Matthew Stafford on Staying in LA, Aaron Donald’s Insane Workouts and Girl Dad Advice | Ep 128

Summary

Episode Summary: "Matthew Stafford on Staying in LA, Aaron Donald’s Insane Workouts and Girl Dad Advice | Ep 128"

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce brings listeners an in-depth conversation with Matthew Stafford, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback. Hosted by the Kelce brothers, Jason and Travis, this episode delves into Stafford's career transitions, his experiences with elite teammates, insights into the evolving NFL landscape, and his personal life as a father. The discussion is rich with anecdotes, strategic insights, and humorous moments that offer a comprehensive look into the life of one of the league's prominent quarterbacks.

---

1. Matthew Stafford’s Transition from Detroit to Los Angeles

Matthew Stafford opens the episode by reflecting on his move from the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams. Discussing the challenges and opportunities that came with the transition, Stafford emphasizes the difference in team dynamics and coaching styles.

Matthew Stafford (09:29):
"I've been lucky to be playing here with Coach McVay and all my teammates and all those guys for, you know, a few years now. And we love it here. My family loves it here. I love playing here."

Stafford highlights his positive experience with head coach Sean McVay, noting how McVay's approach has significantly influenced his performance and the team's success.

2. Working with Coach Sean McVay and Offensive Strategy

A substantial portion of the conversation focuses on the offensive evolution under Coach McVay. Stafford discusses how the Rams' offense differs from his time in Detroit, particularly the emphasis on a more dynamic and versatile playbook.

Matthew Stafford (12:02):
"Sean and I were maybe a couple weeks into me being out in LA, and he's like, hey, you, me, Kelly and Veronica, let's go, you know, let's go drink some wine up in the Santa Barbara area... and he's like, here's this package I'm thinking about. We'll go, no huddle, jump the ball, and we'll do."

This shift to a no-huddle, high-tempo offense has allowed Stafford to leverage his strengths as a passer while integrating more running plays and play-action passes, enhancing the Rams' offensive versatility.

3. Experiences with Elite Teammates: Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel, and Aaron Donald

Stafford shares memorable experiences playing alongside some of the NFL's elite players, including wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel, as well as defensive titan Aaron Donald.

Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel

Stafford reminisces about coordinating with Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel, highlighting their unique playing styles and the chemistry developed on the field.

Matthew Stafford (26:10):
"Throwing balls to him [Cooper Kupp] was like you're throwing to a D end... I was like, what are you doing ripping those rotation for a touchdown."

Aaron Donald’s Intensity

A significant segment is dedicated to Aaron Donald, where Stafford describes Donald's unparalleled intensity and work ethic.

Matthew Stafford (47:58):
"Aaron was just wrecked practices. Sue was that way too... AD Was. That was something different. Just watching him go about his job every single day."

Stafford recounts interactions with Donald, illustrating Donald's relentless nature both in practice and during games.

Matthew Stafford (50:28):
"We had a Make a Wish kid who had, like, a year before had been like, hey, I want to... Cooper's passed, it's like a Hurry Mon manager, a Lamborghini..."

4. Insights into the Evolving NFL and March Madness

The Kelce brothers steer the conversation towards broader NFL trends and the excitement surrounding March Madness. Stafford expresses his enthusiasm for the evolving nature of the game and the engaging fan activities associated with the NFL season.

Matthew Stafford (43:17):
"I'm impressed by a lot of the guys that come out... I want those guys to have success. I want the game to continue to be great."

March Madness and Fan Engagement

Jason and Travis Kelce introduce a March Madness bracket challenge, encouraging fans to participate and engage with the show. They discuss the growing interest in the women's tournament, spotlighting standout players like JuJu Watkins.

Travis Kelce (29:31):
"Everyone always locks in on the men's tournament, but the women's bracket is shaping up unreal."

Jason Kelce (30:07):
"She's got that classic Nike energy. When people say you can't, she's like, watch me and just does it."

5. Personal Anecdotes and Fatherhood

Stafford opens up about his life off the field, sharing insights into his role as a father to four daughters. He humorously discusses the challenges and joys of parenting, offering relatable content for listeners balancing professional and personal lives.

Matthew Stafford (63:49):
"We saw each other not too long ago and was talking about it... My seven-year-olds will soon be eight, six, and a four, so we're like rocking and rolling. We're in leotards all the time doing gymnastics around the house."

Stafford's candidness about parenting adds a personal touch to the episode, resonating with listeners who navigate similar responsibilities.

6. Memorable Moments and Player Interactions

Throughout the episode, Stafford shares various on-field and off-field anecdotes, including encounters with former coaches and players. These stories provide a glimpse into the competitive and sometimes humorous aspects of professional football.

Matthew Stafford (60:31):
"One is tough to, you know, tough to come up with. Like, throwing a fade to Cooper to win the super bowl was pretty awesome... And then weirdly enough, the three that, you know, hit me first were all to him [Cooper]."

Jason Kelce (53:49):
"Our guest today is from Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas. He was the number one pick in the 2009 draft, a two-time Pro Bowler super bowl champion, and still the quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams. Please welcome Mr. Matthew Stafford."

7. Rapid-Fire Questions and Fan Engagement

In the "No Dumb Questions" segment, listeners submit questions that the guests answer in a rapid-fire format. This interactive portion adds an element of spontaneity and fun, further engaging the audience.

Jason Kelce (70:36):
"Thank you so much. All right, Willow, let me tell you about a game called Poop Dollar..."

Stafford offers playful suggestions for pranks, showcasing his lighthearted side and camaraderie with the Kelce brothers.

8. Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to Matthew Stafford for his participation, encouragement for listeners to subscribe and engage with the show, and final humorous exchanges among the hosts.

Travis Kelce (68:53):
"We got you the first time we met you. Was out in Georgia..."

Matthew Stafford (69:05):
"You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist... Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Matthew Stafford on Loving LA and Team Dynamics
   [09:29]
   "I've been lucky to be playing here with Coach McVay and all my teammates and all those guys for, you know, a few years now. And we love it here. My family loves it here. I love playing here."

2. Matthew Stafford on Offensive Transition
   [12:02]
   "Sean and I were maybe a couple weeks into me being out in LA, and he's like, hey, you, me, Kelly and Veronica, let's go, you know, let's go drink some wine up in the Santa Barbara area... and he's like, here's this package I'm thinking about. We'll go, no huddle, jump the ball, and we'll do."

3. Matthew Stafford Discussing Aaron Donald’s Intensity
   [47:58]
   "Aaron was just wrecked practices. Sue was that way too... AD Was. That was something different. Just watching him go about his job every single day."

4. Matthew Stafford on NFL Evolution and Young Players
   [42:26]
   "Because for me, it's like, hard to argue. I mean, what Jaden Daniels did this year as a rookie, I'm like, all right, pretty solid player... I'm a fan of... I want those guys to have success."

5. Matthew Stafford on Being a Father
   [63:49]
   "We saw each other not too long ago and was talking about it... My seven-year-olds will soon be eight, six, and a four, so we're like rocking and rolling. We're in leotards all the time doing gymnastics around the house."

---

Conclusion

This episode of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce offers a multifaceted look into Matthew Stafford's professional journey, his strategic mind on the field, and his personal life off the field. The Kelce brothers' engaging interview style, combined with Stafford's candid responses, provides listeners with valuable insights into what it takes to excel in the NFL. From adapting to new team environments and collaborating with superstar teammates to navigating personal responsibilities as a father, Stafford's experiences resonate with both sports enthusiasts and those interested in the human side of professional athletes.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the show through participation in fan contests and by subscribing for exclusive content, ensuring they remain connected to the dynamic world of NFL through the unique perspectives of the Kelce family.

Transcript

[Travis Kelce]

Wondry plus subscribers can listen to new heights early and ad free. Plus unlock access to exclusive episodes of the show.

[Jason Kelce]

Join Wondery in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts or Spotify today.

[Travis Kelce]

Okay, check this. Deli boys on Hulu. Two brothers, Raj and Mir, are living the high life. Not a care in the world. When their old man dies, it all vanishes.

[Matthew Stafford]

Poof.

[Travis Kelce]

And they find out he didn't just own a deli but was a drug kingpin. And they're like, what the throw in their ruthless aunt. Some guys who just want to kill them. God knows why. And keeping dad's drug business going sounds amazing, right? Deli Boyz is now streaming on Hulu. The stench of sweaty uniforms in a football team's locker room can be unbearable. But Arm and Hammer Deep Clean laundry.

[Matthew Stafford]

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[Travis Kelce]

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[Matthew Stafford]

I'm going over to his house in the mornings and I'm like, he's teaching me the offense on his whiteboard in his house. Going crazy. I'm like trying to write all this shit down. I'm like, oh my God, I'm never going to remember any of this. You know, I just got off a bender in Mexico. Fuck this. I remember he's got like my film up on his phone. He's like, do you remember this play? I'm like, yeah, like I'm to have a margarita and some chips, bro.

[Travis Kelce]

Welcome back to New Heights, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

92 percenters. A wonder show produced by Wave sports and entertainment. New Heights is brought to you by Nike.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

One of my all time favorites. Shout out to Nike. When the world says you can't win, Nike says so when. Yeah, we're your host. I'm Travis Kelce. This is Jason Kelce, my big brother out of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Northeast Ohio till I die, baby. East side subscribe on YouTube wonry+ wherever you get your podcast and follow the social media channels at New Height show with 1s Jason, tell the people what we got coming up.

[Jason Kelce]

We've got an incredible episode coming up for you guys. First we're going to tell you how you can win an official New Heights golden cup that I was supposed to bring to this episode that I did not. Sorry it's not here right now.

[Travis Kelce]

But Jason, the baby is back.

[Jason Kelce]

We're going to start doing fan contests starting today. We're going to reveal our first fan contest of the off season where you'll have an opportunity to win a new Heights Gold Cup.

[Travis Kelce]

That's some exciting.

[Jason Kelce]

Sounds pretty exciting. All right. We're also going to be answering some not dumb questions and we have an incredible conversation coming up with a friend of ours and a current still LA RAM, Mr. Matthew Stafford, Texas gunslinger. But first we're gonna a little bit to that news.

[Travis Kelce]

New news.

[Matthew Stafford]

All right.

[Jason Kelce]

New news is brought to you by Audible.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh, yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, baby.

[Travis Kelce]

Audible. I want to hear what you talking about, man. That should be their. Their slogan.

[Jason Kelce]

Did you just come up with Audible's new slogan? Like catchphrase or they want to use it?

[Travis Kelce]

They're going to have to pay me a lot of money.

[Jason Kelce]

If you want to hear what they're talking about.

[Travis Kelce]

If you want to hear what I'm.

[Jason Kelce]

Talking about, that's the way every Audible book should just start. Like James Clear Atomic Habits. If you want to hear what they're talking about.

[Travis Kelce]

March madness bracket challenge. 92 percenters were pumped, jacked up.

[Jason Kelce]

I mean, who's March 1st?

[Travis Kelce]

Fan contest of the year. And a gold cup is on the line. Is on the line. That's right. If you remember, we had a bracket challenge last year that decided the best team name. The winner was the Vikings.

