Key Takeaways
- Matthew Stafford and Kelly Stafford are college sweethearts, having met at the University of Georgia where he was the quarterback and she was a cheerleader and nursing student.
- The couple married in 2015 and share four daughters: twins Sawyer and Chandler, Hunter, and Tyler.
- In 2019, Kelly underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove a benign brain tumor after experiencing symptoms like vertigo.
- Kelly is a public figure in her own right, hosting the popular podcast The Morning After, where she openly discusses her life, family, and mental health.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is a Super Bowl champion on the field, but his strongest teammate has been by his side since their college days. Meet Kelly Stafford, his wife, a mother of four, podcast host, and brain tumor survivor who has shared their life’s biggest triumphs and challenges with the world.
A University of Georgia Love Story
Matthew and Kelly Stafford’s story began at the University of Georgia. While Matthew was making a name for himself as the Bulldogs’ star quarterback, Kelly was a cheerleader and a nursing student. Their campus romance blossomed into a lifelong partnership.
The couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in April 2015. Kelly often shares glimpses of their journey on social media and her podcast, reflecting on their growth as a couple. On their 10th anniversary, she shared valuable advice with her listeners.
“You can’t expect the person you marry at 25 to be the exact same person at 45,” she said. “People evolve, priorities shift, and life circumstances change. The most successful couples are the ones who adapt and grow together.”
Family and a Frightening Health Battle
Today, the Staffords are proud parents to four daughters: twins Sawyer and Chandler, Hunter, and their youngest, Tyler. Kelly frequently posts photos of their family, showing the girls cheering on their dad from the sidelines.
However, their lives took a serious turn in 2019 when Kelly was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a benign brain tumor. She shared the news on Instagram, explaining she had been experiencing dizzy spells and vertigo. What was scheduled to be a six-hour surgery turned into a 12-hour procedure after doctors discovered an abnormal vein. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and Kelly has been open about her recovery journey, crediting Matthew as her “rock” throughout the ordeal.
Finding Her Voice
Beyond being an NFL wife and mother, Kelly has cultivated her own platform with her podcast, The Morning After. Launched in 2021, the show gives listeners an unfiltered look into her life. She discusses everything from marriage and motherhood to mental health and the pressures of public life.
Kelly is also her husband’s fiercest defender. After the Rams won the 2022 Super Bowl, she took to social media to shut down critics who immediately began debating Matthew’s Hall of Fame eligibility. “Can y’all just let him enjoy this?!” she wrote, showcasing the unwavering support that has defined their partnership from the very beginning.