Kelly Stafford's Love-Hate Relationship with Matthew Stafford: A Master Plan for Marriage

Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, reveals her initial dislike for her now-husband and the strategic move she made to win his heart.

Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, recently opened up about the ups and downs of her relationship with her husband before they tied the knot in 2015. Their initial encounter at the University of Georgia was far from romantic.

"It wasn't that cute of a relationship at first," Kelly confessed on the "Off the Vine" podcast. "I hated him, I loved him."

Kelly Stafford's Love-Hate Relationship with Matthew Stafford: A Master Plan for Marriage

Determined to make Matthew jealous, Kelly devised a clever plan that involved dating his backup quarterback. "I dated the backup to p--- him off, which worked – he was the bad boy too," she divulged.

"Matthew's so sweet and a Southern gentleman and all that stuff. And the backup was the complete opposite, and it upset him," Kelly explained.

Kelly Stafford's Love-Hate Relationship with Matthew Stafford: A Master Plan for Marriage

Their unusual living situation, where they shared a dorm room, added to the drama. "They lived in the same dorm room because athletes lived in the same dorm room," Kelly recounted. "He would see my car there. At one point he waited and followed me into the car. I was like, ‘This is amazing, it's working.’ I was like, ‘Get out of my car.’ He was like, ‘He's not right for you.’ I was like, ‘What? You can't tell me that.'"

Kelly's ulterior motive worked like a charm. The identity of the backup quarterback remains a mystery, but it was likely Joe Cox, who shared the Georgia roster with Stafford for three seasons.

Stafford's exceptional talent on the field, despite playing for the underperforming Detroit Lions, went largely unnoticed until his triumphant Super Bowl LVI victory with the Los Angeles Rams. Kelly's unwavering support throughout his career has been a testament to her love and belief in his abilities.

Today, the Staffords are proud parents to four daughters, including two sets of twins. Their journey from a rocky start to marital bliss is a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic maneuvering in the game of love.

* Matthew Stafford was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

* Stafford spent 12 seasons with the Lions before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

* Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl win in 2022, his first championship.

* Kelly Stafford is a former cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons.

* The Staffords have been married since 2015 and have four daughters.