As Matthew Stafford embarks on his 16th NFL season, his career achievements and the respect he garners from younger players speak volumes about his impact on the game.
One such admirer is Caleb Williams, who places Stafford alongside Aaron Rodgers as one of his top-two quarterbacks in the league. Williams, a promising young player, has closely followed Stafford’s career from an early age. "I mean, he's unbelievable," Williams says. "There's a couple plays where he'll go play action ... he has the linebacker on a string, like he wants the backer to go here, and he'll throw it right behind his head with the perfect touch, perfect velocity." This admiration stems from Stafford's unique ability to manipulate defenses and deliver precise throws under pressure.
Entering the 2024 season, Stafford ranks 11th all-time in both career passing yards and career touchdown passes, a testament to his consistency and longevity in the league. Despite his impressive stats, Stafford has only been selected for two Pro Bowls and has no All-Pro selections, which some might find surprising given his impact on the field.
Early Career with the Lions
Stafford’s journey began with the Detroit Lions, where he spent the first 12 years of his career. During this time, he built a reputation for being a tough and resilient quarterback, capable of turning games around with his arm strength and leadership. However, success in terms of team achievements was limited, as the Lions struggled to make significant playoff runs.
Transition to the Rams and Super Bowl Glory
The next chapter in Stafford’s career began with his transition to the Los Angeles Rams. In his first season with the Rams, Stafford not only revitalized his career but also led the team to the pinnacle of NFL success—a Super Bowl title. This achievement solidified his status as an elite quarterback in the league. "Matthew Stafford is Matthew Stafford," Williams asserts. "Aaron Rodgers—right now in the game—is my No. 1 QB. ... Matthew is top-two in the league. I give him his respect."
Current Status and Future Outlook
Currently, Stafford is regarded as one of the top players in the NFL, evidenced by his ranking as the league's 42nd best player in the NFL Top 100 Ranking. Williams encapsulates the sentiments of many who follow football: "I was not happy. I don't think I can name two quarterbacks, two, three quarterbacks that play the position better than Matthew Stafford."
As Stafford continues to add to his impressive career, the admiration from emerging talents like Caleb Williams highlights the lasting influence he has had on up-and-coming players. Whether or not he racks up more Pro Bowl selections or All-Pro honors, Stafford’s legacy is already secure, both in terms of statistics and the intangible qualities that make him a respected figure in the NFL.