At the age of 36, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is gearing up for his 16th season in the NFL, embodying the essence of a true veteran. It feels like just a moment ago, he was seeking sage advice from the legendary Brett Favre.
From Protege to Mentor
Now in a full-circle moment, Stafford finds himself in the mentor’s seat, with young guns like Caleb Williams and C.J. Stroud looking up to him. “It’s humbling,” said Stafford, through the team’s website. “I remember being in their shoes, feeling the same way about Hall of Fame QBs like Brett Favre and Peyton Manning early in my career. While I wouldn’t put myself in their league, those older guys were my idols. It’s unforgettable playing against Brett when he was in Minnesota and I was with Detroit. He approached me saying, ‘Hey man, I’m a big fan.’ I was floored. I thought, ‘You can’t say that to me. I’m the fan here! I watched you play forever.’ So it’s really humbling and cool that these guys are now paying attention to me. I wish nothing but the best for them.”
Admiration Runs Deep
The admiration isn’t one-sided. Stroud praised Stafford earlier this summer on the “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” podcast, calling him a “dog” and expressing his fandom. After Thursday’s joint practice with the Rams, Stroud emphasized his respect for Stafford’s toughness, his uncanny ability to use his eyes to manipulate defenders, and his skill at changing arm angles on throws.
“I wasn’t trying to be a fanboy or nothing,” Stroud clarified about the podcast. “I just had a lot of questions. I wanted to learn, and Stafford was really honest and kind to me, which I appreciate. I’m a huge fan of his. He’s definitely one of my favorite quarterbacks of all-time. Sharing the field with him was absolutely dope.”
Legacy in the Making
Stafford’s resume is already impressive enough to merit Hall of Fame consideration. His career, highlighted by his persistence and flair, saw him earn a spot in the Pro Bowl for the second time in 2023. His journey from a young quarterback seeking advice to becoming the seasoned mentor he is today, speaks volumes of his growth and resilience in the sport.
In the grand coliseum of the NFL, with its arena-like stadiums and gladiator-like athletes, Stafford’s transformation from mentee to mentor is a poetic tale of growth and perpetual evolution. As he steps onto the field this season, he carries not just the weight of his own legacy but the hopes and aspirations of those young quarterbacks who see in him what Stafford once saw in Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.
Who knows, we might just see him passing on that torch in a conference room someday, sharing his wisdom with the next generation of quarterbacks – a wisdom earned through sweat, grit, and a relentless love for the game. So, let’s buckle up and enjoy this ride, as Stafford continues to add chapters to his illustrious career!
