Kelly Stafford, the wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, recently opened up about her emotional experience during the team’s trip to Arizona for a crucial wild card game. As the Rams prepared to face the Minnesota Vikings, the game was relocated from their home turf at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to fires in Los Angeles. This unexpected change meant that Kelly had to make the tough decision to travel with their four children, despite feeling a sense of guilt.
The 35-year-old mother of four took to her podcast, The Morning After, to share her feelings of guilt about bringing her sick children on the team plane. “We were sick on that flight,” she revealed, expressing her concerns about whether they should have been traveling at all. The situation was compounded by the fact that fans criticized her for taking her children, who were not feeling well, to the game.
“There was a huge guilt factor to me going, ‘Should we be on this plane right now because of everyone surrounding us and everyone who has to play this game?’” she confessed. This sentiment resonated with many parents who understand the challenges of balancing family obligations with professional commitments.
Despite her worries, Kelly received overwhelming support from the Rams organization. She shared that team members encouraged her to board the flight, saying, “Get your a– on that plane. We all need to be together.” This reassurance from the team made a significant difference for Kelly, who had initially considered staying back with her children. Matthew Stafford was equally supportive, insisting that they all travel together. “Matthew was like, ‘No, we will do whatever it takes. We are all getting on this plane. We are going to be together right now,’” she recalled.
The Stafford family, which includes twins Sawyer and Chandler, 7, Harper, 6, and Tyler, 4, documented their journey on social media. Kelly shared a touching moment on Instagram, posting a picture of her two daughters asleep on the plane late at night. She captioned the photo, “Almost home – such damn troopers,” highlighting the resilience of her children during a challenging time.
Facing Challenges Together
The trip to Arizona was not without its hurdles. Kelly revealed that her family had been battling flu symptoms leading up to their departure. In fact, just before they boarded the plane, she spent a long night in the hospital with two of her children. She shared a candid image on her Instagram Story, depicting her kids in a hospital bed, and wrote, “Last night was long. Back in beds and sleeping, everyone except Hunter. Feels like she drank a Celsius.” This glimpse into their family life illustrates the dedication Kelly has to both her family and her husband’s career.
Despite the challenges, the Stafford family remained positive. Kelly later noted that before the trip, her children were all smiles at the prospect of accompanying their father on his work trip. This spirit of togetherness is a testament to the family’s bond and their ability to support one another through thick and thin.
As the Rams prepared for their playoff game, the atmosphere was electric. Fans were eager to see how the team would perform in this high-stakes matchup. The NFL playoffs are a time of excitement, with teams vying for the ultimate prize: a spot in the Super Bowl. The Rams, with their star quarterback and a strong supporting cast, were determined to make a deep playoff run.
NFL Playoff Schedule
The NFL division round schedule is packed with thrilling matchups that fans won’t want to miss:
- Sat 18 Jan, 4.30 pm ET (ESPN/ABC) – Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
- Sat 18 Jan, 8 pm ET (Fox) – Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions
- Sun 19 Jan, 3 pm ET (NBC) – Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
- Sun 19 Jan, 6.30 pm ET (CBS) – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
As the Rams faced the Eagles, the stakes were higher than ever. Fans were hopeful that the team’s hard work and dedication would pay off on the field. Kelly’s support for Matthew and their family’s presence at the game served as a reminder of the importance of unity and resilience, both on and off the field.
In the end, Kelly Stafford’s candid reflections on her family’s journey to Arizona highlight the complexities of being a supportive spouse while navigating the challenges of parenthood. Her story resonates with many, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being part of an NFL family. As the playoffs continue, one thing is clear: the Stafford family embodies the spirit of dedication, love, and togetherness, making them a true inspiration for fans everywhere.
