Super Bowl–winning quarterback Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams is widely celebrated for his leadership, precision, and determination on the field. Yet behind his success stands his biggest supporter — his wife, Kelly Stafford.
The couple’s relationship began long before the NFL spotlight, tracing back to their college years, and has since blossomed into a story of love, resilience, and shared triumphs.
Together, Matthew and Kelly have built a beautiful family, raising four daughters while navigating the pressures of professional sports and public life.
Their enduring partnership is admired by fans not just for its longevity but for its honesty, strength, and humanity.
College Sweethearts Turned Lifelong Partners
Matthew and Kelly’s love story began at the University of Georgia, where the future NFL star made history as the first true freshman quarterback to start for the Georgia Bulldogs since 1998. Kelly, a cheerleader at the time, instantly caught his attention.
Their romance, however, wasn’t without its challenges. During a brief breakup, Kelly admitted in an interview that she dated Matthew’s backup quarterback “to make him jealous.
” She later confessed, “I always loved Matthew. I told myself I had to move on, but somehow, we always found our way back to each other.”
Their enduring bond survived the ups and downs of college life and young love, setting the stage for a lifelong relationship grounded in loyalty and forgiveness.
In January 2023, the couple returned to their alma mater for the College Football National Championship, cheering for Georgia’s victory over TCU — a full-circle moment that celebrated their shared beginnings.
A Beautiful Wedding And A Decade Of Marriage
After several years of dating, Matthew and Kelly tied the knot in 2015 in an intimate and elegant ceremony.
According to Paper City, the wedding was a cell phone-free event, allowing guests to fully engage in the moment.
Every attendee received a personalized hat, and there was even a custom Nike shoe bar, reflecting the couple’s playful and modern style.
In May 2023, Kelly revisited their wedding memories on her podcast, The Morning After, sharing their wedding video on Instagram with a heartfelt message:
“All I see when I watch this is the man I love and how lucky I am to have a partner who is not only an incredible husband but also a patient, loving father.”
By April 2025, the Staffords celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary, marking a decade of marriage filled with growth, family, and mutual understanding. Reflecting on their journey, Kelly shared her wisdom with listeners:
“You can’t expect the person you marry at 25 to be the same at 45. The strongest couples are those who evolve and grow together.”
Kelly Stafford: From Nursing To Podcasting
Kelly’s ambitions go far beyond her role as an NFL spouse. She studied nursing at the University of Georgia and became a registered nurse in 2014, proudly announcing her accomplishment on social media.
Her empathy and resilience later became defining traits of her public persona.
In 2021, Kelly launched her hit podcast, The Morning After, where she shares candid stories about motherhood, marriage, and life in the spotlight.
Initially a solo project, the show expanded when she brought on Hank Winchester, a Detroit-based journalist and close family friend, as co-host.
Her openness has occasionally sparked headlines — most notably when she discussed Matthew’s challenges connecting with younger teammates in 2023. Kelly later addressed the controversy with humility, admitting:
“That was probably the worst thing I’ve done when it comes to Matthew. I put my foot in my mouth pretty good.”
A Family Of Six: Raising Four Daughters
The Staffords are proud parents of four daughters — twins Sawyer and Chandler (born March 2017), Hunter (born August 2018), and Tyler (born June 2020).
Kelly frequently shares heartwarming glimpses of their family life on Instagram, where followers see moments of laughter, chaos, and love.
In January 2024, all four girls gave their father emotional sideline hugs before the Rams’ playoff game against the Detroit Lions, a touching reminder of the close-knit family that fuels Matthew’s motivation.
A Voice For Women And Mental Health
Kelly has used her platform to speak candidly about postpartum struggles and mental health awareness. On her podcast, she opened up about her insecurities and body image issues following the birth of her twins:
“I was in a terrible place. I didn’t have energy for Matthew, and I was so insecure about my body that I couldn’t even be near him. It was hard on our marriage.”
By sharing her experiences, Kelly has resonated deeply with women navigating similar challenges, turning her vulnerability into empowerment for others.
Overcoming A Life-Threatening Challenge
In April 2019, Kelly revealed that she had been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor (acoustic neuroma) and would undergo surgery to remove it.
The operation, expected to last six hours, extended to twelve after surgeons discovered an abnormal vein in her skull.
Following her recovery, Kelly shared her gratitude and faith on social media, crediting her family — especially Matthew — for standing by her side.
Her courage throughout the ordeal inspired thousands, transforming her into a symbol of strength and perseverance.
A Family Of Footballers
Kelly’s connection to football extends beyond her marriage. Her brother, Chad Hall, is a wide receivers coach for the Buffalo Bills and a former NFL player who suited up for the Eagles, 49ers, and Chiefs. Married to Rose Pierce-Tenney, Chad has two children, making Kelly a proud aunt.
Standing Up For Her Husband
After Matthew led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI in 2022, critics began debating his place in NFL history. Kelly quickly came to his defense on Instagram:
“Can y’all just let him enjoy this?! It went from ‘Matthew can’t win’ to ‘Matthew can’t win against winning teams,’ to ‘Matthew can’t win big games,’ to ‘Matthew can’t win it all.’ And now, the Hall of Fame debate?”
She concluded her post with a touching caption under a photo of their celebratory kiss: “My Champion.”
FAQ
How Did Matthew And Kelly Stafford Meet?
They met while attending the University of Georgia, where Matthew was the star quarterback and Kelly was a cheerleader.
How Many Children Do Matthew And Kelly Stafford Have?
The couple has four daughters — twins Sawyer and Chandler, Hunter, and Tyler.
What Health Challenge Did Kelly Stafford Face?
In 2019, Kelly underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, from which she made a full recovery.
What Is Kelly Stafford’s Podcast About?
Kelly hosts The Morning After, where she discusses motherhood, relationships, and life in the spotlight with refreshing honesty.