Kelly Stafford Opens Up About the Struggles of Being an NFL Wife

Despite being down with a severe bout of the flu, Kelly Stafford, along with her daughters Sawyer, Chandler (both age 7), Hunter (age 6), and Tyler (age 4), continue to be Matthew Stafford’s most fervent supporters, standing by their NFL quarterback husband and father.

Amidst ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, which originally scheduled the Rams to play against the Minnesota Vikings on January 13, Kelly unexpectedly ended up on a plane heading to Arizona, accompanied by Matthew’s teammates and their families, just a few hours following an exhausting hospital visit.

In an episode of her podcast, The Morning After, on January 15th, she admitted that there was a significant sense of guilt within her, questioning whether it was appropriate for us to be on this flight, given the people around us and those who are part of this game.

However, upon inquiring about their thoughts from other members of the Rams family, it was only natural for them to uphold their stance. As Kelly recalled, they said something like, “Hurry up and get on that plane! We all need to be united.” Hearing this was a truly heartwarming experience for her.

She didn’t have much time during the game to join the team huddle after the 27-9 victory, as she mentioned she spent most of the match in the restroom with Hunter. Consequently, she didn’t get to witness much of it.

Though she was able to bear witness to her middle daughter’s winning spirit. 

Later on Instagram, a 35-year-old person recounted: “This young lady,” she narrated, “in the midst of vomiting in the restroom, asked me, ‘Mommy, have we not yet won?’

In a word, yes. 

Approximately two decades have passed since the cheerleader from the University of Georgia played pick-up basketball with a famous QB. Today, their success persists in multiple ways: they’ve made it to the NFL Divisional Round (where they will face the Philadelphia Eagles on January 19), and this achievement is not just a matter of winning games but also a testament to personal growth that Kelly fully appreciates.

In an interview with TopMob News last August, she revealed a key aspect of her life: Matthew acts as a soothing influence. She explained how their dynamic, despite them being opposites, works wonderfully. She admitted to being tense and carrying a lot of stress, but Matthew helps alleviate this.

In a heartfelt statement, Kelly praised her teammate, saying, “He’s an exceptional person in so many aspects,” after concluding the Cleat Chaser tour alongside podcast co-host Hank Winchester. She added, “Many might think he’s flawless, but he isn’t. However, he consistently puts my daughters and me first. If we all asked him to step down from his career, he would do so without hesitation. He stands by me, and more significantly, models the behavior that my daughters should strive for when they grow up.

She, in turn, provides Matthew with that proverbial nudge toward the end zone. 

When he considered leaving for warmer locations and potentially winning a Super Bowl ring after spending 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Kelly thought, “He was so thankful that I said something like, ‘If you decide to try your luck elsewhere, I will go with you—your family and I are there for you.’

Despite his quick victory, lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2022 during his inaugural season with the Rams, she noted, “I provide the encouragement he might require to acknowledge that he’s not just a football player. Sometimes, they can lose sight of this as well.

Despite not needing a reminder, it’s clear that for Kelly, her spouse of almost nine years serves as the Most Valuable Partner (MVP) in her life.

Kelly shared with TopMob that while it’s thrilling to witness a two-time pro bowler perform at his peak and be among the best in the game, she finds it challenging to watch sports in general, particularly when someone she cares for is out there on the field.

Yes, she agreed, “This role is perfect for them, and it’s truly exceptional. I think we can all agree they earn quite a lot, don’t they?

However, the value of Matthew’s $160 million four-year contract doesn’t surpass the priceless work they’ve been creating since 2006.

She clarified that her ultimate wish is for her husband, Matthew, to remain as he was when they first met and got married, even after assisting her in raising their daughters. Each time Matthew loses a job, she feels a tightening of her whole body. She can deal with physical injuries, but it’s the emotional toll that concerns her most. She explained, “I can take broken bones, I think, ‘Alright, we’ll fix it.’ But when it comes to the mind, it’s where people find their strength and resilience, so I fear that.

