The Los Angeles Rams made a bold move Thursday night, using the 13th overall pick to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. While the pick raised eyebrows given the presence of MVP Matthew Stafford, the rookie has already received a warm welcome from an unexpected source: Stafford's wife, Kelly.
During his introductory press conference on Friday, Simpson revealed that Kelly Stafford reached out to him via Instagram with an open invitation. "Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram and welcomed me and told me to hit her up if we need anything," Simpson said. "But I can't wait to talk to Matthew. I'm super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain."
The gesture underscores the family atmosphere the Rams have cultivated, but it also highlights the unique dynamic of drafting a quarterback so high when the franchise is firmly committed to its current star. Head coach Sean McVay made it clear that there's no quarterback controversy brewing. "Let's make one thing clear, this is Matthew's team," McVay told reporters Thursday night. "You get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback."
Simpson, who completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions in his breakout season at Alabama, was widely considered the No. 2 quarterback in this year's draft class behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. His talent is undeniable, but his role in Los Angeles will be as an understudy to one of the game's elite signal-callers.
For some Rams fans, the selection of a quarterback in the first round felt like a betrayal, especially after Stafford's MVP-caliber 2024 campaign in which he threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns. Rams Fans Are Furious: Why the Ty Simpson Pick Feels Like a Betrayal captures the angst of a fanbase worried about the future. However, McVay has consistently dismissed any notion of a rift, and ESPN Report Crushes Sean McVay-Ty Simpson Rift Rumors: Coach Was All In confirms the coach was fully on board with the pick.
As for Stafford's own future, reports indicate he's not planning to hang up his cleats anytime soon. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said the Rams are working on a deal with Stafford that would take care of "next season and beyond." Still, if the Rams win another Super Bowl, it could be the perfect exit for the veteran. Stafford's 2027 Plan: Rams QB May Have Already Decided His Future explores what might be ahead for the 36-year-old.
For now, Simpson is focused on soaking up knowledge from Stafford and adjusting to the NFL. The rookie's excitement is palpable, and the support from the Stafford family—starting with Kelly—has made the transition smoother. "I just want to pick his brain," Simpson repeated, emphasizing his eagerness to learn from a Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
The Rams' decision to draft Simpson may have divided the fanbase, but inside the building, the message is unity. McVay has already dismissed rumors of any tension, and McVay Dodges Question on Stafford's Reaction to Rams' Ty Simpson Pick suggests there's still some mystery around Stafford's personal feelings. But with Kelly's warm welcome, the rookie is off to a good start in Los Angeles.
