Cowboys May Benefit as Rams’ Star Quarterback Considers Retirement
The Philadelphia Eagles brought the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff journey to an end with a 28-22 victory in the Divisional Round at Lincoln Financial Field. However, the consequences of that defeat may stretch far beyond the end of the Rams’ season.
Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ veteran quarterback and a Super Bowl champion, is reportedly contemplating retirement. At 36 years old, Stafford is undoubtedly closer to the conclusion of his football career than its beginning. For teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who are aiming to improve on their third-place finish in the NFC East in 2025, Stafford’s potential retirement could clear a significant obstacle in their path.
Speculation about Stafford’s future has been swirling, and as history has shown, once retirement rumors emerge for an aging player, the end of their career often follows sooner rather than later. Stafford’s wife, Kelly Stafford, recently weighed in on his possible retirement during an appearance on The Morning After podcast.
Reflecting on the Rams’ season, Kelly expressed her pride in what Matthew achieved. “When you take your team from 1-4 to where they were, that is something to be extremely proud of,” she said. “If he wants to be done, I’m going to fully support it. I’ll be excited because it means a new chapter in our lives is beginning. But if he chooses to keep playing, I’ll be just as excited because I love watching him out there. It’s entirely his decision, and I’m not going to pressure him.”
The decision is now in Stafford’s hands. Given how close the Rams came to upsetting the Eagles and how competitive they were, the veteran quarterback might feel compelled to give it one last shot. However, the possibility of him walking away from the game is equally strong, considering the physical and mental toll of an NFL career.
For the Dallas Cowboys, Stafford’s departure could provide a welcome advantage. Throughout Stafford’s tenure with the Rams, Dallas has managed a 2-0 regular-season record against him, but his Super Bowl victory demonstrates his ability to deliver on the biggest stage—something the Cowboys have struggled to achieve in recent decades. As a former star at Highland Park High School in Dallas, Stafford’s ties to the area add an interesting layer of local interest to his career decisions.
Should Stafford choose to retire, he will leave behind a remarkable legacy. His achievements include guiding the Rams to a Super Bowl title, cementing his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. A retirement now would allow him to exit the game on a high note, after yet another impressive season.
For teams like the Eagles and Cowboys, Stafford’s retirement would mark the departure of a formidable competitor. While the Eagles may benefit from his absence in the NFC, the Cowboys may view it as an opportunity to rise in the division, potentially improving their chances of postseason success.
As fans and analysts await Stafford’s decision, one thing remains clear: whether he plays another season or calls it a career, his impact on the NFL will not be forgotten.
