Ahead of his fifth year with the Rams, Matthew Stafford revisited his college roots. The storied 133-year-old Bulldogs program still shares a tight bond with the veteran QB. Selected first overall in 2009 by the Lions, Stafford built a 12-year run in Detroit before moving to L.A. But his connection to Georgia never faded. At UGA, Stafford led the team to a 30-9 record, cementing his legacy. Even now, the NFL star continues to pay tribute to where it all began.

On a recent sentimental trip to Athens, Matthew and Kelly Stafford brought along their four daughters. This wasn’t just sightseeing. It was a meaningful return. Kelly posted a family photo on Instagram, writing, “Home is always a good idea.” The smiling faces of the Stafford family reflected their joy at returning to their college town.

Kelly recounted the journey on their podcast, her Southern roots shining through. “Georgia really launched everything for the Staffords,” she said. The memories run deep. Matthew’s junior-year leap at Georgia propelled him into the top NFL pick in 2009. Kelly, once a UGA cheerleader, remembered it fondly.

“Um, no, but we went to — we, uh, we got to go back to Athens. Got to take our kids, which is pretty awesome… I mean, the entire place is very, it’s incredible. Very different. And the facilities, my goodness,” she added. Her admiration for the school’s changes was evident.

Then she dropped a line sure to start arguments. “I told Matthew I was like, no offense to the NFL. But colleges have y’all beat.” And she could be right. The Bulldogs recently unveiled the $80 million revamped Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. The school’s heavy investment proves their commitment to top-tier development.

Matthew didn’t disagree. A Super Bowl champ with nearly 60,000 career yards, he acknowledged how elite college setups have become. “ be successful. That’s for sure.” He also voiced praise for Georgia head coach Kirby Smart’s leadership.

While Smart has openly questioned the influence of NIL deals, Stafford thinks Georgia handles it admirably.

But Stafford’s concerns stretch beyond football. In a recent YouTube episode with Kelly, he got candid about a terrible tragedy in Texas. A Boy Scout camp turned tragic in Harrison County, shaking the community.

The flood claimed an 11-year-old’s life and injured others. Stafford spoke with heart, feeling the sorrow deeply.

The touching comments came during a thoughtful offseason. After a strong 2024 showing, Stafford is poised for more. With rising star Puka Nacua, his 2025 season could be among his best yet.