Matthew Stafford has ‘a ton of respect’ for this former divisional rival

The Rams QB touched on going up against QB Aaron Rodgers after years of NFC North battles

Former NFC North division foes Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford and New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers will face each other for the 18th time in their careers this Sunday at MetLife stadium. The two quarterbacks go way back, with Stafford and the Detroit Lions taking on Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers twice-a-year for 12 seasons. Rodgers and his current team have struggled in 2024, but historically the Jets QB has had Stafford’s number going 13-4 in their previous matchups.

Stafford spoke directly about Rodgers and the excitement to be playing meaningful football late into December:

“I’m just excited to go up there and play,” Stafford said. “Obviously, meaningful football in the month of December is an awesome thing to be a part of. We’ve earned that and we’ve got to continue to earn that opportunity to play games that matter. This just happens to be the next one on the list. I have a ton of respect for Aaron and have competed against him a bunch of times in my career. He’s a hell of a player and does a great job. He’s still doing a really good job for them. He played fantastic in the last couple of weeks. He looks to be healthy, moving around and doing his thing.”

Stafford was also asked if there was a moment or game over the last decade that stuck out most in their long rivalry, but he couldn’t recall any specifically.

“I’ve had too many to even think about, to be honest with you,” Stafford said. “It’s always a good battle. [I have] a ton of respect for him. [He’s a] great player in this league, an all-time great, has unbelievable talent and has accomplished a bunch. It’s always a challenge going against him.”

All this comes after Rodgers was interviewed this week on The Pat McAfee Show about his upcoming game against Los Angeles and Stafford:

“Matt’s one of my all-time favorite competitors to go against,” Rodgers said ”Just a lot of fun battles over the years, a lot of respect for him, plays the game in a way I totally respect. He’s as tough as they come. He’s savvy, he’s smart, he’s gritty, he’s competitive. I’ve always been a big Matt Stafford fan, so excited to see him.”

Rams head coach Sean McVay also added his take on the two future hall of famer’s history, simply saying:

“It’s two great players, two guys that have done it at a really high level.”

Both players are currently in the Top 10 on several all-time NFL lists, including touchdown passes (Rodgers is fifth with 498, Stafford 10th with 376), completions (Rodgers seventh with 5,306, Stafford ninth with 5,143) and passing yards (Rodgers eighth with 62,310, Stafford 10th with 59,510).

This will be the first time the two quarterbacks have faced off in over three years. In their last meeting, Rodgers and the Packers defeated the Rams 36-28. Stafford was with Los Angeles during their previously mentioned game in 2021, however, this Sunday will be the only matchup between the two in which Rodgers was not on Green Bay.

This could potentially be the last game these two veterans play against each other, as both players have had retirement rumors swirling around them the last few seasons. “We were thinking, ‘shoot, this might be it’” said Rodgers when it came to opportunities for both quarterbacks to compete head-to-head. “So it’s good to have one more chance to compete against him.”