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Matthew Stafford's story has been one of consistent heartbreak leading to an ultimate triumph. Drafted first overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft, he toiled to bring them glory. He was with them from 2009 to 2020 and went to one Pro Bowl and won one NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. The fact that he achieved this in a tumultuous franchise is a testament to his brilliance.
Then, in 2021, Stafford finally got the chance to move to the Los Angeles Rams. Finally, he had a team that could compete at the very top end. After barely featuring in the playoffs in his career, it felt like Cindarella was finally going to the ball. Stafford made full use of that opportunity and clinched a Super Bowl win in his very first season.
Matthew Stafford was assisted by a defense led by Aaron Donald and Von Miller. On offense, he had Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. as receivers. It was a team built to win and Stafford helped deliver the goods. However, there is always a case of what might have been if he had been with a contender from the beginning.
That beginning was quite a while back, with Stafford being drafted in 2009. That leads us to wonder how old he was when he finally got his hands on the Lombardi Trophy.
Matthew Stafford won Super Bowl LVI at 34 years of age
Matthew Stafford got his best birthday gift ever when he finally got his ring in Super Bowl LVI. He had just turned 34 on February 7, 2022 and they clinched the title six days later at their home stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Though he did not win the Super Bowl MVP award, he more than played his part in the game. He carried the team onwards even after Odell Beckham Jr. had to leave the field injured. He kept connecting with eventual Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp during the game, including the final touchdown that gave them the win. He had three passing touchdowns in the game in total.
The Super Bowl was the least Matthew Stafford deserved after the career he has had. He lies 11th all-time in passing yards among NFL quarterbacks, just ahead of Hall-of-Famer John Elway with 51,923 yards. He also beat him into 12th place on the all-time list for passing touchdowns with 331 yards.
That is not to say that he was the best quarterback lacking a Super Bowl ring when he won it. Dan Marino and Matt Ryan are ahead of him on that list. But considering the company Matthew Stafford keeps, winning the Lombardi Trophy did not feel out of place.
With the Rams seeking back-to-back Super Bowls and struggling at 3-6, Stafford will have to dig deep to lead them to further glory this season.
