Matthew Stafford’s future in the NFL has once again become a hot topic, and this time, some subtle clues may be coming from his wife, Kelly Stafford.

With speculation swirling about whether Stafford might walk away after the 2025–26 season, former NFL quarterback and current NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms made it clear he believes retirement would be premature. Simms emphasized that the Rams are firmly in a championship window and built to compete for several more years. Given Stafford’s level of play, Simms said stepping away now wouldn’t make much sense.

Stafford himself didn’t offer much clarity when questioned immediately following the Rams’ season-ending loss. Asked about retirement just minutes after the game, he pushed back, explaining that it wasn’t the right moment to make long-term decisions. Instead, he focused on his appreciation for his teammates and everyone who contributed to the team’s success throughout the year.

Not long after, Kelly Stafford shared a series of Instagram posts that caught the attention of fans. Following the NFC Championship game, she posted highlight clips showcasing Stafford’s precision passing, including one caption noting how he makes difficult throws look effortless. She also reposted the Rams’ message thanking fans for their support.

On her main Instagram feed, Kelly continued to share moments from the season, including family footage from a Rams–Seahawks game featuring their children. In another earlier post, she jokingly commented on the emotional toll of playoff football, quipping that the stress feels like it’s shortening her lifespan.

Taken together, her posts paint the picture of a family that may be prepared to support another season of football. While none of it confirms Stafford’s plans, the tone suggests encouragement rather than closure.

As for the Rams, all signs point to the organization being more than happy to have Stafford return. Head coach Sean McVay spoke glowingly about the team after the loss, expressing pride and gratitude despite the disappointment. He admitted the ending was difficult to process, noting that the team fully expected to advance and had opportunities to do so.

McVay described the squad as one of his favorite groups he’s coached and said the loss left him unusually speechless. He credited Seattle for making the key plays when it mattered most and acknowledged how hard it is to come up short after believing you’d be celebrating on the podium.

While nothing is officially decided, both the Rams and those closest to Stafford appear far from ready to close this chapter just yet.