May 13, 2026, 4:10 AM CUT
Matthew Stafford's First Message to Ty Simpson After Rams Drafted Him
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 18: Matthew Stafford 9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on after a touchdown during the NFC Divisional Round playoff football game on January 18, 2026 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 18 NFC Divisional Round Rams at Bears EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260118062
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 18: Matthew Stafford 9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on after a touchdown during the NFC Divisional Round playoff football game on January 18, 2026 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 18 NFC Divisional Round Rams at Bears EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260118062
The Los Angeles Rams already had a starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford. But they still went for Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft. Since then, Stafford had stayed silent on the matter until now.
According to the Los Angeles Times, during the WalkUnitedLA fundraising event, Simpson revealed that Stafford did reach out after the draft, but not without throwing in a fun jab first.
“It was funny because, of course, he was like, ‘Welcome, man. I’m super pumped,'” Simpson said. “He was like, ‘Loved watching you play, but you played for the wrong jersey,’ because he’s pumping up Georgia.”
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270757
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270757
Of course, the jab carried some history behind it. Stafford is a proud Georgia Bulldog, and Simpson is an Alabama man. And anyone who follows college football knows those two fan bases don't exactly see eye to eye.
“So when I see him on Monday, I’m going to give him heck about that,” Simpson further said. “But it’s cool. I’m super excited, especially having him and [quarterback] Stetson [Bennett] in there, Georgia guys, and me, an Alabama guy, so I’ve got to stand up for myself.”
Stafford isn’t the only one who spent his collegiate career in Georgia. Rams’ backup QB, Stetson Bennett, is also a Georgia alum who played his final year with the team.
So, being the only Alabama athlete in the QB room, Simpson will have to stand up for his former team.
That being said, from the Stafford household, it wasn't just Matthew who welcomed Simpson to LA.
Ty Simpson’s Reaction To Matthew Stafford’s Wife Welcoming Him
As per the Los Angeles Times, when the three-time Pro Bowler Matthew Stafford reached out to Ty Simpson, he initially didn’t even see it, but Kelly Stafford’s welcome message didn’t go unnoticed by Simpson.
“It was really cool too,” Simpson said of the Stafford family. “Because they didn’t have to do that.”
Just after the NFL Draft, Simpson discussed the text she sent him on Instagram during his press conference.
“Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram and welcomed me and told me to hit her up if we need anything but I can’t wait to talk to Matthew. I’m super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain,” Simpson said in his introductory presser.
Simpson plans on soaking everything in from Stafford as he embarks on his rookie year. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
Read more at Quarter Back Central.
Written by
Monika Khatai
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore