NFL MVP Matthew Stafford has committed to returning to the field in 2026, according to … NFL MVP Matthew Stafford. The news came in his acceptance speech for winning the 2025 award at Thursday’s NFL Honors ceremony, amid speculation of a potential retirement at the age of 37.

“I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking ass,” Stafford said to his four daughters who were standing beside him on stage. “So I’ll see you guys next year. Hopefully, I’m not at this event and we’re getting ready for another game at SoFi.”

Advertisement

The Los Angeles Rams quarterback earned his first NFL MVP award in the 2025-26 NFL season after throwing for a league-high 3,707 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns with just eight interceptions over 17 games.

“Something I’d been thinking about,” Stafford told reporters backstage of his announcement.

“I ended the season on a healthy note and was a part of a great team,” he added. “I had a bunch of teammates in the crowd, coaches in the crowd, just felt like the right thing to do at the right moment. Happy to be coming back.”

Advertisement

Stafford narrowly won the award with 24 first-place votes over New England Patriots QB Drake Maye, who earned 23 first-place votes. It was the closest MVP vote since 2003 when Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the honor.

Playing a 17th season that began with back soreness during training camp that was eventually diagnosed as an aggravated disc, there were questions as to whether or not Stafford might decide to finish his career after a fifth season — and one Super Bowl championship — with the Rams.

Advertisement

[Get more Rams news: Los Angeles team feed]

After the Rams’ 31-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship game, head coach Sean McVay was asked if he expected Stafford to return next season. Surely emotional from the defeat, McVay responded, “Yeah, if he still wants to play. What the hell kind of question is that?”

McVay highlighted the scenario that prompted the question: “If he still wants to play.” He followed up on those remarks the next day saying that he “absolutely” wanted Stafford to return, but also understood that the quarterback needed time to consider his decision.

Advertisement

However, Stafford addressed any possible uncertainty regarding his future decisively on Thursday after being recognized as the best player in the league for the 2025-26 season.