Despite increased emphasis on concussion prevention and protocol, a player will inevitably experience more head impacts “the longer they remain in the game,” according to Kelly. The thought is particularly poignant for her, given that her husband, who was the top draft pick in 2009 and is approaching his 16th season in the league, is constantly exposed to this risk each time he plays. This concern contributes significantly to her anxiety during games, as she yearns for his wellbeing and good health.

And the rest of their squad is also aware of the game’s Xs and Os. 

Specifically, Kelly mentioned that her twins have become more aware of it when their father takes time to rise after being hit during a game, and one of them even inquired last year about having to play again due to being hit frequently in a single match. This detail left an impression on him.

At such instances, she tries her utmost to think on her feet and reassure others. As Kelly put it, “You need to tell your children, ‘He’s okay, he’s okay,’ but deep down, you’re unsure. It’s just one of those things you learn to handle.

So, her strategy for the playoffs is to remind her spouse that discarding the ball can be a viable choice at any time.

She mentioned, “I often remind him of this, for your well-being, strive to be healthy and run at your fastest pace.

As a devoted follower, I can say that personally, I’d rather see him toss it to the spectators when a defensive lineman is charging towards him, but here’s the thing – he’s got the heart of a gamer. He yearns to be in the thick of things and play to his full potential. Therefore, there’s definitely a fine line between caution and determination that he walks.

One that involves her holding her breath for basically the rest of their lives. 

She openly acknowledged that she would likely continue to watch for potential indications of brain injury throughout their lives, given the possibility of future occurrences. This concern will forever remain close to her heart.

This doesn’t imply that she’s not excited for No. 9 to win another Super Bowl. However, what truly matters most to them is their shared life and experiences together, which is the ultimate reward in the grand scheme of things.

Kelly said, ‘I hope he remains the same man, to help raise these girls and age together with,’ since our time together is brief compared to the rest of our lives, which extends beyond his football career.

At the moment, she will persist in being her husband’s most ardent supporter, going so far as to transport four unwell children approximately 400 miles to cheer him on, for now.

It turns out that Matthew isn’t the only NFL quarterback with a special source of encouragement at home. As Taylor Swift’s partner and other athletes advance toward a possible championship, we donned our mental protective gear to delve into the essential statistics – discovering who is behind the scenes cheering on all these gridiron experts as they strive for victory.

Hailee Steinfeld might find no better match than the NFL player who has been to the Pro Bowl three times and happens to be her future husband, as of November 22, 2024.

Josh might appear reserved in his romantic affairs, as expressed on “Pardon My Take” – “I can’t believe people care about that”; however, when it counted, he showed a more expressive side.

In July 2023, he and Hailee took a trip to Mexico. On September 17, she attended a Bills home game against the Raiders, and in October, they watched a Buffalo Sabres game together.

In contrast, a collection of photos he posted on Instagram in July 2024 featured the Dickinson actress spending time with her family, including her parents and siblings.

He mentioned during an appearance on the Kay Adams’ Up & Adams show in August 2024 that it was a topic everyone was generally familiar with, giving a brief insight into his personal life. “Hailee is simply amazing,” he added.

Thus, during his debut post on her Instagram account, the quarterback knelt by the waterfront for a heartfelt proposal.

Instead of just winning a single Super Bowl, imagine this joy multiplied by three! And the cherry on top? Getting to visit Disneyland with the one you adore after each victory.

Brittany Mahomes expressed to CBS News in July 2023 that she wasn’t anticipating the rapid influx of acclaim and enthusiasm that followed her relationship with QB1 at her high school in Whitehouse, Texas. At such a young age, she confessed, it all came as quite a surprise. They were deeply in love, but she hadn’t foreseen their lives taking off so quickly, leaving them to navigate through the flames together almost immediately.

On September 1, 2020, which was also when the Chiefs received their Super Bowl LIV rings at Arrowhead Stadium, Patrick made his proposal. They finally got married on March 12, 2022.

