When the Indianapolis Colts take the field against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday at SoFi Stadium, they won’t just be facing another opponent they’ll be lining up across from one of the most respected quarterbacks of his generation: Matthew Stafford.
Now in his 17th NFL season, Stafford has built a résumé that speaks for itself. He has thrown for 60,548 yards and 382 touchdowns, placing him among the most prolific passers in league history. Yet beyond the numbers, there’s a universal recognition within the NFL that Stafford is a quarterback’s quarterback an ultimate competitor admired across locker rooms and sidelines.
Ameer Abdullah’s Firsthand View
Running back Ameer Abdullah, who joined the Colts’ practice squad earlier this month, knows Stafford better than most. Before his stops with the Raiders, Panthers, Vikings, and 49ers, Abdullah spent the first four years of his career (2015–2018) with the Detroit Lions, playing 35 games alongside Stafford.
Abdullah recalls being asked countless times by teammates and coaches around the league: What makes Matthew Stafford different?
“From the outside looking in, there’s a mystique to him,” Abdullah said. “He doesn’t have social media, he’s not a loud personality in the media. Everyone’s curious. But what I tell them is—he’s the ultimate competitor. He’s the king of two minutes.”
Abdullah points to Stafford’s 49 career game-winning drives—the most among active quarterbacks, and 13 more than Aaron Rodgers—as proof of his clutch factor. Beyond raw talent, Abdullah highlights Stafford’s creativity and willingness to attempt throws most quarterbacks wouldn’t dare.
“I knew Stafford was a Hall of Famer the minute I got on the field with him,” Abdullah added.
Jim Bob Cooter’s Perspective
Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter also brings a unique perspective, having coached Stafford as both quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in Detroit. When Cooter arrived in 2014, Stafford carried the reputation of a reckless “gunslinger,” with a sub-60 percent completion rate and a career passer rating of 83.1.
But Cooter quickly discovered a different reality.
“Spend five minutes in the meeting room with him and you realize he’s really intelligent, really cerebral,” Cooter said. “He loves football, loves the game. And that, paired with his talent, makes him one of the best.”
Influencing a Generation
Stafford’s style has quietly shaped today’s NFL. The phrase “your favorite quarterback’s favorite quarterback” fits him perfectly, as even league MVPs like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have drawn from his game—whether it’s arm-angle manipulation, throwing on the move, or dazzling no-look passes.
Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo admitted he still feels “scarred” by Stafford’s legendary no-look completion to Cooper Kupp in Super Bowl LVI, a play that helped seal the Rams’ championship over Anarumo’s Bengals.
Colts’ Current Admiration
Inside the Colts’ own building, Stafford commands nothing but praise. Quarterback Daniel Jones, still carving out his own legacy, is one of many who grew up watching Stafford’s mastery.
“He’s fun to watch,” Jones said. “Extremely talented, makes every throw, high football IQ you just see how much he’s always been in control.”
Head coach Shane Steichen echoed that admiration, highlighting Stafford’s toughness and fearlessness.
“He’s one of the best to ever do it,” Steichen said. “He’ll take hits, get right back up, and never come out of the game. That toughness alone earns respect. Add in his ability to see the field and make every throw, and you’re talking about one of the all-time greats.”
Still Playing at a High Level
Even in 2025, at 37 years old, Stafford remains sharp. Through three weeks he has completed 66.3 percent of his passes (63 of 95) for 739 yards, with five touchdowns and two interceptions, good for a 98.5 passer rating. Remarkably, he has the NFL’s fastest average time to throw (2.53 seconds), while still pushing the ball downfield with an 8.5-yard average depth of target.
That balance quick decision-making without abandoning aggression illustrates why defenses continue to struggle against him.
Underappreciated, Yet Respected
Despite throwing for over 4,000 yards in nine different seasons and leading the Rams to a Super Bowl title, Stafford has only been selected to the Pro Bowl twice. He may not always grab national headlines like Mahomes, Allen, or Rodgers, but ask those inside NFL locker rooms and you’ll hear nothing but respect.
As Cooter put it: “Certain quarterbacks like watching certain guys, and Stafford’s always been a favorite. He’s still ripping the ball around, maybe with a little more gray in his beard, but he’s as respected as anyone in the league.”
On Sunday, the Colts won’t just be preparing for a quarterback they’ll be preparing for a legend who continues to play at a remarkably high level.