Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is writing a late-career script few could have predicted. At 37, entering what many consider the twilight of a long NFL career, Stafford is playing some of the best football of his 17-year tenure. On the latest episode of Let’s Go! with Matthew Stafford, alongside Maxx Crosby, Peter King, and Jim Gray, Stafford shared that he has adopted his own version of Tom Brady’s TB12 approach—focusing on recovery, nutrition, and longevity—without plans to commercialize it.
“I’m right there with Tom, and I would say probably most quarterbacks in this league in finding something that works for you and going with it,” Stafford explained. “Since I’ve been here in LA I’ve had the same guy who has worked physical therapy-wise with me every single day… I try to eat as clean as I possibly can. I do try to take care of myself as best I can, and it’s really important. It’s what helps create the ability to have some longevity in this league.”
Rams analyst Ryan Anderson echoed Stafford’s transformation, highlighting not only his conditioning but his evolved in-game decision-making: “I’ll say he is protecting the ball in a much better way. He’s not trying to extend plays; he’s kind of entering his Tom Brady era of just directing the ball, getting rid of it in a smart way, not putting it in harm’s way.” Stafford’s approach has shifted from improvisational heroics to calculated efficiency—an adaptation that has allowed him to maintain peak performance despite his age.
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Matthew Stafford’s MVP-Level Production at 37
Stafford’s statistical output underscores his shocking late-career resurgence. Through 13 games in 2025, he has thrown for 2,830 yards on a 66.5% completion rate, with 30 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. His passer rating sits at a career-high 113.7, while his QBR is 69.7. Stafford’s steady command of the offense has propelled the Rams to a six-game win streak and a 9-2 record, cementing them as NFC West leaders and serious Super Bowl contenders.
In Week 12, Stafford’s 273-yard, three-touchdown performance in a 34-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exemplified his efficient, turnover-free approach. Head coach Sean McVay praised Stafford, calling him “a fine wine. He’s just getting better with age… I think he’s going to play for about 10 more years.” Stafford, however, keeps his focus on the fundamentals: “I feel like I gotta go earn [confidence] every single week… I still live and die with practices sometimes.”
Comparisons to Brady, But Stafford’s Own Path
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Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick weighed in on Stafford’s late-career excellence, saying, “It’s reminiscent of Brady… He’s gotten smarter. He understands more. He knows how to use his weapons maybe just a split second quicker. He’s harder to fool.” Stafford acknowledged the comparison while keeping perspective on his unique journey: “This quarterback position is something where you’re learning every single day on the job. And if you’re not, you’re not going to make it.”
Stafford’s transformation—melding Brady-like efficiency with his own playstyle—has redefined his legacy. With the Rams atop the NFC West and now Super Bowl betting favorites, leading the league in touchdowns, and posting a historically low interception total, Stafford demonstrates that age is just a number when preparation, intelligence, and adaptability converge. His current performance cements his MVP candidacy and underscores that he isn’t just surviving in the NFL; he’s thriving.
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