Matthew Stafford’s choice to remain with the Los Angeles Rams, despite drawing interest from multiple teams in recent weeks, was likely influenced by a confluence of factors. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, one of those factors may have been the presence of Aaron Rodgers in the league.
QB’s Hard-Learned Lessons Helped Los Angeles Rams Retain Matthew Stafford
“One interesting figure in all this: Rams team doctor Neal ElAttrache. The renowned orthopedic surgeon did Aaron Rodgers’s Achilles, and is close with Rodgers,” Breer wrote. “Through that grapevine, Stafford would hear stories of how Rodgers’s appreciation for what he had in Green Bay had grown over the two years he’d been away. Which I’d bet probably brought some grass-isn’t-greener perspective to Stafford’s position in this whole thing.
“Along those lines, as we said Friday, Stafford loves Southern California, and loves playing for McVay, and those two things were the simplest, yet biggest factors. He’s made the playoffs in all three of his healthy years as a Ram, and came close to leading the team to a win in Philly in a snowstorm against the eventual champions. And he did it with a lot of young, ascending players, which means more from Stafford in L.A. may be yet to come.”
Given Rodgers’ recent experiences following his departure from the Green Bay Packers, particularly his time with the New York Jets, it’s understandable that he might harbor a sense of perspective about changing teams. As anyone observing his situation could discern, the notion that “the grass is always greener” elsewhere doesn’t always hold true. Fortunately, it appears that Matthew Stafford has internalized this lesson, influencing his decision to remain with the Rams.
As Stafford explored his contract options, the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants emerged as the two teams expressing notable interest. Ultimately, Stafford elected to return to the familiar confines of the Los Angeles Rams, choosing to see through the journey he began with the team. This decision, prioritizing continuity and a sense of unfinished business, represents a thoughtful and understandable choice.
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