The athlete shared with CBS that fatherhood to his daughter Sterling Skye, born on February 20, 2021, and his son Patrick “Bronze” Lavone Mahomes III, born on November 28, 2022, has significantly improved his ability to be fully engaged and appreciate the sport of football.

He shared that when his children become adults, he wants them to understand that he wasn’t absent without reason. Instead, he was away working towards building and achieving something remarkable. This way, when they grow up, they will be able to appreciate the effort he put into his work.

On January 12, 2024, Brittany welcomed her daughter named Golden Rae into the world. Like gold, this name is another tribute to precious metals, symbolizing the Chiefs’ upcoming 10th consecutive appearance in the playoffs.

In a quiet affair, the humble lion exchanged vows with Christen Harper on the 22nd of June, 2024, at the picturesque Ojai Valley Inn located in Ojai, California.

Christen, who was named co-Rookie of the Year by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2022 and is a popular figure in the web series Women of the League, recalled to Fox News Digital in 2023 how she met her future husband on the dating app Raya in 2018. She initially thought he had reached out first, but upon reviewing their conversation history, she discovered that she was actually the one who initiated contact. So if you’re ladies out there, remember to take the first step and send that initial message, as you might just hit your target by taking a chance.

In a consistent fashion, the co-founder of the health app Planted can often be found on the sidelines, enthusiastically supporting number 16. In reference to him, Christen described Jared as an outstanding motivator when it comes to her personal objectives.

She stated, “I find it really enjoyable to root for him during his football season.” However, it’s important to note that he stands as my most ardent supporter and is the foremost individual who always has my back.

Hurts prefers to keep his personal life private on social media. In an interview with Essence in 2023, he confirmed that he is in a relationship and the person he’s referring to is Bryonna Burrows, an IT specialist.

They were a couple during their time at the University of Alabama, but Hurts eventually completed his college football journey at Oklahoma and was drafted in 2020. However, he mentioned that he had known for a while about their future together. “To this point in my life,” he said, “that feeling is irreplaceable. I believe it’s what helped us reach where we are now.

Essence subsequently got the scoop on their engagement in September 2024. 

The 262nd pick in the 2022 NFL draft was never Mr. Irrelevant to Jenna Brandt.

Meanwhile, as the 49ers pursue a different trophy, Brock proposed to his partner in July 2023 and they tied the knot in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 9, 2024.

Whilst the 49ers aim for another prize, Brock put a ring on it in July 2023 and the duo got married in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 9, 2024.

Emily Wilkinson Mayfield has accompanied Baker throughout his football journey that saw numerous ups and downs spanning a couple of years. However, it wasn’t until 2023 that the Bucs took a risk, which eventually led them to the playoffs.

In 2017, Baker, who won the Heisman while at the University of Oklahoma, encountered Emily and proposed just six months later. Since then, she’s been by his side through all the highs and lows, from being picked first in the 2018 NFL draft by the Browns up until now.

And the fairer half of the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation is certainly in it for the long haul.

Emily shared on Instagram, “It’s our 4th anniversary! My dear husband, over these past years, we’ve both evolved tremendously, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how far we’ve come as a couple.

2024 saw a significant period of rebuilding for them as they joyfully expanded their family, welcoming their new daughter Kova Jade Mayfield on April 9th.

In Green Bay, he inherits the big shoes once worn by Aaron Rodgers. However, his fiancée, Ronika Stone, is certain that Jordan will rise to the occasion and meet the challenge.

Ronika, a professional volleyball player and daughter of former Super Bowl winner Ron Stone, proudly sports Packers gear. Even when she and her future mother-in-law Anna Love didn’t receive special treatment at Arrowhead Stadium during an away game against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, she handled the situation with poise and humor.

Ronika expressed on Instagram, “I’ve always dreamt of making it onto SportsCenter, but I thought it would be for volleyball.” Her post was a response to a photo of her and Jordan’s mom that went viral from their seats high up in the stadium.

In June 2024, during their trip to Italy, Love recognized a loyal companion and proposed to him on the spot.

