When Matthew Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, it wasn’t just a new quarterback the team was gaining, but a whole family moving to embrace California.
Alongside Matthew came his longtime wife, Kelly, and their four daughters, who quickly established themselves as some of the most enthusiastic supporters of the Rams, and naturally, of Stafford himself.
The couple’s journey, however, had its complexities, especially in the early days of their relationship. Kelly recently shared a glimpse into their past during an appearance on the “Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe” podcast, where she revealed a rather unconventional tactic she once employed to catalyze the progression of their relationship.
Kelly recounted that initially, her feelings for Matthew were mixed. “At first, I hated him. I loved him. I dated the backup to piss him off, which worked,” she confessed. Her strategy involved dating another player—a backup quarterback, whose personality starkly contrasted with Matthew’s. Describing Matthew as “the sweet Southern gentleman,” Kelly noted that the backup was the “complete opposite,” which effectively caught Matthew’s attention and, according to her, spurred him into action.
RELATED: Anonymous Text Reveals Alleged Truth About Kelly Stafford’s Podcast Feud With Kevin Connolly
This love tactic, as unconventional as it was, seemed to have had the desired effect, as the backup never rose to prominence in her life, while Matthew solidified his place.
Their relationship, which began sometime between 2006 and 2008 while both were at the University of Georgia, grew stronger over the years, leading to their marriage in 2015.
Drawing a playful parallel to a well-known story, Kelly joked that like Frodo from “The Lord of the Rings,” Matthew eventually “got the ring” in their relationship saga, hinting at their happy marriage.
As for the backup quarterback, his fate remains less celebrated, certainly not ascending to the starting quarterback position for the Rams or likely any notable position that overshadows the dramatics of his role in the Stafford love story.
This anecdote not only highlights a pivotal moment in the Stafford’s relationship but also underscores the personal challenges and triumphs that can accompany life in professional sports, reminding fans that behind every game are real-life stories of resilience and romance.
