Kelly Stafford finds watching her husband, Matthew Stafford, play for the Los Angeles Rams to be a challenging experience. Although she enjoys supporting him and recognizes the high salaries that athletes earn, each time Matthew takes a hard hit on the field, it deeply concerns her. The physical risks associated with football are a constant source of anxiety for her, particularly when it comes to head injuries.
While Kelly has accepted the likelihood of injuries like shoulder separations or fractures as part of the game, her worry intensifies with potential head injuries. Despite the NFL’s efforts to enhance safety measures, she remains apprehensive about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma, especially given that Matthew is in his 16th season. This concern is a significant source of stress for her as she attends games and watches him play.
Their children also experience the emotional toll of Matthew’s career. Kelly’s older twins, Sawyer and Chandler, have begun to notice the impact of football on their father’s health. They’ve expressed concern when they see him slow to get up after a hit, which adds to Kelly’s anxiety. To address this, she reassures her children that their father is fine, even though she shares their unease and faces uncertainty about his safety.
Beyond her role as a supportive wife, Kelly is also busy with her own projects, including the Cleat Chaser Tour she is undertaking with podcast co-host Hank Winchester. This tour, which involves live events before Matthew’s games, focuses on various aspects of life and parenting rather than just football. It provides her with an opportunity to connect with fans and discuss topics outside of her husband’s athletic career.
Despite facing criticism from online trolls, Kelly manages to navigate negativity with Matthew’s support. His ability to remain unaffected by public opinion helps her cope with her own feelings of hurt. Their partnership is strengthened by their mutual support, with Kelly helping Matthew remember his value beyond football while he provides her with stability and reassurance in the face of external pressures.