Matthew Stafford, the quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, has enjoyed a stellar NFL career, marked by his recent Super Bowl victory. After spending 12 years with the Detroit Lions, his trade to the Rams before the 2021-22 season proved pivotal in the team's quest for a championship. While his talent and experience are undeniable, Stafford's dedication to health and fitness has also played a crucial role in his success. At 34 years old, he recognizes the importance of maintaining his physical condition to compete at the highest level.
Evolving Fitness Philosophy
Early in his career, Stafford carried more weight, relying on strength and size. However, as he matured, his approach to fitness evolved. "When you're younger, you can carry more weight, you can get in the weight room and get all big and strong but the older I get, the less I feel like I need that," he explained on Sirius XM NFL Radio. He realized that prioritizing flexibility, agility, and overall well-being was more beneficial for longevity and performance.
In a Super Bowl press conference, Stafford mentioned, "There's probably some old photos floating of me out there at 235 lbs, enjoying life back in the day, playing ball at a heavier weight. But as I get older, fitness is more and more important, that's the biggest thing."
Off-Season Training Regimen
To maintain peak condition, Stafford incorporates a variety of activities into his off-season routine. Swimming, yoga, and walking his dogs are all integral parts of his fitness plan, he told Insider. These activities provide a well-rounded approach to fitness, focusing on cardiovascular health, flexibility, and active recovery.
Yoga is a popular workout for weight loss, but typically burns fewer calories than cardio or strength workouts. However, yoga's benefit for Stafford is in how it helped improve his flexibility, which aligns posture and can improve muscle resiliency to reduce risk of injury. Child’s pose is his favorite. “You’ve got to change it up so you’re still having fun while you’re moving around,” he said.
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Nutritional Habits
Stafford understands the importance of a balanced diet to fuel his body and support his training. He emphasizes the consumption of fruits and vegetables, incorporating them into his daily meals. "I love grilled chicken. I eat all vegetables," Stafford said in a 2012 interview with Michigan publication MLive.
While he prioritizes healthy options, Stafford also acknowledges that he enjoys other types of protein and indulges in occasional treats. "I'm from Texas. The social aspect behind a "barbecue at a buddy's house" seems to summarize to Stafford's food philosophy, too.
The Home Edit shared in a Feb. 13 Instagram post that the team popped by the Stafford house to organize the family's pantry. The pantry contained a mixture of healthy and slightly more indulgent packaged snacks, including bite-sized muffins, apple chips, vegetable straws, and even some good old-fashioned Pringles. As for adults, while the football star was too busy competing on the field to munch on much of this particular spread, his wife, Kelly Stafford, shared a "guacuterie" board she'd created for the Super Bowl.
Healthy Choices
During an assembly celebrating months of hard work by the building’s middle-schoolers for their participation in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Building Healthy Communities program, students were able to quiz Stafford on healthy eating, exercise, and other health-related topics. Here’s what we learned about Stafford’s healthy lifestyle:
- Favorite vegetable: Stafford said he watched a lot of Popeye cartoons as a kid and the strongman’s staple, spinach, is also his go-to.
- Why it’s important to him to stay active: “I sleep better and I just feel better,” he said.
- On the importance of sleep: Stafford feels best when he gets a solid eight to ten hours and encouraged students to turn their screens off so they can be well-rested. “Getting sleep is highly important,” he said.
- Which meal of the day is it okay to skip? This was a trick question and Stafford wasn’t fooled. “Don’t skip meals,” he told students. Admitting that he loves to eat, Stafford especially encouraged kids to get a good breakfast first thing in the morning.
- If he wasn’t a professional football player … he might be a pro slugger or coach. A multi-sport athlete in school, Stafford played football, basketball, soccer and baseball, which he’s still passionate about. “I played them all,” he said. Stafford encouraged students to try a variety of sports to find the one they love.
- Biggest healthy eating challenge: Getting enough fruits and vegetables in his daily diet.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any athlete, Stafford has faced challenges in maintaining his health and fitness. He suffered shoulder injuries early in his career, raising concerns about his long-term durability. Additionally, he admits that getting enough fruits and vegetables into his daily diet is a constant challenge.
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Stafford has not participated in training camp because of the back issue. McVay said the goal remains having Stafford in the lineup when the Houston Texans visit Los Angeles for Week 1 of the regular season on Sept. 7. Backup Stetson Bennett IV completed 16 of 24 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and an interception last week in a 32-21 preseason home win over the Dallas Cowboys.
A Holistic Approach to Well-being
Stafford's commitment to health extends beyond diet and exercise. He recognizes the importance of sleep for recovery and overall well-being. He feels best when he gets a solid eight to ten hours and encourages students to turn their screens off so they can be well-rested.
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