Matthew Stafford’s upcoming game against the Detroit Lions will be notable for more than just the on-field action. Despite the excitement surrounding this rematch, Stafford’s biggest supporters-his wife Kelly and their four children-will not be present.
Kelly Stafford shared on her podcast, “The Morning After,” that she and her daughters will skip the game due to their emotional experiences from a previous visit to Detroit.
In the latest episode of “The Morning After,” Kelly Stafford expressed her enthusiasm for the NFL’s opening weekend and the Sunday Night Football game. “Sunday Night Football first week is incredible. It’ll be so fun,” Stafford said. “That atmosphere is gonna be so crazy again. I could not imagine, actually I could, ‘cause the playoff was just like that. You know it’ll be a good game.
There’s just a lot of, not only players that want to win that game, but I would say passion, egos and all the things at play. It’ll be fun, so fun.” However, Stafford disclosed that she will be skipping the Rams’ game against the Detroit Lions despite being in the city for a live show.
“Physically, I will not [be there]. No. I am going to, after our amazing, amazing live show, I am going to hop on a plane and watch it with my daughters here, so that’s the plan.”
The decision stems from a past incident during a previous visit to Detroit, where the Lions defeated the Rams for their first playoff win in decades. The Stafford family faced booing from the crowd, a situation that left a lasting impact.
“I actually asked them if they wanted to go back,” Stafford revealed, “and they said no. So that is another reason we won’t be returning for the game … There’s a lot that goes into it … but I just think it’s the better decision for my mental health and for my daughters.”
Stafford elaborated on her family’s decision, emphasizing the emotional toll of that game.
“My husband doesn’t want to have to hear me be, ‘Ugh,’ upset. Not that I think I would be, because I also grew in that experience too. You forget that this is football and this is a huge deal in Detroit. I forgot that, and I was so emotionally involved that I also forgot this is a playoff football game. I think I would be better at also preparing my daughters in a way, but I just don’t think it’s worth it at this point. … So it’s just better this way.”
While Kelly Stafford and their children will watch from home, Matthew Stafford remains focused on the game. He’ll be taking the field with hopes of leading the Rams to a victory over his former team, the Lions.
Matthew Stafford’s family’s absence from the Rams’ rematch against the Lions highlights the personal challenges athletes and their families can face off the field.
Despite the emotional hurdles, Stafford will be competing with determination, aiming for a successful outcome in this high-stakes game. As the Rams prepare for this showdown, all eyes will be on how Stafford performs without his family cheering from the stands.
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