Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, has a love story that’s as dramatic as a football game’s final quarter. The couple’s journey to romance began at the University of Georgia and, according to Kelly, “started out horrible.” Sharing their story on the “Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe” podcast, Kelly gave a candid recount of their tumultuous early days, highlighting how their rocky start eventually led to a solid, enduring relationship.

From Casual Dating to Committed Relationship

Kelly Stafford, then a cheerleader, met Matthew Stafford, the star quarterback, before school officially began. While Kelly was ready to dive into a serious relationship, Matthew preferred to keep things casual, a concept Kelly admitted she didn’t understand at the time. The couple’s relationship was on-again, off-again, with Kelly dating Matthew’s backup quarterback to make him jealous. This move certainly caught Matthew’s attention.

Love Games and Jealousy

Kelly’s dating strategy worked as planned. The backup quarterback, described by Kelly as a “bad boy” in contrast to Matthew’s “Southern gentleman” demeanor, lived in the same dorm as Matthew. Seeing Kelly’s car at the dorm prompted Matthew to confront her.

One particular incident stood out in Kelly’s memory. Matthew followed her to her car, got in, and refused to leave, declaring that her current boyfriend wasn’t right for her. Despite the argument, Kelly’s internal reaction was one of triumph; her plan to provoke jealousy had succeeded.

Turning Point and Commitment

Despite the initial rocky relationship, Matthew and Kelly found their footing. The couple eventually decided to commit fully to each other. Kelly recalls that once they decided to be together, they were all in. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

They dated long-distance for a while, with Matthew training in Arizona and Kelly finishing school in Georgia. Eventually, Kelly moved to Michigan, where Matthew began his NFL career with the Detroit Lions. This move was made against her father’s wishes, but Matthew reassured Kelly’s father of their serious intentions.

Building a Family and Life Together

Matthew and Kelly Stafford tied the knot in 2015 and have since welcomed four daughters: twins Sawyer and Chandler, Hunter, and Tyler. Despite the early challenges, their relationship has flourished. Kelly frequently praises Matthew for his role as a father, describing him as patient and soft-hearted. She believes that Matthew sets an excellent example for their daughters about the kind of partner they should aspire to be with in the future.

Triumphs and Challenges

The Stafford family has faced its share of challenges. From false cancer rumors to a high-profile trade from Detroit to Los Angeles, the family has remained strong and united. Matthew’s career has seen significant achievements, including a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams. Throughout these events, Kelly has been a steadfast supporter, sharing both the highs and lows of their journey.

Conclusion

Kelly and Matthew Stafford’s love story is a testament to the power of persistence and commitment. Despite a rocky start filled with jealousy and misunderstandings, they have built a strong, loving family. Their journey from college sweethearts to a married couple with four children and a successful NFL career showcases the strength of their bond. Kelly’s candid recount of their early days offers a glimpse into the real-life challenges and triumphs of their relationship, making their story both relatable and inspiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did Kelly and Matthew Stafford meet?

Kelly and Matthew met at the University of Georgia before the school year started. Matthew was the star quarterback, and Kelly was a cheerleader.

2. What was the nature of their early relationship?

Their early relationship was tumultuous, marked by periods of being on-again, off-again. Kelly dated Matthew’s backup quarterback to make him jealous, which ultimately worked.

3. How did their relationship progress to a serious commitment?

Despite the rocky start, Matthew and Kelly decided to commit to each other fully. They dated long-distance for a while before Kelly moved to Michigan to be with Matthew as he started his NFL career.

4. How many children do Matthew and Kelly Stafford have?

Matthew and Kelly have four daughters: twins Sawyer and Chandler, Hunter, and Tyler.

5. What are some challenges the Stafford family has faced?

The family has faced several challenges, including false cancer rumors and a high-profile trade from Detroit to Los Angeles. Despite these challenges, they have remained a tight-knit and supportive family.