[Jason Kelce]

Yep.

[Travis Kelce]

That's still up. Debate? I don't know.

[Jason Kelce]

Well, listen, it's not a debate. It's the one that won. It's a debate whether that was accurate.

[Travis Kelce]

Well, one. And this year we're going full March Madness. That is right. We are the first ever New Heights tournament challenge with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

[Jason Kelce]

Wait, time out. How does Reese's factor into this?

[Travis Kelce]

This is.

[Jason Kelce]

Oh, okay. I didn't know if we were giving them the cup with Reese's inside of it as the choice.

[Matthew Stafford]

Good idea.

[Jason Kelce]

Great idea. It's like two trophies.

[Travis Kelce]

Great idea.

[Jason Kelce]

Are they lava big cups or just regular cups?

[Matthew Stafford]

Whatever they send us.

[Jason Kelce]

Or Reese's Peanut Butter Puffs. What if it's just a Conglomerate of Reese's Peanut Butter Puffs. Reese's Regular Peanut Butter Cups, Reese's Big lava cups, Reese's PCs. I actually just got a protein. I mean, from cellulor. That's Reese's flavored.

[Travis Kelce]

I was out when you said Conglomerate. We will post links to where you can make your picks and enter this bracket challenge. You'll play against us, me and Jason.

[Jason Kelce]

And the everybody else that submits a bracket. But, yes, we'll be in it, too.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. Jason doesn't even know what a basketball is made of.

[Jason Kelce]

It's made of leather. Oh, and air.

[Travis Kelce]

That's what he thought. All the. All the college balls are made of some sort of composite now, Jason.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, it's probably not.

[Travis Kelce]

You're a. Idiot.

[Jason Kelce]

I. I don't. Yeah. I have not watched 1oz of college basketball this year.

[Travis Kelce]

Not even a lick.

[Jason Kelce]

Which is why I feel extremely confident in. In a lot of ways, what I'm going to do. This is what I'm going to do. I'm going to go to audible, and I'm going to look up the books on how to master March Madness, and I'm going to read up on them. And you're going to be doing.

[Travis Kelce]

Well, you don't read on audible, huh?

[Jason Kelce]

Well, I'm going to listen up on them.

[Travis Kelce]

Okay.

[Jason Kelce]

And. And then I'm going to come in with a wealth of knowledge on how to pick March Madness teams, and I'm going to kick your ass.

[Travis Kelce]

No way, Jose.

[Jason Kelce]

I'm going to Audible. James Wood.

[Travis Kelce]

Name one team in the top 25.

[Jason Kelce]

Duke.

[Travis Kelce]

Lucky guess.

[Jason Kelce]

It was.

[Travis Kelce]

Can you name one player in NCAA basketball?

[Jason Kelce]

Holy.

[Travis Kelce]

One player. Jason.

[Jason Kelce]

Jesus Christ. I don't think.

[Travis Kelce]

I don't think Jesus is in the ncaa. No.

[Jason Kelce]

He's everywhere, Travis.

[Travis Kelce]

So they say.

[Matthew Stafford]

So they said.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah. I don't think I can.

[Travis Kelce]

He doesn't even know who we gave nil money to at the University of Cincinnati.

[Jason Kelce]

I don't like a lot. I don't know. One name.

[Travis Kelce]

Jizzle James. Shout out to Jizzle James. James. Yeah, he's still there.

[Matthew Stafford]

He's still there.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah, he's Rocky. He's our only home. We got to make a run in the Big 12 tourney. From what I think rules are simple. Sign up using the link in the episode's description. Entry with the highest score wins. We will do our best to limit it to one entry per person. All right. So please don't enter multiple times, even though that is going to get you the best chance to win. Yeah. There will be a bracket for both Men's.

[Jason Kelce]

We're on the honor.

[Travis Kelce]

There will. There will be a bracket for both the men's and women's tournaments. So we'll be handing out two golden Cups.

[Jason Kelce]

We're handing out two golden cups. Questions. Have either of you watched any college basketball games this year? We answered that. Do you guys usually fill out brackets ever?

[Travis Kelce]

I will say this. I used to. Mom used to get Cavs tickets if she won the bracket at work.

[Jason Kelce]

So you'd fill it out for her.

[Travis Kelce]

And I used to fill it out for. And that was how I got free Cavs tickets.

[Jason Kelce]

That's not how you got free to take Cav tickets from Fairfax Elementary School.

[Travis Kelce]

Go ahead, tell him. Go ahead, tell them what happened. You're still thinking about it 30 years.

[Jason Kelce]

Later, just regurgitating a fact. I'm not thinking about it. You brought up a false.

[Travis Kelce]

I won my fight. You didn't. You got suspended and I got cash tickets.

[Jason Kelce]

What do you mean you won your. I won my fight. What are you talking about? I did not lose my fight.

[Travis Kelce]

I think that's why you. You didn't get the cast tickets.

[Jason Kelce]

No, I didn't get cast tickets because I got suspended for beating the shit out of a kid.

[Travis Kelce]

Okay, so why did I get castigates?

[Jason Kelce]

Because you schmoozed the principal. What? Yes.

[Travis Kelce]

You think that's how I got castigates?

[Jason Kelce]

Yes. The principal loved you. Mrs. McBee did not like me.

[Travis Kelce]

I'm pretty sure Mrs. McBee dis despised our entire household.

[Jason Kelce]

No, I think she liked. Not really sure.

[Travis Kelce]

That's it for new news, brought to you by audible.

[Jason Kelce]

All righty.

[Travis Kelce]

Gonna hear what I'm talking about, Jason?

[Jason Kelce]

Yep. I'll tell you.

[Travis Kelce]

Want to do the honors? All righty.

[Jason Kelce]

Our guest today is from Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas. He was the number one pick in the 2009 draft, a two time Pro Bowler super bowl champion, and still the quarterback of the Los Angeles rams. Please welcome Mr. Matthew Stafford.

[Matthew Stafford]

Thank you very much. Thank you for having me. That's a hell of an intro. I need in game. Yeah, did you. In game for.

[Jason Kelce]

I'll come do that anytime. How you doing, bro?

[Travis Kelce]

I'm on the mic at Rams house, baby.

[Jason Kelce]

I'm sure you're doing pretty good. You finally got the elephant out of the room of the off season, I guess, right?

[Matthew Stafford]

That was a little nerve wracking there for a little bit. Just trying to figure out what was going to go down. But happy to be back wearing, you know, Rams colors, playing the sofi, doing the thing.

[Jason Kelce]

Hell yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

Hell yeah, man. We knew you had like a ridiculous amount of success in Detroit, but it kind of feels like LA is like where you really. I don't know, I want. It feels like it's where you kind of made it home, at least on the football field, man.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, for sure. I've been, I've been lucky to be playing here with Coach, you know, McVay and all my teammates and all those guys for, you know, a few years now. And we love it here. My family loves it here. I love playing here. The brand of football fits my style.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh, yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

I love, I love going to work and playing in front of the fans. It's. It's a blast. It has been a really cool thing. Obviously, coming from Detroit, very different place than Los Angeles. Love both of them.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

But this has been a cool change up and my family's settled in great. And we love it here.

[Travis Kelce]

Love it, man.

[Jason Kelce]

You said your brand of football, but do you have a brand? Could you fit into any offense?

[Travis Kelce]

We were just talking about running midline.

[Matthew Stafford]

Back then, triple arm, coaching points, you know.

[Jason Kelce]

So how drastically different was it coming to LA and being with Sean and this offense versus what you were doing in Detroit? And did you have multiple different offices in Detroit?

[Matthew Stafford]

I had a few.

[Jason Kelce]

I felt like you were always airing.

[Matthew Stafford]

It out, but yeah, we. Yeah, I definitely, I've experienced a lot. You know, this is. This past season was 16, this will be 17 coming up. So I've had a few offensive coordinators. I've done like the Peyton Manning, you know, no huddle at the line of scrimmage thing. We did that with Jim Bob when he was in Detroit for a while. Scott Linehan was my first coordinator when I first came to league in 09 for like five years. I mean, that's seems so far back. Like defense, offense, all of it was so different at that point. But yeah, I've had a few. I feel like, I feel like any player, any competitive player should be like, yeah, put me in any system and I'll thrive. I don't care. You call the plays and I'll haul them. But it has been fun with Sean, you know, the way he challenges all of us, not only like physically on the field, but mentally in the approach to the game and all the things that he asked me to do at the line of scrimmage or pre snap, whatever it is, it's a lot, but I think it makes us successful and it's fun, you know, getting that challenge from your coach, you know, being like, hey, I think you can Handle all this, and he gives me all that and it ends up being successful. That's a lot of fun.

[Jason Kelce]

Thank you. Absolutely. It's fun to watch.

[Matthew Stafford]

I appreciate it.

[Jason Kelce]

We've talked about this before, but that, like, McVeigh offense, Shanahan offense, the run play action is so dynamic on first, second down. But what was obviously great the moment you got there, winning the super bowl, was taking this guy who could do drop back passing at a high level and function in that type of setting. Combined with that, it felt like just like the perfect marriage.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Did the offense change around you when you got there as well? Almost. Just as much as you had to learn the new stuff?

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, 100%. That's a very good, you know, way of kind of describing what, you know, what transpired and what happened. For sure. I got there and I remember we were. Sean and I were maybe, you know, a couple weeks into me being out in la, and he's like, hey, you, me, Kelly and Veronica, let's go, you know, let's go drink some wine up in, you know, like, Santa Barbara area. I'm like, all right, cool. We're going on a little wine trip. Go for a day right away.

[Jason Kelce]

Different than Detroit, correct?

[Matthew Stafford]

Badass beer with Kid Rock or something like that at one point. But no, it's tons of fun to.

[Jason Kelce]

Happen in Detroit to.

[Matthew Stafford]

So we're cruising up there, we're like 30 minutes into our ride up there, and my guy pulls out a piece of paper and he's like, all right, so here's the drop X. Okay, I got it. I haven't even had any red wine yet. And we're just. We're already into this. I love this. He's like, here's this package I'm thinking about. We'll go, no huddle, jump the ball, and we'll do. And sure enough, that's what we did a bunch, especially in 20, 21, and. And launched it all over the field and had a bunch of success. But when I got, you know, here, he was like, man, you know, drop back pass has been something that, you know, we've always wanted to try and elevate, you know, just as that core system. And I was like, well, that's kind of all I did in Detroit, you know, like, we didn't legitimately run the ball or play action. It very often. It was just like, I'm in the gun and here we go, baby. Yeah. So it was like, oh, that's. That's the easy part for me, you know, like, I've done This, my whole career. So it was kind of a. It was a good marriage and it's. It's worked out well.

[Jason Kelce]

Let's talk about the decision to stay in la.

[Matthew Stafford]

Okay.

[Jason Kelce]

There are a lot of rumors out there, you know, getting wooed from New York Raiders, Louisiana. Contract stuff.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

What was ultimately the deciding factor to come back and resign with la?