“First step to forever,” they posted on Instagram June 23.

The unlikely hero for the Browns’ 2023-24 playoff aspirations turned out to be none other than Joe, who had been juggling the role of stay-at-home dad to his five children with wife Dana Grady Flacco before receiving the call.

In an interview with Cleveland.com prior to the playoffs, Dana shared that Joe is not typically a sedentary person. Instead, he’d often ask, “What can I do for you?” and would frequently bring her up to seven cups of coffee daily.

The pair, who’ve been together since their senior year at Audubon High School in New Jersey, got married on June 25, 2011. They then had Stephen in June 2012, Daniel in September 2013, Francis in January 2015, Evelyn in September 2016, and Thomas in April 2018.

In a Ravens promotional video, Joe expressed that the off-season is significantly different now. He and his wife often ponder about their past, as they are so engrossed in following the team’s progress.

Still not quite done on the field, Joe agreed to a one-year contract with the Colts, where he will serve as backup to the second-year quarterback, Anthony Richardson.

After spending 12 seasons as the Lions’ offensive leader, the team traded quarterbacks with the Rams in 2021, which led longtime residents Matt and Kelly Stafford to relocate to Los Angeles. In his debut season with his new squad, he went on to win a Super Bowl.

In the end, it was discovered that he carried an unexpected advantage on him – his wife’s undying encouragement.

Kelly revealed on TODAY following the Rams’ victory that she penned letters to her husband before every game, culminating in the one scheduled for February 2022. “It was simply about how much I believed he truly merited this success, and why I felt he should earn it,” she explained. “Ultimately, what matters most at the end of the day is that we all have each other.”

As of April 4, 2015, my partner and I have been happily married and are blessed with four beautiful daughters. Our twins, Chandler and Sawyer, were born on March 31, 2017. We then welcomed Hunter Hope into our family on Aug. 16, 2018, followed by the arrival of Tyler Hall on June 28, 2020.

Ciara stated in 2022 to Sports Illustrated that she and her husband, Russ, have a unified perspective for their children, which she believes significantly impacts their journey. She emphasized the importance of keeping their kids grounded, given their increased access compared to their own upbringing. To achieve this, they prioritize teaching them responsibilities like cleaning up after themselves and instilling in them the understanding that success isn’t simply handed over.

In 2022, Russ transferred to the Broncos following ten years with Seattle. Alongside his new on-field teammates, he also welcomed a fresh member off the field: His daughter Amora Princess Wilson was born in December 2023. She joined Future Zahir (born May 2019, Ciara’s son with rapper Future), Sienna (April 2017), and Win (July 2020) in the family.

Following two underwhelming years in Denver, Russ has thrived in a resurgent role with the Steelers, a team that added former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields in 2024.

In September 2023, whispers about the team’s quarterback being romantically involved with Sarah Jane Ramos started circulating, as she posted pictures showing her attending a Cowboys game alongside his sister-in-law, Holly Prescott.

In November 2023, Sarah and Dak announced on Instagram that they were expecting their first child.

In the throes of unbridled fandom, I can’t help but share this exhilarating tidbit: Margaret Jane Rose Prescott graced the world on February 22, 2024, while in the very same year, Dak delivered an electrifying game-winning touchdown in October! What a remarkable confluence of events for a sports enthusiast like me!

Forever and always!!!” was the caption on his October 18 proposal photo. “I couldn’t ask or hope for a better friend, partner, teammate, mother, and now fiancé! Thank you, God, for this blessing and our growing family! I love you.

Who is that person? Ah, it’s Heather Carr, who moved to New Orleans lately since her husband joined the Saints in 2023 after spending nine seasons with the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders.

At the time, they were both attending Fresno State. Derick was making every effort to catch the eye of an attractive server there.

Heather reminisced to ABC 30, saying something along the lines of, ‘Ew, I had no interest in it at all.'” or simply, “Heather told ABC 30 that she showed no desire for it.

