Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has completely reshaped the narrative around his career since arriving in Southern California. Once viewed as a talented passer stuck on underperforming Detroit Lions teams, Stafford is now widely seen as a near lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame after delivering the Rams a Super Bowl LVI title.

But even with all his recent success, Stafford’s early career obstacles still make for great stories—something he reminded reporters of this week with a perfectly timed joke.

Stafford’s Viral Quip About Home-Field Advantage

While speaking to the media about the possibility of earning home-field advantage in the playoffs, Stafford couldn’t resist poking fun at his past.

“I’ve never had it, so I couldn’t tell you,” Stafford joked. “In 2021 we got to play a home game, right? Then we got home field for the NFC Championship because we were playing a lower seed.”

Stafford added that home-field advantage isn’t something he dwells on right now, noting the Rams’ focus remains on maintaining their weekly process and finishing strong.

A Career Defined by Tough Early Years

Stafford’s joke rings true. During his long tenure with the Lions, he never won a division title and didn’t appear in a home playoff game until he was well into his 30s. Even with the Rams, only three of his six playoff games have been on home turf—including Super Bowl LVI, which was technically a home game at SoFi Stadium.

The Rams’ lone scheduled home playoff game in 2024 didn’t even stay in Los Angeles, as it was relocated to Arizona due to wildfires.

Rams Return to Arizona This Week

Fittingly, the Rams head back to Arizona this week—returning to the same state where Stafford played his most recent “home” postseason matchup.

With Los Angeles pushing for playoff positioning, Stafford’s leadership, durability, and sense of humor continue to shape one of the NFL’s most impressive late-career evolutions.