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, I mean, I think it was kind of a joint process. Right. Like, it wasn't just I wasn't a free agent. You know, I still had two years left on my deal and. And, you know, we kind of worked something out last year kind of the, you know, at the 11th hour to kind of figure it out right before training with the understanding that, okay, we're going to come back and readdress this if I want to play again the next year. You know, had a nice season and wanted, you know, felt healthy, wanted to keep going and, you know, so it was like, all right, let's figure out how to get this done. Obviously, there was some trade rumors and some things like that that, you know, transpired that was, you know, a little bit tough on your family just because you don't really know what's going to be next. I remember when I was getting traded from Detroit to la, really, a couple weeks before that, you know, I had made it known that I wanted to be traded from Detroit, and I can't tell you how much time I spent on Zillow at that point, looking at houses in Indy and there and all these places back then. Right. So you're just like. And I'm sitting there going, man, where am I going to be? Where are my kids going to school? All this kind of stuff. And, you know, a little bit of a similar situation just because, you know, what was out there and what was going on. But I think in the end, I know that they wanted me back. I wanted to be back. We just had to kind of figure that out and get to that point. We did. And I'm. I'm sure as hell happy that, you know, I'm going to be here for at least another year and hopefully some after that.

[Jason Kelce]

Love it. Love it.

[Travis Kelce]

Hell, yeah. I remember coming out of the draft, I was. I had a. What do you call it? Where they fly you in?

[Matthew Stafford]

Top 30 visit.

[Travis Kelce]

I had a top 30 visit to Washington.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

And at the time, had no idea what would eventually transpire to be, like, four out of the four head coaches just sitting in, like, the player, like, positions.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

At the time. And McVeigh was one of them, and he Was the tight end coach. So I spent most of my time talking, talking to McVeigh about Ball. And I just remember him talking so fast.

[Matthew Stafford]

It hasn't changed.

[Travis Kelce]

And he's just rambling. He's just ripping them and ripping them. I'm just like, dude, I don't know how you got me jacked up this. Jacked up about playing football right now, but you're the only one to do it. It was like, it was him and like, ironically, Dan Campbell were the two that I was like, man, these dudes love this. And like, during installs throughout the building, like, is he just non stop 100 miles per hour and just all about ball?

[Matthew Stafford]

Yes. All day, every day. The guy loves it. I mean, shoot, like I said, we're going on a wine trip and the guy's ripping off. He just can't stop and. And loves it. But it is. It is cool to watch him do his thing. He's so. Like you said, he's great one on one, right? He's great. Teaching me the offense. I remember when I first, you know, got traded here. I was actually a long story, but I was in Mexico. Randomly ran into him. Whatever it happened, you know, I fly back and I'm. I'm going over to his house in the mornings, and I'm like, he's teaching me the offense on his whiteboard in his house, going crazy. I'm like, trying to write all this shit down. I'm like, oh, my God, I'm never gonna remember any of this. You know, I just got off a bender in Mexico.

[Travis Kelce]

The old Shockey baby.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, exactly. But, yeah, he's like that. One on one, he's all day, every day. Loves football. But then he gets up in front of the room and he can relate to everybody. He commands the room. He's got great energy, Sets the tone for the week every single week. And guys, you know, thrive on it. So it's. It's a lot of fun going to work, you know, in that building, Especially when we're winning and he's in a good mood and rocking and rolling. It's. It's a lot of fun.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah, man.

[Jason Kelce]

I don't even know if I want to put. But the only time I've literally met Sean, we were. Kyle and I were in Maui on vacation.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

And him and Veronica walk through and he makes a point to come over and. Same thing.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yes.

[Jason Kelce]

Immediately talking football.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yes.

[Jason Kelce]

And like, hey, we'll meet up. I'm like, I could just. The look of Verona's face. Like, she is. This happens all day, every day for her. Like, she's like, all right, we're on vacation in Maui, and this idiot still wants to talk about football.

[Matthew Stafford]

100%. She probably saw me walk into the pool in Mexico and was like this.

[Jason Kelce]

There goes my vacation.

[Matthew Stafford]

I remember he's got, like, my film up on his phone. He's like, do you remember this? I'm like, yeah. Like, I'm trying to have a margarita and some chips, bro.

[Travis Kelce]

So good. He's just got to know, man. He's got to know.

[Matthew Stafford]

He just. He is.

[Travis Kelce]

I just. I enjoy talking ball with him.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

He ropes you in, man. He just wants to. He just wants to get better, man. I love that.

[Matthew Stafford]

No doubt.

[Travis Kelce]

Well, you guys got a. You guys got a lot of talent around you over there. I'm sure that had a lot to do with you wanting to come back. I mean, it feels like a great situation over there. Obviously, the Cooper cup, like, decision of whether he's going to be back, things like that. One of the best receivers in the league still.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

Obviously dealt with some stuff last year, but is it, like. And we don't have to talk about this if you don't want to, but have you talked to him?

[Matthew Stafford]

Well, yeah, I mean, like, I was. You know, I ran into him, right. Kind of when they told him the news that they were, you know, talking about trading him, and. And, you know, obviously, that one is tough. It's. You're around this game long enough, those kind of things happen, you know, and it's. It's tough, especially for a guy that's meant so much to me in my career and how he helped me kind of, you know, get in with. With the Rams and. And, you know, just in that locker room and what it's all about, to be a part of that team. He was such a huge part of that for me, so it's tough. And I've spent probably more time with him as a teammate than really any other teammate, you know, in my career. And that just kind of happened organically. You know, I would go in there early and, you know, sure enough, Cooper be in there, or he'd walk in, you know, as I'm walking in, and we started watching tape together, and then it just turned into a thing that we just did every day. And so I spent a ton of time with him. He's meant a ton to me, you know, as a player, but even more probably as a person. You talk to guys, including Sean, guys around that team that have been with him. For extended periods of time. And he's a fantastic player. He means a ton to our team, but just as a human being, as a person, he's as good as it gets. So whether he's with us, which I, you know, I love, I love Cooper and would love opportunity to continue to play with him, but. Or if he's somewhere else, I mean, whoever gets him, it's going to be, you know, he's. He's a fantastic person for the locker room, for the team. And shoot, you know, when he's healthy, he's still balling.

[Travis Kelce]

Hell yeah. Man. I still remember that goddamn interview where he just started ripping off defensive, like, coverages and stuff. Dude, that was so. But it was like. It was like. I mean, that dude's. The mind is going, man. He's dialed in the story.

[Matthew Stafford]

I mean, he's like the nicest guy in the world, right? And so the story behind that is he's like doing this interview post game, which he doesn't, you know, love being in front of the camera anyways. And he's doing an interview and the reporter asks him a question. He answers it. She asks him another question. He answers it. It's like a third question. He's like, okay, what is going on here? And this, you know, he's like, I'm trying to get off the field. Get in the locker room and go. She asked him one more question. And so he's like, you know what? I'm just gonna go top rope way over your head so that you're just gonna go, okay, thanks. Cooper's. Yeah, he hits her with just like. I mean, we saw the zone pressure. I knew it was the mike was working away because we got three out. Matthew changed for protection. I'm like, you just went like rogue football on this, on this reporter. And she was just like, and that's Cooper cups. They gotta go take a shower and get out here. But it was pretty, pretty, pretty veteran move by Coop.

[Travis Kelce]

You were saying he watched his film with you guys. Is he. I mean, is he that. That, like, in tune with, like, protection calls and stuff like that, or was he was just trying to get out of that interview?

[Matthew Stafford]

He's pretty dialed in. Like, he. He asked me really good questions.

[Travis Kelce]

Nice.

[Matthew Stafford]

You know, just from a quarterback perspective. I mean, he knows as much or more than any other teammate I've ever, you know, had. You know, this guy will. Will be watching practice or something, and. And he's like, hey, run that play back. I'm like, and it's some run play. And he's like, we really could, you know, knock it back, tag it back. One here with these angles and single high. And I could just block the mic instead of having to go out to the nickel in this two by two set. And I'm like, yeah, I mean, if you wanted to change, go ahead, man. He's grinding on every, like, run play, every single thing he's. He's meticulous about and, and shoot, it's, you know, part of what makes him great.

[Travis Kelce]

I gotta love it. You gotta tell me the difference, though, of a guy like him than a guy like demarcus Robinson.

[Matthew Stafford]

Oh, yeah, baby.

[Travis Kelce]

One of my favorite teammates of all time.

[Matthew Stafford]

He's so great. D Rob is the man. I love D Rob. He's been great for our team. I think he's got some crazy streak where he's been on, like, he's played for nine years, played for a few different teams, and he's made the playoffs every single year, dude. So he's just like, he's the good luck charm, you know, you just gotta bring him back. But he's no, he's a great player, you know, okay to not know, to, you know, tag it back one. He's okay with not knowing that. Just.

[Travis Kelce]

And it's good, baby.

[Matthew Stafford]

But like, instinct wise, got great instincts. Like, you could just tell him out there, be like, hey, we're gonna run wide zone at you. And he'd probably end up on the right guy. You know, he just gets it. So much fun to play with.

[Travis Kelce]

Even Puka, man, what a character.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

You guys got so much talent out there.

[Matthew Stafford]

Because a monster, man. He's. For a young guy, come in and, you know, done what he's been able to do the last couple years is pretty outstanding. Obviously had a great guy to learn from with. With Coop as far as, you know, kind of where to be in that offense. Yeah. And then, you know, once the ball's in his hand, that's, you know, some of the best stuff he does is just running physical and playing physical. It's. It's pretty cool to see.

[Travis Kelce]

Heck yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Do you think the receivers in that offense need to be a little bit more dialed in with all the motions and like, how responsible they are in the run game. Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

You won't play if you're. If you're not. You know what I mean? And that's kind of the way it is. And, and, you know, a lot of two by two sets where the F and the X, where Coup and old D Rob were out there together.

[Jason Kelce]

Yes.

[Matthew Stafford]

So There were two peas in a pot out there doing two by two sets. And. And so rely on your teammates. Not illegal to communicate.

[Travis Kelce]

Those combos.

[Jason Kelce]

Not illegal to communicate out when they sign br.

[Travis Kelce]

The thing is, you get me and D Rob, same time we're over there.

[Matthew Stafford]

Like, yeah, oh, God.

[Travis Kelce]

We'll both just get somebody.

[Jason Kelce]

We used to. I think they. When they signed Brandon Brooks, they're like, part of your job is telling Lane Johnson, you know what the call is. Let's make sure we're bouncing this call out.

[Travis Kelce]

The call.

[Matthew Stafford]

We gotta echo the call 100%. That's part of it, man.

[Jason Kelce]

He's gonna block TJ one on one. You're gonna let him know what the call.

[Matthew Stafford]

That's the beauty of the game, though, right? Like, give and take from everybody and. And no doubt it. It happens. It's fun to watch.

[Jason Kelce]

Let's talk about the super bowl season. Talks about a little bit. You went there in the first year. What I mean, when you signed in la, did you anticipate that happening that quickly? I mean, probably not, right?

