One doesn’t have to go very far to encounter debates about Matthew Stafford‘s age. But after the Los Angeles Rams quarterback posted one of the best years of his career in 2023, the argument that he is over the hill has lost its bite. That said, father time is undefeated. It is only a matter of time before age will get the best of Stafford and force him to retire.
However, that won’t be this year. And the 33rd Team’s and former general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, Jeff Diamond isn’t worried about Stafford this year. He named him to his recent ranking of the best NFL players over 30.
Matthew Stafford Named Best QB Over 30
Diamond ranked Stafford as the 10th best over 30 player in the league overall and the best quarterback hands-down. Only two quarterbacks were listed, Stafford and Dak Prescott, who came in just behind Stafford at 11th. Prescott turned 30 just under one year ago.
This means he beat out the 40 year old former back to back MVP, Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. At 36, Stafford is the oldest of all members of this ranking. The next closest in age is San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle, Trent Williams at 35. The list of 20 was made up of seven 30 year olds, two 31 year olds, three 32 year olds, two 33 year olds, and four 34 year olds.
Four starting quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl after the age of 36; Tom Brady (x4), Peyton Manning, Johnny Unitas, and John Elway (x2)
Here is Diamond’s case;
The Super Bowl victory led by Matthew Stafford for the Rams in 2021 is what puts him ahead of Prescott.
Stafford was the first overall pick by the Detroit Lions in 2009. He’s their career passing leader in numerous categories including career passing yards (45,109) and TD passes (282). He led the Lions to the playoffs three times in his 12 seasons in Detroit (without a postseason victory). Stafford broke through with his Super Bowl run in the first year after being traded to the Rams.
After an injury-filled season in 2022, Stafford led the Rams to a wild card berth last season as he threw for 3,965 yards and 24 TDs in his second Pro Bowl season.
