Matthew Stafford has once again secured his place among the NFL’s elite, earning the No. 59 ranking on the 2025 NFL Top 100 Players list. This marks the eighth time the Los Angeles Rams quarterback has been recognized by his peers, demonstrating his enduring skill and influence in the league well into his 30s.
Stafford is one of two Rams players to be named this year, joining running back Kyren Williams, who was ranked No. 85. Despite slipping from No. 42 in last year’s list, Stafford’s 2024 season reflected solid performance, compiling 3,762 passing yards and 20 touchdowns across 16 starts, while guiding the Rams to the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC Divisional round.
Veteran Leadership and Performance Highlight Stafford’s Continued Excellence
At 37 years old, Stafford’s longevity and consistency remain impressive to many around the league. His ability to compete at a high level, even as younger players emerge, has earned widespread respect. Coral Smith of NFL.com noted on July 28 that
“Stafford has been playing in the NFL since some of his teammates were in elementary school, and yet the 37-year-old quarterback has shown he still has the chops to compete with the best.”
Although his statistics dipped slightly from his standout Pro Bowl season in 2023, Stafford was pivotal in leading the Rams back to the playoffs, where they defeated the Minnesota Vikings before narrowly losing to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in challenging snowy conditions. Despite uncertainty about his status during the offseason, he chose to remain with the Rams in 2025, accepting a hometown discount and setting the stage for what could be a few more seasons in Los Angeles. Head coach Sean McVay expressed a clear desire for Stafford to continue with the team, underscoring his value.
Moreover, NFL Pro Insight reported that Stafford executed 67 designed rollouts last season, the second-highest among quarterbacks, completing 48 of 66 passes (72.7%) for 437 yards and leading the league with nine touchdowns without throwing an interception.
Peers Praise Stafford’s Arm Talent and Football IQ
Stafford’s recognition extends beyond his statistics, with teammates and opponents alike admiring his skillset. Eagles’ All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson shared,
“I grew up in Texas, so I’ve known about Matt Stafford since his days at Highland Park. He’s probably one of the greatest arm talents that’s been around the league. I know Mahomes gets a lot of credit with the no-look pass, but if you go back, Matt was doing it first. He just hasn’t gotten the credit he deserves.”
Defensive players also voiced their respect for Stafford’s abilities. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin commented,
“I gotta tip my hat to Matthew Stafford. I definitely got a newfound respect for him. It’s like he knows everything before it’s happening.”
Bills cornerback Taron Johnson added,
“He’s a special quarterback. His accuracy, his arm talent — he can put it where a lot of other quarterbacks can’t. He could dice up a defense for sure.”
The Road Ahead: What the 2025 Season Holds for Stafford and the Rams
With the addition of wide receiver Davante Adams as the new top target, alongside Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell, Stafford’s arsenal has expanded. This receiving corps offers Stafford plenty of opportunities to elevate the Rams’ offense and meet high expectations for success in the upcoming season.
Entering his 17th NFL season, Matthew Stafford’s combination of experience, skill, and leadership continues to define his role as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. His repeated inclusion in the NFL Top 100 list underlines his elite standing, and fans can anticipate his continued impact in 2025 and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Matthew Stafford have brain surgery?
A. KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes, who plays quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, has broken another NFL record. He surpassed 30,000 passing yards in his career during the first half of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mahomes accomplished this feat in only 103 games, beating the old record of 109 games held by Matthew Stafford.
Q. Does Matthew Stafford have a photographic memory?
A. Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford possesses an impressive memory for the nearly 10,000 plays he has been part of during his NFL career. He remembers the defensive formations, the passes, and various game situations clearly.