Kelly Stafford Addresses Marriage Struggles: ‘Why Is God Doing This to Me?’

Kelly Stafford Opens Up About Marriage Challenges Ahead of 10th Anniversary with Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford

As Kelly Stafford geared up to commemorate her 10th wedding anniversary with her husband, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, she frankly acknowledged that their journey hasn’t always been without difficulties. In a recent episode of her podcast, “The Morning After,” Kelly offered an unreserved perspective on matrimony, suggesting it demands significant effort and dedication.

Marriage: A Candid Perspective

“Marriage is incredibly challenging,” Kelly Stafford, 35, stated on the Thursday, April 3, broadcast of her “The Morning After” podcast. “Anyone who suggests otherwise is being dishonest.” She emphasized the demanding nature of marital relationships, countering any idealized notions.

From College Sweethearts to Married Life

Kelly and Matthew Stafford‘s relationship began at the University of Georgia, leading to their marriage in April 2015. Reflecting on the shift marriage brought, Kelly described the pre-marriage mindset as inherently self-focused.

“Previously, your own needs are often prioritized,” she elaborated. “Suddenly, you are considering another person’s needs first. With the addition of children, the complexities increase, and navigating life’s obstacles together becomes progressively more demanding.”

Family Life and Marital Journey

Kelly and Matthew, 37, are parents to four daughters: twins Sawyer and Chandler, 8, Hunter, 6, and Tyler, 4. Kelly openly discussed the realities of their decade-long marriage, highlighting both the high points and the low points they have encountered.

“Our marriage has seen numerous peaks and valleys, genuinely,” Kelly acknowledged. “I would characterize the initial year of our marriage as exceptionally challenging.” She pinpointed the first year as a particularly formative and difficult period.

Navigating Life’s Challenges Together

After successfully navigating the initial year, the couple faced further trials. In April 2019, Kelly Stafford underwent successful brain surgery to remove a benign tumor. Subsequently, in 2021, Matthew Stafford was traded to the Rams after dedicating his first 12 NFL seasons to the Detroit Lions. These significant life events presented additional layers of complexity to their relationship.

Reflecting on these experiences, Kelly shared her perspective, “During such times, you might question, ‘Why is this happening?’ However, in retrospect, these challenges often contribute to personal growth and resilience.” She suggested that trials can ultimately serve a beneficial purpose.

Transitioning to NFL Life

Kelly also recognized a transformation in their relationship when Matthew transitioned “from college to the NFL.” After a successful college football career spanning three years at Georgia, Matthew Stafford was the first overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Lions. This shift marked a significant change in their lives.

“I’m not implying his core personality changed,” Kelly clarified. “His fundamental character and interactions with people remained consistent. However, I did need to adapt to a different dimension of Matthew – the transition from the carefree, spirited individual to the professional athlete.” She distinguished between his personal essence and the demands of his profession.

Kelly further elaborated, “That adaptation took time. Suddenly, activities such as spontaneous dancing at bars became less frequent. It was an adjustment period where I realized, ‘This is a new chapter, and I need to embrace and support this evolution alongside him.’” She described a necessary period of adjustment and mutual support as they navigated this new phase of their lives and relationship.