[Matthew Stafford]

I mean, any guy that just says, yeah, I'll just show up there and we'll win the super bowl, obviously. No, it was, you know, I was excited about the opportunity. I didn't think it was going to happen there just because I didn't. I think I was going there just because of, you know, the, you know, contract stuff they had just done with Jared and all that. So. Sure. You know, But I ended up there. And, yeah, I mean, I knew we had a talented team, but I just knew that I. I felt a ton of pressure because I think they returned 10 guys on offense except for me.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

And maybe all 11 guys on defense. And I'm like, I'm carrying the asshole that doesn't know what's going on. You know what I mean? So it was like a lot of pressure, especially at my position. I'm supposed to know everybody's job in and out. So. Spent a lot of time and a lot of hours just kind of making sure that when I stepped into huddle day one, they weren't like, this guy. You know what I mean?

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

So it was like, all right. Not only physically could I do what I could do, but I want to make sure that mentally they were like, okay, this guy's on it. And so spent a bunch of time and I knew we were talented. I didn't know how talented. But you guys have been on those teams. It's like, you know, the week one starters we had compared to, you know, what we were doing at the end, it's totally different. And so being able to navigate that whole thing was. Was incredible. It was an incredible year. You know, we had so many talented guys. You know, especially late after we signed Odell, we signed Vaughn. I mean, it was like.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

Going out to practice, just unbelievable practices we had against each other.

[Travis Kelce]

SWAG champs, man. Yeah, SWAG champs like that.

[Matthew Stafford]

It was wild. It was wild.

[Travis Kelce]

Especially in la.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, they were. They were fun teammates to have, and I still talk to those guys. But it was. It was a special, special moment. I mean, it's just a lot of years, you know, in Detroit not knowing if that was ever going to be an opportunity to get and play in those games. And, you know, going through the playoffs and, you know, winning those games to get to that point was special. And then getting to do it at our own home stadium was crazy.

[Jason Kelce]

And a lot of people focus on your time in la just because I think the success has been there as a team. You balled the fuck out in Detroit.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh, every year.

[Matthew Stafford]

Every year. Yeah, Every year.

[Jason Kelce]

Calvin Johnson, I mean, yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

What the fuck throwing Johnson, dude, He.

[Matthew Stafford]

Was a monster Megatron, man.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

Just a creative player. He didn't say much, you know, and I wish I was. I wish I would have got, obviously more time with him. Anytime you got a great player like that, you're like, man, I wish I had more time to play with that guy. But I just think about, like, plug and play him in the system we're in right now. And I'm like, oh, my God. Boy, would have been scary.

[Jason Kelce]

That's a guy that you plug into any system.

[Travis Kelce]

I mean, the guy was playing at Georgia Tech.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yes.

[Travis Kelce]

He was literally playing.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, Put him out there.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

He'll figure it out.

[Matthew Stafford]

But he is. He is an incredible player. I've been lucky to play with a bunch of talented receivers, all kind of different styles and body types and all that kind of stuff, but he is. I mean, it was crazy.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

Throwing balls to him. I was like, it feels like you're throwing to a D end. I mean, like, that's what he looked like out there.

[Jason Kelce]

It was crazy. I mean, you have two. So, Cooper, in what year was that? 20.

[Matthew Stafford]

21 for Coop.

[Jason Kelce]

21.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

And then Calvin and 12 12. I mean, two of the top five receiving.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Seasons of anybody in the history of the game.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

And they have you as a person throwing. What does that mean? Like, do you remind them that you're. The first time.

[Matthew Stafford]

I just send a yearly text. You're welcome. No, but. No, it's. No, it's cool. It is. It's something that, you know, I. I feel like, lucky to be a part of. You know what I mean? It was incredible watching both those guys do it in completely different ways, you know, Cooper, like, majority from the slot. Just unbelievable. Finding his way through catch and run guy. And then Calvin just line him up on the outside and let him go to work on people. It was. It was cool to be a part of both. I definitely am proud of it and that, you know, we got that done. It's a special, special thing, I guess, you know, I guess I can get that number one guy, the ball a lot if he's getting open, you know.

[Jason Kelce]

So Schwartz used to tell me that you guys run a goal line play where Calvin would be singled up.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Four to the other side. And we used to run. Call it diamond.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Where it's like quarterback draw. If it's a light box. Calvin, if he's got the one on one, we're taking it. And if you got numbers there, you got the screen.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

And he's like, there. You could not be right.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Like, it was like a cheat code.

[Matthew Stafford]

It was. And then, like, we would get to the point where I. I would. It was hard down there in the goal line to see leverage.

[Jason Kelce]

Sure.

[Matthew Stafford]

You know, for me, like, was the guy playing inside you or outside of you, whatever? So I got to a point where, like, Calvin and I would just have. He would just signal to me whether he wanted the fade or the glance kind of.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

And he would just go, open hand, closed hand on the inside hand. He just closed hand was. I'm running the fade. Open hand, biggest dude on the field.

[Travis Kelce]

Sneaky.

[Matthew Stafford]

Just one hand open. I'm like, oh, here comes this one right here. So. But yeah, I mean, it was crazy. And then we went and played the Saints, and they ended up vicing him, you know, down in, like, punt pro. And then the next year on there for you, we're playing at Arizona and like, the first third down of the game, he's in the slot. And we're running like 5 25F post swing, like, you know, and. And he's. He's viced on third down.

[Jason Kelce]

Third down, third down from, like, our.

[Matthew Stafford]

Like, minus 20, you know, like, opening possession.

[Jason Kelce]

We're not letting them ruin the game.

[Matthew Stafford]

I'm like, geez, guys, relax.

[Jason Kelce]

I mean, listen, that's what. We treated Aaron Donald. We vice Tim all game.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, I get it.

[Jason Kelce]

I completely relate.

[Matthew Stafford]

And I. And I threw it to, like, Pettigrew. And we didn't get the first down or something. And I come back and I'm like, how was it? He's like, I still got open. And I'm like, fuck. Of course he would get open.

[Jason Kelce]

You know, of course we're gonna cancel him out. Since there's two guys vicing him still.

[Matthew Stafford]

1. I'm like, God, he was crazy.

[Jason Kelce]

March Madness is coming up. That's right. I don't know if you know it, but March is here. It's gonna be wild.

[Travis Kelce]

Everyone always locks in on the men's tournament, but the women's bracket is shaping up unreal.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah. Have you seen juju Watkins?

[Travis Kelce]

Come on now.

[Jason Kelce]

What she's doing over at usc. Absolutely electric.

[Travis Kelce]

Electric. We got to meet her out in France last year, actually. If you're not already on the juju team, now's your chance to say you were there early. That's right.

[Jason Kelce]

The level of talent she brings to the women's game is generational. I'm telling you, do not sleep on the women's tournament.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. She can literally do it all, man. This is a year. And make sure you keep your eye on juju Watkins. Her mindset is next level. Like the way she attacks everything she does.

[Jason Kelce]

She's got that classic Nike energy. When people say you can't, she's like, watch me and just does it.

[Travis Kelce]

You got that right. And shout out to our partner Nike, who she also partners with. They came out with that insane commercial around the super bowl that we showed you guys, and now they're out inspiring the next generation of Hoopers.

[Jason Kelce]

Stay tuned for what they've got going on for March Madness.

[Travis Kelce]

I cannot wait.

[Jason Kelce]

Now a moment brought to you by American Express.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh, I like how you went down here, Jason. Do you have any fun dining experiences planned for maybe St. Patrick's Day?

[Jason Kelce]

I'm gonna dine on 15 freaking Guinnesses.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh, nice. Well, they are packed with protein. Are you going to fit in with the holiday theme?

[Jason Kelce]

I'm gonna be wearing green.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh, I might.

[Jason Kelce]

I don't know. Do I go slap sticky and do like, all, like, the kiss me, I'm Irish stuff, or do I just go like a green sweater with a Jeff cap and just drink Guinness?

[Travis Kelce]

Well, that's fun.

[Jason Kelce]

With Amex Platinum, you will get global dining access by Resy when you add your Platinum card to your Resi profile.

[Travis Kelce]

So you can experience some of the hottest restaurants with access to exclusive reservations and even be notified when a hard to get reservation opens up.

[Jason Kelce]

That's the powerful backing accessed by American Express.

[Travis Kelce]

For full terms and access to learn more, visit americanexpress.com withamex.

[Jason Kelce]

Thank you to our partner. Mentos gum.

[Travis Kelce]

Do I. We did it. Life's got its mundane moments.

[Jason Kelce]

The morning commute, the endless calls. The same playlist on repeat. But what if you could shake things up with just one small move, guys?

[Travis Kelce]

That's where Mentos gum comes in. That first burst of freshness. It's like hitting the fresh button to make ordinary moments fun.

[Jason Kelce]

Suddenly you're not just sitting in traffic, you're jamming out to your own private concert. Now, right now, the back to back meeting marathon. Now your mind is zooming and grooving with fresh ideas.

[Travis Kelce]

From the crisp kick of freshman to fruity strawberry, each piece is refreshing with possibility.

[Jason Kelce]

Refresh every day with Mentos Gu.

[Travis Kelce]

I was gonna take it back, man. How does a Texas gunslinger like yourself end up in Georgia?

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, well, both my parents went to Florida State, so I wasn't like a Texas kid growing up. Like, wasn't like Longhorns or Aggies or any of that kind of stuff, so.

[Travis Kelce]

But your whole life, you grew up in Texas?

[Matthew Stafford]

I did, yeah. But I loved like Florida State. Yeah, I want to go to Florida State. I end up getting an offer him. But the offensive coordinator at Florida State for a long time was Mark R. He then became the head coach of Georgia. So I started watching Georgia and my sister went there the year before me. And really the couple years before I went to Georgia, they were like second and fifth in the country. They were really good program. And I frankly wanted to be doing what I'm doing right now, playing pro football as fast as I could. I went there, took a visit. It was like a pro style offense. Felt like I had a chance to play early and I don't know, I wasn't like a huge. I wasn't like in love with the recruiting process. And it's so different back then than it is now anyway, so I just was like, let me get into where I fit in and keep it moving. And. And I love my time there. It was great. Got to play with no Sean, a bunch of, you know, talented players, AJ Green, some of those guys. So I was never like in love with University of Texas football. So I know all my buddies wanted me to go there because I want.

[Travis Kelce]

To say, even the. The day and age are coming out.

[Jason Kelce]

Is like our intern right here, Brandon is the biggest Texas Longhorn fan you'll ever see.

[Matthew Stafford]

I'm sorry. Well, you know what to know, because I went to Texas, I Sat down with Greg Davis, who is the offensive coordinator. First mistake. Yeah. He pulls up tape of the game the year before. It's Vince Young versus Oakland. That's what I'm saying.

[Travis Kelce]

You're in like, the heart of, like, prime Texas football.

[Matthew Stafford]

But it was like, hey, this is four verse concept here. This is like he had some crazy comeback at the end of the game, and the second half events went crazy. And he was like, we run in four verts. And he's like, this is beater box. And then we check it down, we say beater box back. That's like, seem outside, go to the back. Right.

[Travis Kelce]

Sounds like a Texas.

