Kelly Stafford: L.A. Move Saved Marriage From Detroit Struggles

Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, shared in a recent interview on "The Cutting Edge" podcast that the couple's move from Detroit to Los Angeles in 2021 was instrumental in saving their marriage and helping her find her own identity. Kelly, 36, met Matthew, 38, at the University of Georgia before he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL draft. She joined him in Detroit after graduating college, but struggled to define herself outside of his burgeoning football career.

Reflecting on her time in Detroit, Kelly stated, "Looking back at Detroit, I would say I was happy because I loved him, but I was also unhappy because I didn't really know where I fit in or who I was." She explained that while she loved Matthew, she felt lost and struggled to reconcile supporting his career with her own life goals. This period of personal uncertainty preceded their relocation to Los Angeles after Matthew was traded to the Rams.

The move to Los Angeles, Kelly explained, provided the necessary space for her to rediscover herself. "The move to L.A. really helped me realize I can be what I want to be, too. But I do think you lose yourself in what everyone else expects you to be," she said. This shift allowed her to pursue her own aspirations and find a stronger sense of self, which in turn positively impacted her relationship with Matthew. The couple, who married in 2015, attended Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding in New York City shortly before this interview aired.