Matthew Stafford has ‘a ton of respect’ for former rival Aaron Rodgers

Former NFC North division foes Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford and New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers will face each other for the 18th time in their careers this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The two quarterbacks go way back, with Stafford and Detroit Lions takes on Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers twice a year for 12 seasons. Rodgers and his current team have struggled in 2024, but historically the Jets QB has had Stafford’s number 13-4 in their previous games.

Stafford spoke directly about Rodgers and the excitement of playing meaningful football in late December:

“I’m just excited to go up there and play,” Stafford said. “Obviously, meaningful football in the month of December is a great thing to be a part of. We’ve earned it and we’ve got to continue to earn that opportunity to play games that matter. This happens to be next on the list. I have a lot of respect for Aaron and have competed against him a lot in my career. He’s a hell of a job. He’s still doing a great job for them. He played great in the last few weeks appears to be healthy, moving around and doing his thing.”

Stafford was also asked if there was a moment or game in the last decade that stood out the most in their long rivalry, but he couldn’t recall anything specific.

“I’ve had too many to even think of, to be honest with you,” Stafford said. “It’s always a good game. (I have) a lot of respect for him. (He’s a) great player in this league, an all-around great, has incredible talent and has achieved a lot. It’s always a challenge to go against him.”

All of this comes after Rodgers was interviewed this week The Pat McAfee Show on his upcoming game against Los Angeles and Stafford:

“Matt is one of my all-time favorite competitors to fight against,” said Rodgers. He’s as tough as they come. He’s knowledgeable, he’s smart, he’s brave, he’s competitive. I’ve always been a big Matt Stafford fan, so excited to see him.”

Rams head coach Sean McVay also added his take on the history of the two future hall of famers by simply saying:

“These are two great players, two guys who have done it at a really high level.”

Both players are currently in the Top 10 on several NFL lists, including touchdown passes (Rodgers is fifth with 498, Stafford 10th with 376), completions (Rodgers seventh with 5,306, Stafford ninth with 5,143) and passing yards (Rodgers eighth) . with 62,310, Stafford 10th with 59,510).

It will be the first time the two quarterbacks face each other in over three years. In their last meeting, Rodgers and the Packers defeated the Rams 36-28. Stafford was with Los Angeles during their previously mentioned matchup in 2021, but this Sunday will be the only matchup between the two in which Rodgers was not in Green Bay.

This could potentially be the last game these two veterans play against each other, as both players have been rumored for retirement for the past few seasons. “We thought, ‘shoot, this might be it,'” Rodgers said when it came to opportunities for both quarterbacks to compete head-to-head. “So it’s good to have one more chance to compete against him.”