[Matthew Stafford]

Well, when Vince's quarterback, we just say run. And I'm like, yeah, right. Well, I ain't running, bro. Show me some major apple white tape. That's what I need, you know, like, find me here. And he just show me Vince stuff, and I'm like, I, I, I'm not going to hurdle the middle linebacker. Do this. So can you just like, find me here? And it just, it didn't. It didn't fit. But. Yeah, that's amazing. That was my story. Texas. I was like, I don't know. I don't know what to tell you. That's. That's not my skill set.

[Travis Kelce]

So. Good, man.

[Matthew Stafford]

It was fun, though.

[Jason Kelce]

So you go from Georgia, you're drafted in the first round, first pick.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

What. At what point did you know you were going number one?

[Matthew Stafford]

It was like. It was like a couple nights before. Maybe. Maybe a night or two before. Yeah, back when they kind of did that, you know, and, like, figure out contracts and all that kind of stuff. So. Yeah, I. I was in New York already, so it was, you know, doing the whole draft thing. And. Yeah, and they. They kind of called my agent, told them, you know, we're gonna do it. And I was like, all right, sweet. This was kind of nice. Nice walking into the green room. Not.

[Jason Kelce]

Not, you know, any stress.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah. Any stress at all. Knowing this will be a short sit. And it was, you know, just kind of sat down, popped back up and kept it moving. It was. It was a whirlwind. It was crazy. I look, think back on that. I'm like, man, what? I didn't know, right? Like, so much, but it was. It was a blast.

[Travis Kelce]

Do you immediately jump on a jet to Detroit or did you.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, the next morning. So I. I, like, went out.

[Travis Kelce]

That's not immediate. Did you have a little fun in the city?

[Matthew Stafford]

I had some. I had some good times. I had a bunch of College buddies there. And some of my family was there, too, too. So we went and had a good time, kicked it. I had to pick my number the next morning. The team president calls me early in the morning.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh, yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

I'm like. And he's like, what number do you want? I'm like, seven. You know, that's what it was in college. He's like, well, Dutch Clark, 1932 Detroit Lion.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

And I was like, oh. And they were like, we can call his family and see if he would unretire for you. I'm like, no, no, no. All good.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

Rifling through the numbers. Like, my dad's in the room, a buddy of mine's in the room. And I'm like, hey, guys, what number should I be? And I'm like, rifling through these, like, ah, you don't want that one or you don't want that one? I was like, all right, I'll just go with nine. Is nine available? They're like, yeah, nine works. I'm like, cool. And in my head, I'm like, great. I don't have to change my signature much. And, like, the seven just goes to a nine. Like, I'm good. It's easy. So, yeah, after that, proceeded to, you know, hop on a jet and fly. To fly to Detroit.

[Travis Kelce]

So love it.

[Jason Kelce]

Before the two days before when they called you, were there any other teams that you thought, oh, I might end up there, like. Or.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

How's the process?

[Matthew Stafford]

I guess before, yeah, it was. I took a couple of those 30 visits you were talking about. I took one to Detroit. I took one to the jets, and then I took one to San Fran.

[Jason Kelce]

Okay.

[Matthew Stafford]

And so the jets, when I left there, they were like, we're moving up to five to pick somebody if you're not there. And they ended up taking Sanchez.

[Jason Kelce]

Oh, yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

At five. They moved up to five to take him. And then the 49ers was a different deal. They had the 10th pick. They end up taking Crabtree. But some. Like, at the combine, there had been some, like, stuff going on in the interview. Right. Where they. I sat down with Peter King afterwards, and he was like, hey, what's the. What's the craziest thing that happened at the combine in the meetings? Right.

[Jason Kelce]

Sure.

[Matthew Stafford]

And that was kind of back when they would ask you stuff. You can't say now or ask. Ask now.

[Jason Kelce]

Sure. Okay.

[Matthew Stafford]

And so I'm like, well, San Fran's deal, it was a. Singletary was the head coach.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

And it was. It was like a. A shrink Like a. Oh, yeah. You know, like a psychologist. Psychologist, Psychiatrist, yeah. She's talking to me about all these different things and it's like, tell me about your parents. I'm like, my parents got divorced, you know, when I was in high school and. Okay, do you want to talk about. I'm like, not really. Like, they're cool. Like, it's okay.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

So Peter King's like, what's the strangest thing? I'm like, well, my 12 minutes with the Niners at that point was, you know, it was like I wanted to know how much of the prorated hour I owed him after my 12 minutes.

[Travis Kelce]

You know, And I said that and.

[Matthew Stafford]

He wrote that and I was like. And so Mike got all pissed off and was like, he's not, you know, ready to be a quarterback in the league. And he got mad. So I had to fly out there and like just kind of like shake hands and be like, listen man, I didn't mean anything by it.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

Supposed to be a joke, but yeah. Yeah, that was completely fly out the same. I fly out to S. I'm on the east coast. I'm in Atlanta at the time. I fly out to San Fran. I go there, I meet with Mike. This is awesome. He's getting a bow flex put in his office as I'm walking in, I'm.

[Travis Kelce]

Like, hell yeah, he's getting the.

[Matthew Stafford]

Course.

[Travis Kelce]

He got scammed by the commercial.

[Matthew Stafford]

Damn it.

[Jason Kelce]

Been there before that.

[Matthew Stafford]

And I'm like, this is. Is awesome. But like it was honestly a great meeting with him the whole deal. And so, you know, I'm meeting with him. They're like, hey, that's so good. They're not gonna. We're like, you're not gonna be there at 10. We're not gonna get a chance to.

[Travis Kelce]

Take Slim Flas milkshake next to him.

[Jason Kelce]

Do a T.

[Matthew Stafford]

O. Gosh. Yeah, it was short lived.

[Jason Kelce]

The league has changed quite a bit.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yes, it has. Oh, man. Good old Mike.

[Jason Kelce]

All right.

[Travis Kelce]

Well, damn, that was good. What do you think the biggest change in the league has been besides.

[Jason Kelce]

Besides?

[Travis Kelce]

Exactly.

[Matthew Stafford]

Golly. I mean, it has changed a ton, right? Like, I feel like the X's and O's parts of it is so cyclical and like. Yeah, you know, it was all. When I first got in league, it was all Tampa 2 or yalls first years yours?

[Travis Kelce]

I was 11, 13.

[Matthew Stafford]

Okay. Yeah. So it was like all Tampa 2. It was Chicago Bears. Chicago Bears, Tampa 2. They're bringing the mike and the nickel playing three week way or they're bringing the free safety and our lacquers cutting and picking four week and taking them to the house. Right.

[Jason Kelce]

It's like pressures were all these, like zone dogs.

[Matthew Stafford]

That's all it was. Right. And then it went to like, okay, Seattle, we're playing three deep, four under. We got the, like, we cook player carrying three vertical, all that stuff.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

And then it's, you know, a lot of what you guys are doing I think is great, you know, and whatever. So I think scheme wise, it's, you know, it's really. It's really been like cyclical. I think the way they can hit players now has changed so much. I mean, I used to get just absolutely dumped by dudes.

[Jason Kelce]

Just you've got some iconic, just like getting crushed, face mask going in all sorts of different directions.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah. There's been some tough, some lean moments there.

[Travis Kelce]

So.

[Matthew Stafford]

Good.

[Travis Kelce]

Just some good memes nowadays.

[Jason Kelce]

It's not the same.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, no, yeah. It's not the same. I remember at one off season, I was in the NFC north for forever, and Julius Peppers, who was with Chicago at the time, just talk to you and sound intimidating. Jared Allen.

[Travis Kelce]

North Carolina.

[Jason Kelce]

Are you out of, like, of an action movie? What the are you doing on this football field?

[Matthew Stafford]

But Pep and Jared Allen were both free agents.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

In Minnesota and in Chicago. I'm like, good, get the out of here. They just, Damn it. You know, Julius is in, you know, Green Bay and, you know, Jared's in Chicago, and I'm like, I can't get rid of these guys. But no, it was. It was different times back then. Yeah. I mean, really, all. All aspects of the game, I feel like. But I mean, none of the guys were doing this, so this is a different part of it as well, which is kind of cool. Yeah. I'm not like ultra dialed into the podcast thing. My wife does the morning after. Yeah. Kb, she does a couple podcasts and she rocks it. I'm not super dialed in. Cooper and I did a little nine and dimensional.

[Jason Kelce]

Okay.

[Matthew Stafford]

For the team kind of thing. Yeah. Which was a lot of fun, but. Yeah. I mean, just having the ability and the platform to kind of get out there and talk a little bit is cool. It's. I know. It's fun for everybody to get to know you guys too, so it's cool.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. We have fun doing it, especially when we get guys like this, man.

[Matthew Stafford]

Appreciate you.

[Travis Kelce]

We got to talk about something that Tom Brady said, though. He's. He's saying that college isn't developing.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

These quarterbacks, like, they used to. How do you kind of see that as well. Like, do you see some of these young guys that come in that just are. It doesn't seem like they're as ingrained in the, like maybe the X's and O's or their mechanics as much.

[Matthew Stafford]

Well, yeah, and I think maybe kind of what he was thinking about too, when he was talking about that is just, you know, the ability to move and, and do all that. You don't get time in a system. Right? Like, think about if you just changed off as a coordinators every single year. You'd be like, man, I don't know. I know a lot, but I don't know if I, like, mastered anything.

[Jason Kelce]

Got everything.

[Matthew Stafford]

You know what I mean? And got everything out of that. And so, I mean, because for me, it's like, hard to argue. I mean, what Jaden Daniels did this year as a rookie, I'm like, all right, pretty solid player, you know, And I think, yeah, all those guys that are coming out, like, the rookies actually impress me, you know, just the way that they can go out there and operate and play at a, At a high level at a young age. But I do know what he means by that. Like, you know, you're just kind of bouncing around, bouncing through college. That's a different feel. Like we're, you know, I went to a school, you guys went to a school, and you're like, feel good about that school, try to learn everything there is to learn about that system and then. And go from there. You know, I think it's an individual case, like each player. But I am impressed by a lot of the guys that come out, and I'm like, I'm a fan of. I want those guys to have success. Like, I don't want the guys to come into the league. And I'm not the old guy that's like, no, you can't take, you know, don't have my job, you know, like, I want you to fail. I'm like, man, I want, I want the game to continue to be great and, And I want those young guys to play well. So I was impressed by them.

[Travis Kelce]

Awesome.

[Jason Kelce]

Awesome.

[Travis Kelce]

I think, I think also it's. It goes back to what you were saying. It's just a different game.

[Matthew Stafford]

100.

[Travis Kelce]

When you come into the league nowadays. I just feel like. And this might be me being older. Think about this. But it feels like it's a younger game.

[Matthew Stafford]

Oh, yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

It doesn't. Like, I don't see the Ray Lewis's at linebacker where it's like intimidation.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, you gotta Be where you're.

[Travis Kelce]

You're under center, and you just. You're staring at Ray Lewis, and you're like, okay, yeah, here we go. I know you're coming.

