Matthew Stafford is perhaps one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL, despite having an illustrious career spanning over a decade and achieving commendable milestones. Now embarking on his 16th NFL season, Stafford has caught the admiration of the younger generation of quarterbacks, notably Caleb Williams.
Williams, who closely watched Stafford's career while growing up, holds immense respect for the veteran quarterback. "Matthew Stafford is Matthew Stafford. Aaron Rodgers—right now in the game—is my No. 1 QB. ... Matthew is top-two in the league. I give him his respect," Williams candidly shared. His admiration places Stafford alongside some of the greatest, such as Aaron Rodgers, indicating the high regard in which he is held by his peers.
One key aspect of Stafford's career, often highlighted by enthusiasts and analysts alike, is his impeccable skill set. As Williams vividly describes, "I mean, he's unbelievable. Like, 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." Such precision and control are testaments to Stafford's talents, which have been on display throughout his extensive career.
Entering the 2024 season, Stafford ranks impressively at 11th all-time in both career passing yards and career touchdown passes. These statistics underscore his consistent performance and durability in the league. However, despite these achievements, Stafford has only been selected for two Pro Bowls and has yet to receive an All-Pro selection. This discrepancy between numerical success and accolades further fuels the discussion on his often underappreciated status.
Most of Stafford's career was spent with the Detroit Lions, where he played for 12 years before making a significant transition to the Los Angeles Rams. Moving to a new team posed its challenges, but Stafford quickly silenced any doubts by leading the Rams to a Super Bowl title in his first season. This victory not only solidified his legacy but also highlighted his ability to adapt and thrive in new environments.
Caleb Williams, reflecting on Stafford's prowess, remarked, "I was not happy. I don't think I can name two quarterbacks, two, three quarterbacks that play the position better than Matthew Stafford." Such comments shed light on the influence Stafford has had on aspiring quarterbacks who look to emulate his playmaking abilities and leadership on the field.
Stafford's talents have not gone unnoticed by the general public and his peers in the NFL. Recently, he was voted the league's 42nd best player in the NFL Top 100 Ranking. This recognition, although significant, may still fall short of capturing his full impact and contributions to the game.
As Stafford continues to build on his legacy, many in the football community will undoubtedly keep a close watch on his performances. His career, marked by resilience, skill, and a championship, serves as an inspiration not only to up-and-coming athletes like Williams but also to fans who appreciate the complexities and joys of the sport. With many seasons potentially still ahead, Stafford's story is far from over, and it will be fascinating to see how he further cements his place in NFL history.