Matthew Stafford gets more than lucky in 13th year. He gets long-awaited Super Bowl title
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – After the final seconds ticked off the clock, after the confetti fell, after the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl 56, Detroit edged its way into the front of Matthew Stafford’s mind.
Those 12 years as starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions.
Those 12 years without a single playoff victory.
Those 12 years that ended when he was traded to the Rams before the 2021 season and continued pursuit of his goal – to be a Super Bowl champion.
“For 12 years that goal wasn’t reached and it tore me up inside, but I knew I could keep playing and try to find a way,’’ he said. “And the fact that we reached that goal today is so special.”
Special, in part, because Stafford delivered. Yes, he threw two interceptions. But he also threw for three touchdowns and 283 yards on 26-of-40 passing.
After the game, he arrived to the interview room with his entourage in tow.
Sitting at a podium, Stafford conducted his postgame news conference with his 4-year-old twin daughters in his lap, his 3-year-old daughter sitting on the ledge of the podium and his 18-month-old daughter at his feet.
His wife, Kelly, ducked behind the podium while tending to the 18-month old.
After the game, the girls played in the confetti with their mother on the field at SoFi Stadium.
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“She’s been with me all these years and we’ve battled so many things together,’’ Stafford said of his wife. “To get it done and to have her down there with the kids and everything is such a special thing.’’
Stafford’s father, John, was among about 20 family members who watched the game at SoFi and found himself reflecting on his son’s career.
“Quite the journey,’’ he said by text.
The arduous journey continued Sunday, with Odell Beckham Jr. leaving the game after sustaining a knee injury before halftime which allowed the Bengals to increase coverage on leading receiver Cooper Kupp. It left Stafford often forced to make “tight-windowed’’ throws, Rams coach Sean McVay said.
And Stafford threw two interceptions, perhaps briefly giving life to the narrative that at heart he was still a Detroit Lion.
But in the end, he delivered, leading the Rams on a 15-play, 79-yard drive capped by a game-winning, 1-yard touchdown pass to Kupp, who was named the game's MVP.
“I love playing this game,’’ he said. “I love playing this game for the competition, for the relationships, for the hard times, for the good times, all of it. This game can teach you so much as people.
“I get to go to work with people from all walks of life, come together and go for one goal. And for 12 years that goal wasn’t reached.’’
Then came lucky Year 13 -- and the Super Bowl ring that he earned.