his ring. I’m not sure how much longer he’ll play.” https://t.co/zQHXCHX4I4
This brings us to the final piece of this jigsaw puzzle, namely the Los Angeles Rams. As one might remember, when Peyton Manning had his neck surgery, the Indianapolis Colts decided to move on from their franchise quarterback. It was a risk they were not willing to take, and the Rams might see it that way too. After Baker Mayfield's sensational debut, if he can stabilize the team going into next season, Sean McVay may decide to stick with him and drop Matthew Stafford. He may then have to go to a team like the Lions where he has no realistic chance of winning.
@rinaldopurisimo @richjmadrid I don’t think Stafford will retire, at least not yet. My gut is that this is a “feel it out” situation. Baker can be used for trade compensation or a bridge. I think by end of season, or a bit before, we’ll know more about Stafford. Spinal injuries at his age are worrisome.
Considering all these factors, it is highly unlikely that we will see Matthew Stafford returning to his glorious best. In fact, based on the severity of his injury and given his age and situation with the Rams, he himself might choose to retire. He will leave with a Super Bowl ring under his belt and a great career in the NFL. That said, we do wish him a speedy recovery from his injury and wish him all the best for whatever he chooses to do with his own future.