The Georgia Bulldogs have produced some tough NFL players. One of them is Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. According to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, Stafford said he had been playing through cracked ribs “for some time” during the 2024 NFL season. The media did not learn about Stafford’s injury until after the Rams lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, a team with many former Bulldogs on it, in the divisional round.
Stafford’s wife, Kelly, revealed on her podcast that he cracked four ribs in Week 15’s win over the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the injury, he played through the rest of the season except for the Week 18 game against Seattle where the Rams rested all of their starters.
Stafford is as durable as they come, starting at least 15 games in 12 of his 14 NFL seasons. Part of Stafford’s durability is his willingness to play through injuries.
Stafford will be 37 when the new season starts, making retirement a possibility. Stafford appears to be leaning toward returning next season. Former Georgia Bulldog quarterback Stetson Bennett is the only other Rams quarterback outside of Stafford under contract next season.
Stafford played well against the Eagles, throwing for 324 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions on 44 attempts. However, he was sacked five times and lost a fumble. He was harassed all game long by former Bulldogs Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter.