Intrigued by her mysterious charms, I couldn’t help but return to the restaurant when she playfully handed me a false number. There, I boldly shared my digits and promised that I’d be ready to answer whenever she decided to call. To my delight, a few weeks later, I discovered Derick was anything but ordinary.

They tied the knot June 29, 2012.

On some occasions when he arrives home, he seems subdued and exhausted, she mused about her prized quarterback. “Wanting to ensure he feels my support and encouragement, should I offer any assistance or check in with him?” she asked.

When it was time for a cross-country relocation, she prepared by buying New Orleans Saints merchandise in various sizes for sons Dallas (born August 5, 2013), Deker (March 16, 2016), Deakon (May 16, 2019), and daughter Brooklyn (Nov. 30, 2020).

Sure, offensive lines are great, but it’s Julie Hampton Cousins who really has Kirk’s back.

The teacher who wed Kirk in 2014 finds joy in assisting her spouse, as she shared with People magazine. “I flourish in the role of entertaining guests for games, preparing meals, and arranging snacks and dishes,” she said. “I also relish organizing various tasks for Kirk away from work, such as his vehicle maintenance, ensuring we have restful sleep, and scheduling quality time with our sons. It’s an extraordinary position, but I am incredibly content in it.

As I stand at the age of 36, finding myself more towards the twilight of my career than its dawn, I still harbor a deep desire to continue playing until my sons, Cooper (born September 29, 2017) and Turner (born March 10, 2019), can truly remember it and have had the pleasure of being a part of this journey with me.

Marissa Lawrence has been supporting her husband through various stages of their lives, starting from their days at Cartersville High School in Georgia. Their photo album is filled with mementos from significant events such as their prom, wedding on April 10, 2021, Trevor’s promotion to No. 1 at the Jaguars shortly after their wedding, and multiple tropical getaways since then.

Year after year, becomes even sweeter with you @marissa_lawrence, Trevor posted on their anniversary in 2023. Two years have passed already, and we’ve created countless memories and shared many experiences together. Can’t wait for all the future years! I love you more than words can express.

In June of 2024, a revelation was made by the couple – they were expecting a sweet addition to our family, whom we came to know as “Little Lawrence,” and he indeed wasn’t kidding about the progressively sweeter years! Our little bundle of joy, Shae Lynn Lawrence, graced us with her presence on January 4th.

In the year 2017, Joe crossed paths with Olivia Holzmacher at Ohio State. After making a move to Louisiana State, he maintained his focus and achieved remarkable success. This included winning a national championship and the Heisman trophy with the Tigers in 2020.

In the NFL draft, Olivia expressed gratitude by saying, “Joe, I’m thankful to be by your side… I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!

In simpler terms, it appears that a former player from Bengal, known as Adam “Pacman” Jones, stated in 2023 that they were in a relationship but didn’t provide any evidence to support this claim. As the 2024 NFL season began, the last time Joe was featured on her Instagram was January 31st.

Since then, there have been rumors connecting the athlete with model Olivia Ponton, as she made an emergency call to report a break-in at Joe’s house in Ohio on December 9, 2024, during which he was competing in Dallas.

A few days after, Joe shared with the press, “It seems my privacy has been infringed upon in multiple instances.” He further explained, “There’s a lot more information exposed than I’m comfortable with and am willing to disclose, so I don’t have much else to add on that subject.

The third overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft arrived in Foxborough, Massachusetts, eager to take the field, but it seems he may have never played on it before, as he’s been in a relationship with fellow North Carolina Tar Heel, Ann Michael Hudson, for nearly a decade.

For the past nine years, things just keep improving, and I’m grateful every day for you,” Ann posted on Instagram October 30th. “I can’t fathom my life without you by my side. My affection for you is deeper than words can express!

The couple announced their engagement in January 2025.

As a devoted supporter, I’d like to highlight that the player who joined our Falcons family in the third round of the 2022 draft quickly took over as a late-season newcomer starter. This individual seems to have an innate ability to decipher figures and numbers.

