Childhood and Education Journey of Matthew Stafford in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 12, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Matthew Stafford. A timeline of key moments.

John Matthew Stafford is a professional football quarterback currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Drafted first overall by the Detroit Lions in 2009 after a college career with the Georgia Bulldogs, Stafford has achieved significant milestones in the NFL. He ranks among the top ten in pass attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns. Notably, he holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 40,000 career passing yards and ranks highly in passing yards per game.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

February 7, 1988: Matthew Stafford's Birth

On February 7, 1988, John Matthew Stafford was born. He is now a professional football quarterback in the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

1991: Eric Zeier Start

In 1991, Eric Zeier started out of high school.

1998: Quincy Carter Start

In 1998, Quincy Carter started for the Georgia Bulldogs football team.

2002: Best Mark Since 2002

In 2002, Georgia had their best mark since the 2002 season.

2005: UIL 4A Division I State Championship

In 2005, Matthew Stafford led his team to a perfect 15-0 record and won the UIL 4A Division I State Championship. He also received numerous accolades, including being named to the Parade All-America Team and the USA Today Pre-Season Super 25.

2006: Collegiate Debut

In 2006, Matthew Stafford debuted late in the season opener against Western Kentucky, going 3 of 5 passing for 40 yards and a touchdown pass. He made his first collegiate start against University of Alabama Birmingham.

2006: High School Ranking

In 2006, Matthew Stafford was considered one of the best high school quarterbacks in the United States.

2006: Top Recruit

In 2006, Matthew Stafford was listed as the No. 1 pro-style quarterback prospect in the class by Rivals.com.

2008: Sugar Bowl victory

In 2008, Matthew Stafford had 175 yards passing and a touchdown pass during Georgia's 41–10 rout of the No. 10 Hawaii Warriors in the 2008 Sugar Bowl. He helped lead Georgia to an 11-2 record, their best mark since the 2002 season.

2008: Preseason Heisman List

In 2008, Matthew Stafford was chosen to Athlon Sports' preseason Heisman Favorites Others To Watch list. Georgia was ranked No. 1 in both the preseason coaches poll and the AP Poll.

2009: Capital One Bowl MVP

In 2009, after defeating Michigan State 24-12 and winning the MVP of the 2009 Capital One Bowl, Matthew Stafford finished his three years at Georgia with a 3-0 record in bowl games. Stafford chose to forgo his senior season and entered the 2009 NFL Draft.

April 4, 2015: Stafford Marriage to Kelly Hall

On April 4, 2015, Matthew Stafford married Kelly Hall, the sister of former NFL player Chad Hall.

April 2019: Kelly Stafford Reveals Brain Tumor Diagnosis

In April 2019, Kelly Stafford announced on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

April 17, 2019: Kelly Stafford's Brain Tumor Surgery

On April 17, 2019, Kelly Stafford underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove a brain tumor.

November 7, 2020: Stafford Removed from COVID-19 List

On November 7, 2020, Matthew Stafford was removed from the COVID-19 list after testing negative for the virus, clearing him to play in the Lions' Week 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings.