The Los Angeles Rams' veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford's wife just revealed the one thing keeping him off the field — and it's not age.

Recently, Kelly Stafford appeared on The Cutting Edge podcast, where she shared how football's demanding schedule had affected her husband's physical health and beyond. She also shared the reasons that have pushed him to consider retirement.

"But one of the biggest things Matthew can't stand is that he can't come to the weekend games," said Kelly on The Cutting Edge podcast. "That's starting to wear and tear on him a little bit. Um, that he's not around for those. And they're getting to the age like we almost have two nine-year-olds. And they're asking, "Well, when is dad going to come to our games?"

Kelly's comments on the interview posted on YouTube by @GarthFisherMDCuttingEdge highlighted that the most disturbing thing for Stafford is missing the family moments away from the field.

Stafford and his wife, Kelly, are parents to four daughters—twins Sawyer and Chandler, Hunter, and Tyler. As the girls have grown older and become involved in youth sports and other activities, Kelly has spoken about the challenge of balancing Matthew's NFL career with family life.

The 38-year-old has maintained that he would stay committed to playing in 2026. Stafford explained that he was approaching his future on a year-to-year basis, believing it was a fair time for both him and the Rams franchise rather than making long-term promises.

Last season, Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes. The former No. 1 overall pick spent 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions before leading the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI. He enters his 18th NFL season in 2026.

The Lions legend is one of the most established quarterbacks of his generation and is invaluable for the Los Angeles side. Beyond missing family moments, Kelly revealed the health concerns.

Kelly Stafford shares her biggest health concern for Matthew Stafford

Kelly Stafford opened up about her fears, explaining that concussions carry a level of uncertainty that makes them more frightening than other football injuries.

"I every year, I always worry about um his head," said Kelly on The Cutting Edge podcast. "That's the one injury that you know, diagnosing it's tough. Knowing what the repercussions of it is tough, like if it's a knee or a shoulder, and I understand for them emotionally it's tough because their identity right now is in what they do, and it's true."

Kelly acknowledged that while injuries to the knee or shoulder come with clear recovery timelines, head trauma has long-term uncertainty. She also noticed the emotional struggle Matthew went through when he had the back injury last year.

She believes it becomes difficult for athletes when it comes to health and retirement decisions, knowing that football is a big part of their identity.

What are your views on Kelly's statements? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Kalp Thaker