[Jason Kelce]

Changed.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

They got to be able to cover and do more in the passing game. Don't. Wrong. Ray Lewis would probably still be good in today's NFL, right? You know Bobby Wagner.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

You know, I mean, I think. But, yeah, it's. As the game changes, so do the position.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah. There's not a million dudes doing what I do, like, sitting in the pocket and throwing anymore. You know, a lot of guys are moving around and making plays, and I'm jealous. You know, I'm watching tape, and they're like, I know. They just see man coverage. And, like, I'm just gonna run.

[Jason Kelce]

I'm just gonna run.

[Matthew Stafford]

And I'm like, that's an awful idea. If I try to do that, everybody's back. It's gonna be second 11, you know, it's not good for us if I do that. So, guys, get open.

[Jason Kelce]

Do you ever watch the combine any of the college games?

[Matthew Stafford]

I mean, I'll flip the combine on a little bit here and there. I watched some of the college games. I'm not, like, a huge college guy. When it gets, like, to the playoffs and the really good games, sure, I'll flick it on, but I'm not, like, following a guy throughout the year. Now. I do watch those guys when they get into the league. Like C.J. stroud. I thought he had an unbelievable rookie year, and I still think he. You know, he had a tough year this year, but they had a ton of injuries around him and all that kind of stuff. Yeah. And so they have. But I like watching the young guys play because it's. It kind of, like, revitalizes me, invigorates.

[Travis Kelce]

Me a little bit.

[Matthew Stafford]

Like, golly, these guys are out there just playing carefree, ripping it. It. You know, sometimes when you have, you know, a bunch of years of experience, you got some scars, too, right? I mean, these guys are just letting it rip into this coverage. And. Yeah. And I'm like, I remember free. I remember C.J. threw a touchdown. I think it was a preseason game. He threw like, a bang eight into, like, into three buzz right over the safety's head. And I was like. I saw him that year. We played him or something or practiced against him. I was like, what are you doing ripping those rotation for a touchdown? He's like, hey, man, they didn't play it right. And I'm like, just to be Carefree enough to be like, yeah, you know what? Shoot it in there and score. I'm like, man, I'd have been going that way. Yeah. And, you know, probably been second six. We've been happy with the four yard completion, but my man's driving off the field with a touchdown.

[Jason Kelce]

I mean, I noticed that. Even just for me, like, you get resistant to something sometimes just because you've been burned on 100, you're like, I don't really try. And then you'll watch somebody else do it and all of a sudden it like, works out. You're like, man, am I. Am I wrong in this or am I right? Like, what's going on here? I mean, sounds like yours is pretty black and white, but like, the further you go.

[Matthew Stafford]

No, I'm with you. The further you get in your career, you got to fight that sometimes, right? For sure, man. Like, I know how they should be playing that defense.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

And they're not playing it right. But like, I went over here and this was open, even though I know it shouldn't be. You know what I mean? You're like, the teams that are really ultra, like, undisciplined on defense are. Don't want to give away any secrets, but those are the tough ones to play sometimes because you're like, you know, you may get a freebie and score or whatever, but a lot of times, man, you're passing something because you know the coverage and, and it's wide open because they blew it, you know, and it's tough, you know, tough when Calvin.

[Travis Kelce]

Johnson's double covered because you're like, man, where else do I think it is, Calvin?

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

What? Do you see anything when you're watching, like, a young quarterback where, like, oh, man, he's got it, or like, what do you. I guess, what would you see out of a trait in a guy that you like to see out of a quarterback?

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, I mean, I think poise is a huge one. Right? Like, because I think that helps, you know, withstand time. I think quarterbacks, like, so much of it is like, longevity. How often can you do it? How many years in a row can you just go out there and. And be that player? And there's going to be times where things around you or you are battling something or wherever, and it may not be as good, but like, what kind of. What are you when times are good, when times are bad? Also in game, like, hey, it's fourth quarter, we need you. Like, what does that look like? I think that's something to me that you Know, helps, you know, predict and project what guys are going to be like down the road, because that's what they're all looking for. Right. They don't want, like, a guy to be really good for one year. They want them to be good for a long time. And. And that's something to me that, like, you look at what Jaden Daniel was able to do. I mean, those guys, they proved it. Both, I think, through, like, longevity of a season, but also in game, in big moments. Being able to come up for the team is pretty cool.

[Jason Kelce]

I forget what there was, like, 11 wins or something like that, like, at the last.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah. I mean, there's something crazy. All sorts of them. Right. I mean, the massive Hail Mary that everybody remembers, but there were a bunch of other ones were. That were great plays.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah. I got to ask this before we get to this next segment.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yep.

[Jason Kelce]

You played with two of the best D tackles in this decade plus of football. And Aaron Donald and Domin.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Who frightened you more as a quarterback?

[Matthew Stafford]

You know, spent more. I probably played more. I don't know. It might be kind of close. I was going to say I played more games against Aaron Donald than I did sue, but I played quite a few against sue there. Kind of at the end, I would say having, you know, experience with both AD Is. It was a different deal because there was, like, the get off was crazy. I mean, he just wrecked practices. Sue was that way too, in a lot of instances, and was a great player for us in Detroit, and then, you know, bounced around and had some unbelievable seasons at other places, too. But AD Was. That was something different. Just watching him go about his job every single day. I remember, like, the third practice, I was there in training camp. We have no pads on. We're in a quick game. I'm throwing a hitch to the field, and I smash my thumb on his helmet, and I'm like, yo, I just caught the ball. He's like, catch, throw, bang. And I'm like. And next thing you know, everybody had the Guardian caps on, you know, but it was. But he was. He was crazy in his ability. And I would say the respect that he got from offensive lines and other defense and other offenses was something I've never seen before.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, I would agree with that. I mean, we treated him differently than any other defensive tackle that we ever played.

[Matthew Stafford]

And.

[Jason Kelce]

And sue was the re. I think sue was like, almost. He, like, wanted to kill somebody.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Where AD Wanted to kill somebody, too, but it was like a different level of intensity.

[Matthew Stafford]

I agree.

[Jason Kelce]

AD Though. His like, motor. It was every single snap, every single play. You could not take a playoff. He never took a playoff. He was running. I don't know how he had that kind of conditioning. It was, to this day.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah. Well, you.

[Jason Kelce]

The combinedness of, like, his athleticism is, like, explosive in strength.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah. Smart player. Like, I mean, he knew, like, you talk to him. Like, I get in the, you know, cafeteria, and you sit down, you talk to him, and he's like, yeah. I knew if I wasn't doubled, if the center didn't come to me, it's run away.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

Because the center comes to me every pass play.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

And if a center comes to me, it's pass or it's run two.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

Center goes away. Like, you're not. Not blocking me with two. So he knew it was run away, and then he's shooting a backside gap. I mean, like, he. It was just, like, could make decisions and go like that, that quickly. And sure, it was. It was impressive to be around him and watch him work. I mean, the way he worked out. We had a. I'll never forget, he was crazy in the weight room, right? Like, the Rock came in and worked out with him one time, and there's fighting. Yeah. He's a maniac in the weight room. Right. And I'll never Forget, this was 21 or 22 maybe.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

We had, like, a make a wish kid who had, like, a year before had been like, hey, I want to. My dream is to go, like, be with Aaron Donald for a day kind of thing. And thankfully, this kid at that point had kind of beaten the odds and had beaten the cancer that he had, I believe, and, like, was really on the mend, and it was really cool. Like, he came in, and you're like, oh, man, this guy's, like, doing good, right? High school kid, like, bigger kid, like, loved to play football, and AD Was, like, cool. Come work out with me, right? And I'm like. I'm walking by. I'm like, yo, what is about to go down?

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

Right? And I look over and, like, I'm over there doing, like, banded something, and, like, 30 minutes in and 80s, just ripping curls out and this and this. Next thing you know, this kid is puking in the trash can. Can you please, like, have a little couth. A little understanding, like you want to be.

[Jason Kelce]

Adam's been on chemo for months, AD.

[Matthew Stafford]

God, can we just relax on the bicep curls for a little bit? It's like, how many do we do? We throw up, you know? Unbelievable. I was like, this guy has no. I mean, the motor just never stops. It was incredible.

[Travis Kelce]

I remember it was my first time playing in LA against the Rams. And it was a preseason game. And I'm number. I'm number three, closest to the line. We're running all go special. It's cover two or at least I see too high. And I'm thinking I'm just right up the hash. And I take off and I'm like, man, I'm just gonna dig for my first, like, 5 to 10 yards. And by the time I got to the. The like five yards downfield, I felt something throw me to the numbers. And I got up out of that play like, like little dazed. I'm like, what in the was that? And I watch it on film and it was AD coming from the backside B gap and just smoked me.

[Matthew Stafford]

Oh, I believe.

[Travis Kelce]

Because there was a blitz from the other side. And I was just like, what the. I had never felt like more of like. Like the lightest thing in. Yeah. I had never moved that fast before ever in my life by anybody.

[Matthew Stafford]

I remember we're. I was in Detroit. We're playing a game against the Rams. And they're in St. Louis still at that point. Jim Bob was our coordinator. And, you know, I dropped back to pass late in the game. We need to play. And Aaron. I have two hands on the ball right like this. And Aaron just comes up from behind me and just rips both my biceps apart. The ball falls down the ground. And I'm like. I'm looking at him and I'm like. I come over to the sideline. I'm like. I mean, I'm pissed. And I'm like. I don't know what I'm supposed to do there. He's like, you got to find a way to hold on to it. I'm like, go yourself, man. Like, you think I'm gonna be able to hold on to this like this? And like, kindly separated my arms. He's like, I'll take the balls. What do I do?

[Jason Kelce]

Like, oh, is that what I was supposed to do?

[Matthew Stafford]

Let me.

[Jason Kelce]

Got it. Thanks, man.

[Matthew Stafford]

That's how this works, dude.

[Jason Kelce]

I was with Jim Bob. I'll never forget when he came up. I. We will probably cut this.

[Travis Kelce]

You gotta tell it though.

[Matthew Stafford]

Tell it anyways.

[Jason Kelce]

So I'm sitting there. We had just hired Nick Sirianni, Shane Steichen, and. And Jim Bob was on the staff. I had never met Jim Bob.

[Matthew Stafford]

Oh, yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

I didn't know about him in Detroit.

[Travis Kelce]

Really?

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

He comes up and he says, hey, Jason. My name's Jim Bob Cooter. And I just like laughs like audibly, like, like a giggle.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

And I'm like, oh, oh, that's real.

[Matthew Stafford]

My bad on that one.

[Jason Kelce]

Awesome dude.

[Matthew Stafford]

He's a great dude. All time name.

[Jason Kelce]

It caught me just so off guard. Like, I was like, what the. Are we like in Varsity blues right now?

[Matthew Stafford]

100%. 100%. You know, he, like, he's got like, the name matches. I think his like his childhood home backed up to the Jack Daniels Distillery, like, as it should, right.

[Travis Kelce]

With a name like Jim Bob back.

[Matthew Stafford]

Up to Jack Daniels. So, yeah, he's, he's one of a kind.

[Jason Kelce]

Thank you to intuit TurboTax for sponsoring today's episode.

