Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford faces an uncertain future in the NFL. The Super Bowl champion hasn’t appeared for the Rams since their Week 11 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Head coach Sean McVay placed the quarterback on injured reserve, likely ending his 2022 season. The injury had been something of a mystery. McVay told reporters after Sunday’s game in Seattle that Stafford has a spinal contusion.
Given the nature of the quarterback position and the constant blows players take, having a spinal cord injury is less than ideal. Dr. David Chao, for his part, is concerned about Stafford’s long-term health. In a video on his YouTube channel, he explained that the quarterback and his family have a choice: have surgery to correct it or retire:
“It looks like Matthew Stafford and his family will have a choice this offseason. Do something to correct the risk of further contusion to the spinal cord and possible permanent damage, usually with neck surgery, fusion surgery, decompression surgery of some sort, that you can play again. Or you can decide to hang it up after 14 seasons and a Super Bowl ring.”
Many thought the quarterback was dealing with a concussion, but it’s clearly his spinal cord. As Chao said in the video of him, that’s not something to waste time with. The offseason seems to be pretty big for the Rams’ number nine.
Could Matthew Stafford really retire?
Based on Chao’s comments, there could be a real chance that the 34-year-old will hang up his boots at the end of the season. Although it is not ruled out for the whole year, when it comes to spinal injuries, extreme caution must be exercised.
Looking at the quarterback’s career, there’s really no need for him to continue in the face. of that kind of wound. He has played 14 years in the NFL and has his Super Bowl ring. She has nothing left to prove to anyone, so maybe giving up to focus on his health isn’t the worst idea.
Previous carolina panthers star Lucas Kuechly He did something similar and retired in 2020, at just over 30 years of age and putting his health before football. Given the gravity of Stafford’s situation, perhaps he should do the same.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit David Chao and H/T Sportskeeda.
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