Kelly Stafford, who is married to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, has learned a lot about what it takes to be the partner of an NFL player over the past decade and a half. She considers herself the “elder football wife” and is now offering advice to other NFL WAGs, such as Brittany Mahomes and Taylor Swift. While she acknowledges that she has made mistakes in the past, she is willing to share some truths with her fellow football wives and girlfriends. One piece of advice she offers is to not lose yourself in the relationship and to stay true to who you are despite outside pressures.
Stafford emphasizes the importance of blocking out external noise and not giving in to the expectations and opinions of others. She warns against trying to become someone that others want you to be, as she experienced losing her sense of self when she did so. She believes that staying true to one’s values and individuality is crucial in maintaining a strong sense of self and preserving the qualities that led to the relationship in the first place. Stafford and her husband married in 2015 and have four daughters together, which has given her valuable insight into navigating the challenges of being an NFL wife.
Despite the pressures and criticisms that come with being in the public eye, Stafford encourages wives and girlfriends to listen to themselves before they listen to anyone else. She acknowledges that it can be difficult to tune out all the noise, but she believes that it is essential to prioritize self-awareness and self-confidence. Stafford co-hosts a podcast called “The Morning After” with her friend Hank Winchester, where they discuss a variety of topics including friendships, parenting, and other aspects of life beyond football. She values the community and support that the podcast provides, allowing her to open up and be vulnerable.
Matthew Stafford spent the first 12 years of his NFL career with the Detroit Lions before joining the Los Angeles Rams. While Kelly occasionally discusses football on her podcast, she also touches on a wide range of other subjects, reflecting her diverse interests and experiences. By sharing her own journey as an NFL wife and offering advice to others in similar positions, Stafford hopes to empower women to stay true to themselves and find strength in their own identities. Her words of wisdom and guidance serve as a reminder to prioritize authenticity and self-awareness in the face of external pressures and expectations.