[Travis Kelce]

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[Jason Kelce]

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[Travis Kelce]

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[Jason Kelce]

Nice. Who wouldn't love to kick back with a cup of coffee, feet propped up while a a tech savvy tax expert? Make sure you're getting every dollar out of those business trips, huh? I mean, that does sound pretty dreamy.

[Travis Kelce]

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[Jason Kelce]

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[Travis Kelce]

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[Jason Kelce]

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[Travis Kelce]

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[Jason Kelce]

Like the Let Them Theory by mel Robbins or 10% happier by Dan Harris. I'll take 10% happier. I'll take a thousand percent happier. I'm gonna one up Dan Harris. Yeah, I'm actually a tenfold.

[Travis Kelce]

I'm gonna go 10,000.

[Jason Kelce]

I'm gonna 100 times.

[Travis Kelce]

I'm gonna 1 million percent happy.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

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[Jason Kelce]

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[Travis Kelce]

All right, 92 percenters, if you're listening to me right now, this is your sign to stock up on my favorite energy drink of all time. That's right. Accelerator. I'm telling you, this is the best tasting energy drink on the market with the best flavors. More than one multiple. A bunch of them. And they're all zero sugar and uses 100% natural caffeine.

[Jason Kelce]

Nice.

[Travis Kelce]

Doesn't get any better than that. Every single flavor is a banger, and they just dropped a new item on Amazon. Jason, please tell them what I'm talking about.

[Jason Kelce]

That's right, Trav. Three of your favorite flavors are now available in one variety pack. We're talking rocket pop, cherry ice pop, and tropical punch. That's actually a great trio right there. That's right. Cherry Ice Pop has always been one of my favorites. Shirley Temple.

[Travis Kelce]

These flavors are three of my favorite. Obviously, Orange Ice Pop is up there as well, but Orange Ice Pop.

[Jason Kelce]

Yep.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. These three. You can't go wrong.

[Jason Kelce]

I'm not even gonna lie. These are three very good flavors. All right, now, Accelerator is clinically proven to provide sustained energy, accelerate your metabolism, and even enhance your focus. The drink is the real deal, people.

[Travis Kelce]

Upgrade your energy and go get your Accelerator at Amazon. All right, let's get into this last segment, brother.

[Jason Kelce]

You got to ask.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. If we got to ask, you can tell us to off. You don't got to answer.

[Matthew Stafford]

Okay.

[Travis Kelce]

But yeah, we. We always wrap it up with. With you. We got to ask, but you don't have to answer.

[Jason Kelce]

Oh, we got to ask is brought to you by Mentos gum. Because you keep doing the same note.

[Travis Kelce]

No, it's not.

[Jason Kelce]

You're doing the same note.

[Travis Kelce]

I'm doing a different note.

[Jason Kelce]

Do your note.

[Travis Kelce]

No. See?

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah. You were terrible that time.

[Travis Kelce]

You were different because I did the same note that time.

[Jason Kelce]

Go ha High. That was close. That was it. That was it. All right.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. No, this will be easy. This will be easy. Rapid fire, too. You don't even got to.

[Matthew Stafford]

Am I elaborating on these answers? Am I just one wording?

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah, you can.

[Matthew Stafford]

Let's go.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, that's right.

[Travis Kelce]

As of 2024, the only remaining active players in the NFL from 2009 draft class are you and jets punter Thomas Morgan. Steed. More Stead. Steed. The E, A D, red. You know what I'm saying?

[Matthew Stafford]

My first grade daughter, Hunter is doing those words right now. She was reading this morning. CC Read, read. 100%. It's a real deal, bro.

[Travis Kelce]

I don't know who created this language. Yeah, do you plan to do whatever it takes to outlast more?

[Matthew Stafford]

I've been waiting for him to just wither away at some point, but he just keeps going.

[Jason Kelce]

He's a machine.

[Matthew Stafford]

We actually played the jets this year. It's funny you say this. We played the jets this year. I was unaware that Thomas was an 09 draft pick.

[Travis Kelce]

And he challenge you post game, he.

[Matthew Stafford]

Came up to me, he was like, yo, can I get a picture? We're like the only two guys still doing it. So. Yeah, it was. It was nice to get a picture with my guy. It'll be the last one. Don't ever ask me for a picture again.

[Travis Kelce]

I love it.

[Matthew Stafford]

But no, I mean, he's. He's got a gig that promotes longevity, so we'll see. I don't know if I can keep going, but he probably can.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, he can keep going forever.

[Matthew Stafford]

I don't like my odds.

[Jason Kelce]

Do you have a favorite throw?

[Matthew Stafford]

One is tough to, you know, tough to come up with. I mean, like, throwing a fade to Cooper to win the super bowl was pretty awesome to play earlier in that drive to throw the in breaker I had where I kind of, hell yeah, looked him off was. Was another good one. Those are the two that come to mind. And then. Then weirdly enough, the three that, you know, hit me first were all to him. But the. The one in Tampa in the divisional round when they brought the zero pressure on the two minute drive and I just. He's running like a vertical push to clear out for a dagger.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

And I like caught it. Backside safety whenever I was like, oh, my God, this is zero. And just launched that one fade away. Those three are pretty good ones because they were like high level, high leverage moments. Right. Like, there's some cool ones that, you know you're getting blown out or you're winning big, but those were high leverage moments and. And I was able to. To make it happen.

[Jason Kelce]

All right, now you have a submission from Andrew Whitworth. Recently told a story.

[Matthew Stafford]

Big wit. Oh, great.

[Jason Kelce]

He said one time you threw a bomb to Van Jefferson against Arizona. I don't know if you remember this play.

[Matthew Stafford]

Okay. It's got to be.

[Jason Kelce]

You said. You said die as you threw it.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, that was a good one. That was a good one. That two was a good one.

[Jason Kelce]

You, like, called like nothing but net.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

Kobe.

[Matthew Stafford]

It was a good one. Yeah, it came out of the hand good. And I was like, oh, this is gonna be sweet. I'll never forget. J.J. watt was on the side and wasn't playing that Game. He's hurt and I like, threw it and kind of like spun around and like, for some reason, you know, I'm kind of cruising down their sideline and I like, lock eyes, like, see him and I'm like, oh, got him Also, thank God you're not playing. Would not have been able to get that one off, but would have been.

[Jason Kelce]

Way harder with you in front of.

[Matthew Stafford]

But it. Yeah, that was a good one. Van. When he got that one, that was kind of like a cool, like, play action half boot that we had put in maybe that week or week before and hit it. It was sweet.

[Jason Kelce]

That's awesome.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, it was a cool one.

[Travis Kelce]

Who put in the fake spike in Dallas? Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

Oh, my. That was not put in because. No, that was just.

[Travis Kelce]

You just went.

[Matthew Stafford]

Well, I was like. So we throw a seam ball to Calvin in that. In that. The play before. And I thought he got in. Everybody thought he got in. Riley Reef was our left tackle at the moment, and he's celebrating like WWE style on the 50. Like his back is to me. I'm screaming high pitched like a girl, like, get over here. And so everybody's kind of waiting for Riley to get back from his celebration. And so I'm standing at the. At the line of scrimmage and I've got time to kind of like, look. Yeah, it's like 12 seconds left on the clock and the D line's just like chilling in the stands.

[Jason Kelce]

Yep.

[Matthew Stafford]

Sean Lee was kind of just chilling at Mike linebacker, which is very unlike him because he was very much. What a monster. Oh, my God. He's a good person. Super smart. Me too. Yeah, he was tough, but so I had time to kind of see it happening and I'm like, it. I'm just gonna go like, I'm not gonna let him call another play. Yeah, we had, you know, just a spike or a kill it, whatever you want to call it. We had that called and then I just decided to go for it myself and thank God it worked out. That would have been a tough one. Yeah. All the time fail had it not worked well.

[Jason Kelce]

It did.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yes.

[Jason Kelce]

Was your return to Detroit the wildest atmosphere you've ever played in?

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, I. I would say so. I think. Yeah. Both times. Really? Like, the playoff game was crazy. That was. That was wild because we ran out for pregame warm ups and the place was just packed and just booing the. Out of me and. Which is whatever. But. But yeah, it was. That was a loud, loud game. And then we came back, you know, for the opener the next Year. And it was crazy loud again. They. They support. When they're rolling, they support, man. It's wild.

[Travis Kelce]

They're not around.

[Matthew Stafford]

No.

[Travis Kelce]

Especially Dome City, too. Oh, man. Around Rowdy.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, both. Both of those were, you know, night games, so had ample time to, you know, get. Get ready to rock and roll. So they were.

[Jason Kelce]

Remove any type of barrier we have to congenialness.

[Travis Kelce]

What the did you just say?

[Jason Kelce]

All right, I'm going to stop what you meant.

[Matthew Stafford]

All right. I know where you're going to. Being nice.

[Jason Kelce]

Yes. There we go. What do we got? Your father of four girls.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yes.

[Jason Kelce]

As I am about to be.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yes.

[Jason Kelce]

You got any advice?

[Matthew Stafford]

Buckle up. No, it's. It's a blast, man. You know, we saw each other not too long ago and was talking about it. It's. It's a blast, man. My seven year olds will soon be eight, six, and a four, so we're like rocking and rolling. We're in leotards all the time doing gymnastics around the house. It's crazy. So. I don't know, man. I. At this point, I'm like. I don't even know what I would do with a boy. Like, I don't even. I can't even wrap my head around it. So I'm just like. Like, I'm all in on the girls.

[Travis Kelce]

Throw them that pig skin sling, man.

[Matthew Stafford]

Figure it out. You know what I'm saying?

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

I don't really know.

[Jason Kelce]

Figure it out. But I mean, changing a diaper with a nut sack there just feels like it would be weird.

[Matthew Stafford]

Agreed. Agreed.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, like wiping up a nut sack. Like, I don't want to be a part of that.

[Matthew Stafford]

I'm with you. I'm with you 100%.

[Jason Kelce]

Man.

[Travis Kelce]

Where are we at, baby?

[Matthew Stafford]

Nut sacks? I think is where we stop.

[Travis Kelce]

We're back on the nut sacks. You know why?

[Jason Kelce]

That's it. In the rundown, former offensive.

[Travis Kelce]

No, I'm kidding. Your former offensive coordinator, Kevin oconnell told a story about a game before he was head coach where QB fell down a skinny staircase at Lambeau. Do you recall this?

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah. Well, that was.

[Travis Kelce]

That qbu.

[Matthew Stafford]

No, no.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh. We've narrowed down the suspects.

[Matthew Stafford]

That was the guy before me.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh, that was jg. Oh, no.

[Matthew Stafford]

I guess that's what I. I was obviously not there for it, but allegedly he had a. He took a monster spill down those. You know, those like.

[Travis Kelce]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

That's old school turf. Yeah, yeah, he. I guess he took a spill. I don't know. I wasn't there for it, but that's not a fun way to start your day at Lambo. It's going to be tough enough already.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

He's bounced back.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, he's great.

[Jason Kelce]

Do you feel you've gotten. You haven't gotten enough credit for the. No, look, passes coming common in the.

