Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams during a game against the New Orleans Saints.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is a polarizing figure, but former franchise icon and running back Todd Gurley made his view clear.
Gurley starred for the Rams from 2015 through 2019, spoke candidly about Stafford and the prospects of the reigning Most Valuable Player getting a statue outside of SoFi Arena, the franchise’s home stadium, after his playing days are over.
According to Gurley, it is going to be difficult, given Stafford’s current resume.
Todd Gurley Gets Honest About Matthew Stafford
Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
GettyTodd Gurley speaks on SiriusXM at Super Bowl LIX.
Stafford led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns, en route to guiding the Rams to the NFC Championship Game and the regular-season MVP. He earned his third official (and fourth total) Pro Bowl and first First Team All-Pro honor, as well.
Stafford also led the Rams to a Super Bowl win in his first season at the helm in 2021.
However, Gurley made it clear that Stafford would have to do “a lot” to be immortalized outside of SoFi like some of his positional brethren have and will be at their teams’ stadiums.
“I think someone told me this: since they share the stadium with the Chargers, if they build a statue of anyone, or they put them in the stadium, the Chargers have that same right to do that for their player as well,” Gurley told TMZ in footage from Super Bowl weekend shared on February 18.
“I don’t think they [the Rams] kind of want to do that.”
Rather than a matter of whether or not Stafford is deserving, Gurley acknowledged some league politics at play, “From my understanding.” Another Super Bowl trip and victory would certainly further Stafford’s cause, but might still be outweighed by the fact that the Rams share their home.
However, Gurley offered a solution that takes advantage of the Rams’ $10 billion investment in Woodland Hills. It is less than 40 minutes away from SoFi.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke announced the project in March 2025.
“Kroenke is a big real estate guy, too,” Gurley noted. “They have that new facility down there at Woodland Hills, and they’re about to build up everything. So, maybe one of them down that way, because it’ll be like a Rams complex almost.”
Adding a statue of Stafford to the area could be a way to increase its appeal. It would certainly help cement the veteran passer’s legacy.
Matthew Stafford’s Place in Rams History
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers.
Stafford’s legacy has come into question, particularly amid his seeming surge in popularity after his trade to the Rams from the Detroit Lions. However, Stafford is a former No. 1 pick. And his play, regardless of some mitigating circumstances, has long been respected if not revered.
Moreover, he has put himself among the elite in Rams history in terms of passing marks.
Stafford holds the Rams’ single-season record for completions, yards, and passing TDs. He edged out Hall of Famer Kurt Warner in the latter two categories, albeit with one additional game.
He overtook Jared Goff for the completions mark, also with the benefit of an additional game in the regular season. And yet, Stafford has tied Warner in Super Bowl wins, passing Goff, whom he already tied in appearances.
Stafford is third in Rams career passing TDs and fourth in passing yards. He is within 13 scores of the first mark (Roman Gabriel) and 4,351 yards of the second (Jim Everett).
Stafford had a 4,707-46-8 line for the Rams last season.