Matthew Stafford Steals The Show With The Way He Celebrated His MVP Win

After taking home the biggest individual honor in football, Matthew Stafford marked the milestone in the most on-brand way possible, with a Raising Cane's Box Combo surrounded by family. Following his 2025–2026 NFL MVP win at NFL Honors on Thursday night, Stafford celebrated alongside his wife, Kelly Stafford, their children, and Todd Graves, the owner and founder of Raising Cane's.

The Stafford family dug into Cane's hand-battered, cooked-to-order Chicken Fingers, buttery Cane's Toast, crispy coleslaw, and crinkle-cut fries, all dipped in the chain's award-winning Cane's Sauce, bringing together football's most prestigious honor with a crave-worthy post-ceremony feast.

For the occasion, Matthew dressed in a black tuxedo, smiling as he holds a tray of Cane's food, while Kelly stands beside him in a sleek black look, holding a red Cane's cup. The couple's four daughters stand front and center, all wearing coordinated black-and-silver dresses.

Stafford's MVP was announced during Thursday night's NFL Honors ceremony, capping off one of the tightest MVP races the league has seen in years. In the end, Stafford narrowly edged Drake Maye in a razor-thin vote that came down to just a handful of ballots. Stafford finished with 366 points, collecting 24 first-place votes, while Maye finished just behind him with 361 points and 23 first-place votes.

The 37-year-old quarterback stepped onto the stage at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco with his four daughters by his side, all of whom he shares with his wife, Kelly Stafford.

Calling Kelly his "rock," Stafford made sure to acknowledge the sacrifices she's made throughout his career. "I see you. I love you. I appreciate you very much," he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

He also spoke directly to his daughters, thanking them for their constant support. "I'm so happy to be able to teach the blessings and lessons of this game through you guys," Stafford said. "You're unbelievable cheerleaders for me."

The emotional moment ended with a major reveal, as Stafford confirmed he plans to return to the Los Angeles Rams for an 18th season, officially shutting down any retirement rumors.

"I love having them on the sideline with me," he added. "And I can't wait for them to cheer me on next year when we're out there kicking a—."

Just days before his MVP moment, Matthew Stafford was coming off one of the toughest losses of his career.

The Los Angeles Rams fell short of a Super Bowl berth after losing the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25, ending a season that came within one win of football's biggest stage. But even in defeat, Stafford's focus quickly shifted to what mattered most.

At 2:30 a.m. following the loss, Stafford was home tucking in his four daughters, a quiet moment his wife shared on Instagram the next day. "After leaving everything out on that field and coming up short, at 2:30 a.m., this was Matthew," Kelly wrote alongside Nest camera footage of the quarterback putting the girls to bed.

Across nearly two decades in the NFL, Stafford has endured coaching changes, playoff heartbreak, and the physical toll that comes with the position, while continuing to perform at an elite level. His MVP win, arriving just days after the Los Angeles Rams fell one game short of the Super Bowl, showed the resilience that has come to define his run.

With retirement rumors now firmly behind him and an 18th season on the horizon, Stafford appears focused on extending his career, and fans can't wait to follow along for the ride.