[Matthew Stafford]

NFL, you know, I don't. I don't care too much for credit.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

I'm not. Keep a credit meter if. Whether I'm getting enough or not. But no, that for me, those started when I played with Calvin, because everybody in the building knew I was trying to throw him the ball.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

And so I was like, all right, how do I get all these guys off my scent a little bit?

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

I mean, like. And so I'm trying to move backers and when they're, like, just sending all the zone coverage right there, and I'm trying to, like, maneuver it. So it kind of started then.

[Jason Kelce]

Sure.

[Matthew Stafford]

Like, all right. How do I still get this guy the ball? And so, you know, it obviously evolved into more tactical use of. Of spreading it around a little bit, but I don't ever think about it. It just kind of happens organically. I mean, I know, you know, Pat does them and. And it's not. At Least for me, like, I'm not, like, talking about it. You know, you just kind of feel it and you're playing the game, and sometimes you feel like you need to move somebody and you move them.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, there you go.

[Travis Kelce]

I'm with you.

[Jason Kelce]

It's that easy. Just don't look where you're throwing the ball.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

It just freezes everybody for a second.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah, exactly. Right.

[Travis Kelce]

Well, we got you the first time we met you.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

Was out in Georgia.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

The lake.

[Matthew Stafford]

Yes.

[Travis Kelce]

Dude, what was your first impression of a guy like Jason Kelce?

[Jason Kelce]

Jesus Christ.

[Matthew Stafford]

You know, I remember. I feel like.

[Travis Kelce]

And shout out to the Air Force boys, man.

[Matthew Stafford]

They know how to go. You let those guys out and look out. I. They be like, we've been just doing.

[Travis Kelce]

PT for the last six months, haven't seen anything.

[Matthew Stafford]

And they walk out.

[Jason Kelce]

It's like.

[Matthew Stafford]

I was like, whoa. Yeah, back up. But these dudes were. They were rocking and rolling, man. They were fun. But it was. Those were. Those were great times. Simpler times.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, man, we gotta do another.

[Matthew Stafford]

They were trying to run it back at some point. I'm like, golly, it would be hard now. It's gonna take a lot out of me.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Matthew Stafford]

You know, I mean, it was 10 years straight. They did that. 10 years. I think I was there. I didn't know Started on like a mastercraft wakeboard boat and then graduated into a giant house.

[Jason Kelce]

Triple decker houseboat. Jesus. Before we get out of here, I got to have you read this from my former teammate and one of my favorite teammates of all time, Darius Slay.

[Matthew Stafford]

Oh, love Slay.

[Jason Kelce]

He said, I guess you were known to pick on dbs occasionally. And this is a quote from Darius after the Eagles Rams playoff game. It's. Here, let me.

[Matthew Stafford]

I got you right y. That one. I'm not that old. I can. I don't have. I have good eyes. Okay, you don't have to. It was fun as hell until he started. Started trying me the last two drives. Like, God damn. Staff. Like, damn. Calm the down. Like, this is so Slay. This is on brand. That's why I know you've been slinging this. Sling that somewhere else. Well, Darius, I'm sorry. I just had to do something. I was trying to fight back, man. You guys were kicking our ass. So it was. I love playing against him. I played against some, you know, know quite a few times since, you know, we've both been gone from Detroit. And he is what a great teammate. What a stud. You know, wish him nothing but the best. I love. I love getting to, you know, compete against him. He's. He's a man.

[Jason Kelce]

That's it. That's. We gotta. That's. We gotta ask. And that was brought to you by Mentos gum. I think it's all we got, dude.

[Travis Kelce]

I appreciate it, brother.

[Matthew Stafford]

No, you guys are the great. I appreciate it.

[Travis Kelce]

92% Matthew Stafford.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, baby.

[Travis Kelce]

Let's go, baby. Appreciate you. Coming through, brother.

[Matthew Stafford]

You got it, man. Thank you.

[Jason Kelce]

Best of luck this year.

[Matthew Stafford]

Appreciate it. Thank you.

[Travis Kelce]

No Heidi.

[Matthew Stafford]

All right.

[Travis Kelce]

All right. Now let's wrap this episode up with some no Dumb questions. No Dumb Questions is brought to you by American Express. That's right. Only doing one of these today. Since we had a good interview, we're just going to pick what sounds interesting. And we are brothers. We didn't really prank each other growing up, but that's the topic for this one. Hey, guys. It's Willis from South Carolina. Hey, Willie.

[Matthew Stafford]

And I'm not a parent, but I do have two younger brothers.

[Travis Kelce]

I'm in college, they're in middle school, and I'm babysitting them for about a.

[Matthew Stafford]

Week and a half coming up in like a month. And I want to pull some pranks on them.

[Jason Kelce]

Oh, wow.

[Matthew Stafford]

But I don't know what to do.

[Travis Kelce]

Because I'm not a very good pranker.

[Matthew Stafford]

But I want to get Better at it because, you know, let's have some fun. I don't want to do anything too cruel, like, I don't want to traumatize.

[Travis Kelce]

Them, but also, like, let's have some fun.

[Matthew Stafford]

So what are your favorite pranks to.

[Travis Kelce]

Pull on, like a middle school age boy?

[Jason Kelce]

Thank you so much. All right, Willow, let me tell you about a game called Poop Dollar. All right, here's what you're gonna want to do.

[Travis Kelce]

You're gonna want to get at all.

[Jason Kelce]

You're gonna want to get it. They're middle school. I feel like a dollar works still for a middle schooler, right?

[Travis Kelce]

What, 100?

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah. Take a dollar.

[Travis Kelce]

Five dollar would get them excited, but they actually, they still might keep if.

[Jason Kelce]

You really want to, like, really get them. 20 bill. Yeah, that'll for sure work.

[Travis Kelce]

It's going to take some dirty work, though. So you want to go get some hospital gloves.

[Jason Kelce]

Get some gloves, glove up for this. Hopefully you have a pet. That's the best case scenario.

[Travis Kelce]

If not, just go to the park.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah. Or you can do it yourself, but.

[Travis Kelce]

I'm gonna never gone that far.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, we haven't done that yet. You're gonna want to take a 20 bill, fold it in like a U shape, roam your backyard for some type of dropping of excrement of some kind. Take the U shape. So the bill only. Not your hand bill only.

[Travis Kelce]

But you got gloves just in case.

[Jason Kelce]

You smush it right middle of the bill. Now you have it in the middle of the bill. Fold that puppy over on top of each other. Set it down where the boys are going to be. You know, they're going to wander by, they're going to.

[Travis Kelce]

They're going to pass by.

[Jason Kelce]

Yep.

[Travis Kelce]

It's going to be enticing. You got to be around, though. So you got to. You got to camp out, you got to hide out. You have to be there while they pick it up or you're not going to be as satisfied.

[Jason Kelce]

Yes. And you're going to want to leave it so that they discover it, pick it up, and then find out that lo and behold, there's poop. Poop inside of it.

[Travis Kelce]

And you scream.

[Jason Kelce]

So that'll work. That's a good one. That's a great one. For middle school boys or really boys of any age.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah, men. Grown men. That gets them too, I would say. Another one that we. We knew about that we didn't really partake in as much, but I see Hot in the jock strap always works. So you go icy hot in the. It's kind of Cruel. But. But takes about an hour to wear off.

[Jason Kelce]

Chris Pes had got me in ice hockey. There you go.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah, of course I do.

[Jason Kelce]

We. So the. The freshman used to have to, like, unload the buses or something like that. And we had, like, loss or something like that. And I was trying to get the hell out of there. Didn't unload the bus. Came back the next day, put my jock strap on, went out on the ice. Not a fun day.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

Both icy and hot. Just as it.

[Jason Kelce]

Nothing icy about it. It was pure hot. Zero ice to it.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. It can feel a little cruel. And if they don't wear jock straps, I. The boxers work.

[Jason Kelce]

Yep.

[Travis Kelce]

Boxers work just as good.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah. I mean, I wouldn't do that. That's too far to me. Willow. But what are some other good ones? What are. We're just not great pranksters. We.

[Travis Kelce]

We didn't do a lot of pranks.

[Jason Kelce]

If you have one of those, like. Like, hoses that, like, you got a squish on the squeeze, like, on the sink, put a little rubber band around that so that when they turn the faucet on, it just sprays them right in the face. Good one. What are some other good pranks?

[Travis Kelce]

You could booby trap them. There's always. You can always boomi. Trap them. Get a balloon full of whipped cream or something like that. They open a door, all of a sudden, smacks them right in the face. That takes some good work. Some good. You gotta be kind of handy with a tool in your hand.

[Jason Kelce]

Where's she from? South Carolina. Are there alligators in South Carolina?

[Travis Kelce]

I'm sure they've ventured up there.

[Jason Kelce]

I mean, if. If it's a pool day, get an alligator, duct tape its mouth closed.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. Well, good luck.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

With that.

[Jason Kelce]

They don't have strong. They're not that strong at opening their mouth. They're only strong closing it. So it's duct table holder. You'll be good.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. That sounds terrifying.

[Jason Kelce]

It'll be very scary, though. Wait for them to be around their, like, friends and then just pants them.

[Travis Kelce]

Yeah. Yeah. Got nothing for you other than they will hate you forever. Please let us know what you ended up doing. We can't wait to hear how you prank these little twin in middle school.

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah.

[Travis Kelce]

So that does it for no Dumb Questions. Brought to you by American Express. Alrighty.

[Jason Kelce]

That wraps up another episode of New Heights. Thank you to Matthew Stafford for joining the show. What an awesome conversation. That was awesome. To relink after all these years. Make sure you subscribe on YouTube to the new Heights Channel. Follow New Heights on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes of New Heights early and ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.

[Travis Kelce]

Don't you forget to hit up Wondery on the Wondery app, baby. Once again, New Heights, a Wondery show produced by Wave Sports and Entertainment and brought to you by Nike. When the world says you can't win, Nike says so. When Follow the show on all social media at new heights show with 1s for fun clips throughout the week weeks and thanks to our production and crew. And thank you to the 92 percenters as always, we will see you next week. Peace.

[Jason Kelce]

Can we. Can we get a harmonization? What. What are you going to start off?

[Travis Kelce]

You want me to go down lower?

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, Go low.

[Travis Kelce]

Do. Do. I can't do that one. Got to go real. Hello.

[Jason Kelce]

Where you at? All right, this. I'm up there.

[Travis Kelce]

All right, go now. You're doing the whole thing?

[Jason Kelce]

Yeah, I'm going to try. All right. Where's my ending note again? Well, now you're. I can't find where you're at. I can't. I have no idea where you're at. You're all over the place.

[Travis Kelce]

I'm not a. This is why I don't do music. Follow New Heights on the Wonry app or wherever you get your podcast. You can listen to New Heights early and Ad Free + enjoy exclusive episodes of the show by joining Wondry+ in the Wonder app, Apple Podcasts or Spotify today.

[Jason Kelce]

Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short [e-mail] survey Imagine this.

[Matthew Stafford]

You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims, all while armed.

[Travis Kelce]

Guards stand by with shoot to kill orders.

[Matthew Stafford]

Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast spread from Wondery, exposes a multi billion dollar criminal empire operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your potty. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad free right now by joining Wondery Plus.