NFL Announces Matthew Stafford News Amid Retirement Decision

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams ended their run to the big game with a loss on Sunday, January 25, to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game, with a 31-27 final score. It was a heartbreaker of a game, and now, Stafford has a retirement decision to make.

Stafford and the Rams closed out the 2025-26 NFL regular season with a 12-5 record, scoring the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs. Even though they lost too the Seattle Seahawks and didn’t make it to the Super Bowl, Stafford still had MVP-worthy numbers. Over three games in the playoffs, the former Detroit Lions quarterback rounded out 66-of-119 passes for 936 yards, six touchdowns and one interception, according to NFL research.

Now, the NFL has announced news on a punishment decision involving an incident between Stafford and a Seattle Seahawks player in that final game.

NFL Announces Punishment Decision for Matthew Stafford Incident

Each week during the season, the league hands out punishments to players for actions taken during the previous week’s games. The NFL says on their official website that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” The NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations before each season, and they dictate the accountability measures.

With 12:56 left in the second quarter of the NFC Championship game, Stafford was sacked by Seattle defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence for a nine-yard loss, and then, Los Angeles recovered the ball. But, when the incident happened, Lawrence appeared to hold onto Stafford’s face mask, but officials didn’t call a flag on him.

Even though no penalty was called on the play, the NFL was able to still review it for punishment after the incident. A face mask violation can get a fine of up to $11,593 for a first offense and $17,389 for a second offense.

The Final Verdict on Actions Against Matthew Stafford

But, on Saturday, January 31, the NFL announced that Lawrence is not getting fined or punished for his incident with Stafford. So, he’s off without any punishment. Lucky guy, right?

According to the NFL, the funds raised from accountability fines during the season will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”

If Lawrence had been fined, he could have appealed the decision. “Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling,” the NFL says in their official rules book. “Cases are heard by appeals officers and former NFL players, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA.” After the final hearing, “the decisions made are final and binding.”

So, Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are back in California, and they’ll be watching the big game from home. Meanwhile, Lawrence and the Seattle Seahawks will be at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, where they’ll take on the New England Patriots.

Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson