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, he played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. Stafford ranks among the NFL's all-time leaders in passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns. He holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 40,000 career passing yards and is sixth all-time in passing yards per game, solidifying his status as a prominent quarterback in the league.
February 7, 1988: Matthew Stafford Born
On February 7, 1988, John Matthew Stafford was born. He would later become a professional football quarterback.
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1991: True freshman quarterback
In January, Matthew Stafford became the first true freshman quarterback to start for the Georgia Bulldogs football team out of high school since Eric Zeier in 1991.
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1998: True freshman quarterback
In January, Matthew Stafford became the first true freshman quarterback to start for the Georgia Bulldogs football team since Quincy Carter in 1998.
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2005: State Championship and Accolades
In 2005, Matthew Stafford led his team to a perfect 15-0 record, winning the UIL 4A Division I State Championship and earning numerous accolades.
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2006: Collegiate Debut
In 2006, Matthew Stafford debuted for the Georgia Bulldogs, contributing to their victory against Western Kentucky, and later stepped in as starting quarterback due to an injury.
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2006: High School Quarterback Ranking
In 2006, Matthew Stafford was considered one of the best high school quarterbacks in the United States.
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2006: Top Prospect Ranking
In 2006, Matthew Stafford was listed as the No. 1 pro-style quarterback prospect by Rivals.com.
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2009: Capital One Bowl MVP and NFL Draft Entry
In 2009, Matthew Stafford won the MVP of the Capital One Bowl, finished his Georgia career with a strong bowl game record, and chose to enter the NFL Draft.
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April 4, 2015: Stafford Married Kelly Hall
On April 4, 2015, Matthew Stafford married Kelly Hall.
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April 17, 2019: Kelly Stafford Underwent Brain Tumor Surgery
On April 17, 2019, Kelly Stafford underwent a 12-hour surgery for a brain tumor.
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November 7, 2020: Stafford Removed from COVID-19 List and Cleared to Play
On November 7, 2020, Matthew Stafford was removed from the COVID-19 list after testing negative for the virus and was cleared to play in the Lions' week 9 game.
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December 5, 2022: Stafford Placed on Injured Reserve
On December 5, 2022, Matthew Stafford was placed on injured reserve, ending his season due to a spinal cord contusion.
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