4 years, 1460 days, or 2,102,400 minutes together has been an incredible voyage for me, Claire Cornett, we’ve had our moments of struggle and triumph, but in the end, it’s made us more resilient. I can’t wait to spend eternity by your side. (Desmond posted this about his then-fiancée Claire Cornett in 2020.)

On April 21, 2021, Leighton Elizabeth Ridder was born to the loving couple who are alumni of the University of Cincinnati (and yes, they do have Bearcat-themed onesies in her size). They later got married on July 15, 2022.

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The proud parents from the University of Cincinnati welcomed their daughter Leighton Elizabeth Ridder into the world on April 21, 2021 (she even had a onesie with the Bearcat logo). They finally got married on July 15, 2022.

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The University of Cincinnati sweethearts introduced their daughter Leighton Elizabeth Ridder to the world on April 21, 2021, and they were so excited that they even had Bearcat onesies made for her. They tied the knot on July 15, 2022.

Son Kyland Jett arrived on Feb. 20, 2024.

For their second anniversary, Desmond penned a letter to Claire expressing his gratitude: “Thank you for your constant, unconditional love, even in tough times, and for always finding ways to make me smile. You are simply the best spouse, mother, and friend one could ever hope for.

Desmond showed up at training camp prepared to handle throws for the Arizona Cardinals, who had recruited him in 2024 as a backup for Kyler Murray. However, they later let him go, only to re-sign him for their practice squad. This was where he remained until the Raiders picked him up in October.

It was only natural that Sophie Scott frequently visited Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, for him, so it was only right that he returned the favor by attending when the Eras Tour arrived there for her as well.

In 2021, when Mac was drafted by the New England Patriots, the loving pair who met during their college years at Alabama decided to relocate to Boston as one.

In 2024, Mac could find himself in a new environment, having joined the Jaguars as backup for Trevor Lawrence, but one thing remains consistent: the unchanging nature of his company.

On September 1, 2024, Mac said, “Happy birthday, SophieScott9! You’re looking fantastic at 25! Excited for lots of future escapades with you, my dear.

The quarterback chosen first in the 2022 NFL draft who joined the Steelers’ training camp in 2023 got married to Amy Paternoster, a former Princeton soccer player, on June 24th.

The couple, who started dating in 2021, honeymooned in Puerto Rico.

On February 13th, 2023, which was Amy’s 22nd birthday, Kenny expressed his gratitude towards her on Instagram, stating that he considers it an immense privilege to spend the remainder of his life with her, and that this would be the highest honor he could ever ask for.

They had a wonderful time celebrating their first wedding anniversary by taking a trip to Napa, California. Later, Kenny prepared to join the Philadelphia Eagles as backup to Jalen Hurts.

In March 2023, when the Dolphins exercised their fifth-year team option for Tua, he openly confided in journalists that he had contemplated retirement following his 2022 season, which was plagued by injuries.

And not least because he had so many wonderful things to stay home for.

On July 17, 2023, Tua penned a post saying, “I typically keep my personal life private. However, this moment was special enough to share.” He then posted an exclusive photo of his beloved partner, Annah Tagovailoa, marking their one-year anniversary as a married couple. “To my stunning wife, happy first wedding anniversary! I am deeply in love with you.

In an uncommon glimpse into his private life, Tua shared with reporters in November 2022 that he was grateful for his wife and their newborn (son Ace, born in August 2022, made a public appearance at the Tua Foundation luau benefit the following April).

Tua mentioned that having a child changes one’s perspective on life in an extraordinary way, as it’s unlike any other experience he has had before. He pointed out that each individual’s journey through parenthood is unique and distinct since the experiences of raising a son or a daughter can vary greatly.

He went on to express his gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful to my father in heaven that I was given a son first. Honestly, I’d be unsure of how to handle things if I had a daughter instead. I believe it might be a bit more challenging for me.

Tua and Anna have since welcomed daughter Maisey.

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2025-01-18 16:20