The NFL can be a tough grind for anyone…but landing an MVP? That’s a whole different level. Some stars, like Lamar Jackson, grab that elite honor at just 22, barely a year into their careers. Others, like Matthew Stafford, spend 17 seasons chasing it with the same fire. But now, the two-time Pro Bowl selection has opened up about how it would feel to finally win an MVP at 37 in his 17th season in the league.

“It would mean a lot. I have so much respect in reference to this game. It’s humbling for me to be a part of it as long as I am a part of it, and we get opportunities to play football and be named among the greatest players. I pinch myself a lot of time thinking about that,” Staford said on FOX NFL Sunday. Well, in his defense, there isn’t any perfect age to win an MVP. Tom Brady did it. He won his last MVP when he was 40. And if Stafford continues to display his prowess this season, he might end up sniffing the title for the first time.

The Los Angeles Rams are sitting in the second spot in the NFC West. All thanks to the 37-year-old. He has been at the top of his performance this season, ending up in first position for touchdowns (21), leaving behind the league’s young guns. His completion rate is over 67% which shows his consistency in running the offense efficiently.

Moreover, he has 2,147 passing yards with just 2 interceptions in his 8 appearances. Stafford has been known to use his legs apart from his arms, and this was proved when he was ranked at the 27th position in terms of being sacked (14 sacks). Still, rumours have been swirling around his retirement, to which the Super Bowl LVI champ already cleared the air earlier.

Matthew Stafford hints at his retirement plans

“I don’t know how much longer we’ll be doing it, but I do enjoy the heck out of it. With experience, you gain perspective on how much you love this game,” Stafford said when asked about his retirement plans on the Pat McAfee Show earlier. His intentions seem quite clear that, for now, he has no plans to call it quits with the league.

After mutually parting ways with the Detroit Lions in 2021, Stafford entered the Rams with much hope, which he fulfilled, leading them to a Super Bowl victory the following year. Even his deal with the Rams isn’t hinting at his being waived by the franchise on the immediate radar.

Stafford signed a two-year $84 million deal back in May, cashing in $44 million for this season alone. If he continues to roll the Rams, when free agency kicks off in 2026, he’s set to pocket another $40 million. His performance this season, which is among his best outings in the NFL, adds another layer to MVP speculations.

Matthew is already averaging 7.8 this season, more than his Super Bowl victory year. Considering all these factors, we can safely say that he is not only competing as one of the top contenders for the MVP race, but he should also start preparing a post-MVP speech if the Rams make it to the Super Bowl this time.