Ty Simpson has connected with the Stafford family, but not through the member who’s the Los Angeles Rams’ starting quarterback.
The Rams made Simpson the surprise pick of the 2026 NFL draft when they selected him 13th overall. It was quite the use of the team’s first-round pick when incumbent QB1 Matthew Stafford just won the MVP trophy last season.
The Rams reportedly had to assure Stafford that the pick was made for after he decides to retire. But Stafford’s true thoughts on the matter have yet to be made public.
Simpson spoke to reporters on Friday and was asked if Stafford had contacted him since getting drafted. The rookie shared that it was actually Matthew’s wife Kelly Stafford who had reached out to him so far.
“I have not. Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram,” Simpson said. “Welcomed me and told me to hit her up with my family if we ever needed anything.”
“But I can’t wait to talk to Matthew,” followed Simpson. “I’m super ecstatic. I just want to pick his brain about everything. Soak up all that knowledge. How he goes about things.”
Ty Simpson says he has not heard from Matthew Stafford but his wife “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.” pic.twitter.com/qWY62T4mSi
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 24, 2026
Simpson added that he’s been a “big fan” of Matthew Stafford for “a long time.” Ty also got a welcome message from Rams safety Quentin Lake.
It’s tough to read too much into Stafford not messaging Simpson yet. That may just not be his style, and he could prefer to connect with his teammates in person later on.
Fans and media members, however, felt like Rams head coach Sean McVay wasn’t happy with the Simpson pick. McVay seemed to be in an uncharacteristically dour mood during the Rams’ press conference following Day 1 of the draft.
One report indicated that McVay was “in lockstep” with Rams GM Les Snead over the Stafford pick, and his seemingly sullen state was a show of solidarity for his veteran QB.
