The Los Angeles Rams take on the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium on Sunday for Super Bowl LVI. Here’s what we know about Matthew Stafford’s parents ahead of the game.
On Sunday, all eyes will be on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who will hope to lead the Rams to their first Super Bowl victory since 1999.
Stafford was traded to the Rams in 2021 after serving as the Detroit Lions’ primary starter from 2009 to 2020. This season, Stafford threw for 4,886 yards, 41 touchdowns, and an NFL-leading 17 interceptions thrown as the Rams finished with a 12–5 record.
More on the quarterback’s upbringing
Matthew Stafford was born on 7 February 1988 in Tampa, Florida. As a youngster he lived in Dunwoody, Georgia, while his father John attended graduate school at the University of Georgia. The family eventually moved to Dallas, Texas, where Stafford attended Highland Park High School.
While there, Matthew established himself as the best high-school quarterback in the country, graduating early to enrol at the University of Georgia. His football career continued to flourish in college and he was selected first overall by the Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Matthew Stafford’s parents John and Margaret Stafford
Matthew Stafford’s parents are John and Margaret Stafford, who have been hugely supportive of their son’s football career. Matthew’s mom, Margaret, recently spoke to Fox, where she revealed what her son was like as a child and how much winning the Super Bowl would mean.
Recalling Matthew’s childhood, she said: “He loved having a ball, always had to have a ball. No Lego in our house.” When asked if she ever thought Matthew would make it to the Super Bowl, she said: “Yes. Well, I think, along the way, people would say, ‘When did you know?’ But, he was always talented, surrounded by a bunch of fun friends that love sports, so it wasn’t like a stand-out. He just loved doing it.”
“The way this year is going, I’m really hoping and praying for a win,” Margaret added.
His father was a decent swimmer
Matthew Stafford’s father was a decent swimmer, which is perhaps where he got his athletic ability from. John Stafford reportedly swam at Florida State University and later became graduate assistant coach at the University of Georgia, head coach at Bolles from 1972 to 1976, and head coach at Florida State from 1977 until 1983.
Speaking to Swimming World Magazine, John Stafford revealed what he thinks he’s passed on to his son. He said: “I think one thing I passed on to Matthew is the importance of work ethic, the ability to every day apply your best effort, not go get ahead of the day by focusing on game day. Another thing is to not ride the highs too high or the lows too low. Stay even and you’ll perform your best.”
