The atmosphere in the locker rooms has shifted considerably since experienced player Matthew Stafford started playing in 2009, according to discussions on a recent episode of Kelly Stafford’s “Morning After” podcast.
Speaking about her husband, who has been in the sport for 15 years, Kelly highlighted how the older player feels a gap with the younger teammates. “Years ago, after a practice session, players would interact, play cards, or engage in some group activities,” Kelly noted. “Now, everyone just dives into their phones and there’s little face-to-face interaction.”
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To bridge this divide and lead effectively, Stafford has taken steps to know his younger teammates better. “He had a reference guide made, with photos and names of all the players, just so he could know them better,” said Kelly.
She believes that Stafford, as an experienced member and a team leader, feels the need to connect with his teammates on a deeper level. “He often mentions how challenging it is to guide those he doesn’t really know,” Kelly shared.
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The team’s aim is to recreate their fantastic performance in the 2021 Super Bowl, especially after a challenging previous season.
Stafford had to sit out towards the end of the 2022 season due to an injury.
Kelly, married to Stafford since 2015, is a familiar face at the team’s matches. The family moved to the West Coast in 2021, following Stafford’s shift from the Detroit Lions to the Rams.
The Rams’ first match of the 2023 season is scheduled against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 10.