Tom Brady Issues Cold Weather Warning to Matthew Stafford Ahead of Bears Clash
The Los Angeles Rams prepare for one of their toughest challenges this weekend. They face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026. The famous stadium presents brutal winter conditions that often decide games as much as strategy does.
All eyes focus on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford once again. The spotlight intensifies after legendary quarterback Tom Brady shared his perspective on cold-weather football. Brady offered his thoughts specifically about Stafford's upcoming situation.
Brady's Cold Weather Wisdom for Stafford
Tom Brady spoke during an appearance on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" earlier this month. The seven-time Super Bowl champion discussed playoff football and quarterback preparation. He identified weather as a subtle but significant factor working in Chicago's favor.
"Matt did play in Detroit for a long time, and in that division he went outside to Chicago and Green Bay," Brady said on the FOX Sports show. "It's not like he hasn't played in it. But I will say, when I went to Tampa after my time in New England, it didn't take me very long to get very soft in the cold."
Brady's comments carry important context. Stafford spent twelve full seasons with the Detroit Lions. He played numerous games in the freezing conditions of the NFC North during those years.
The Southern California Effect
Matthew Stafford joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Since that move, most of his winters have unfolded in Southern California's mild climate. This weekend presents a dramatic change.
Chicago expects temperatures near ten degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday. Wind gusts could reach close to twenty miles per hour. The wind chill might push the "feels like" temperature down to about four degrees by kickoff time.
Brady explained how quickly the human body reacts when cold exposure becomes rare. He recalled his own experience during the 2020 season. Tampa Bay traveled to Green Bay for the NFC Championship Game that year.
"That game was around 32 to 34 degrees at kickoff," Brady said during the interview. "It wasn't minus-nine. That's really cold. And that's a big advantage for Chicago."
Soldier Field's Known Advantage
The Chicago Bears understand their home field advantage perfectly. Over the past six weeks, Chicago deliberately leaned into Soldier Field's harsh conditions. They used the cold to disrupt visiting offenses consistently.
Extreme cold tightens receivers' hands. It changes footing for everyone on the field. Route depths and release speeds alter noticeably in freezing temperatures.
Matthew Stafford enters this matchup healthy and confident. However, this test extends far beyond simple arm strength. It demands exceptional patience, precise grip control, and complete trust in short, accurate throws.
Adjustment Versus Weakness
Tom Brady's message focused squarely on adjustment, not weakness. He highlighted how quickly quarterbacks can lose their cold-weather edge when playing in warm climates.
Sunday's game will reveal whether Stafford's extensive experience, thorough preparation, and proven playoff poise can meet this unique challenge. If he adapts successfully early in the game, the weather becomes just another obstacle to overcome.
It will not become the defining story of the contest. The Rams face a critical playoff test where conditions might prove as challenging as the opposing defense. All NFL fans will watch closely to see how this veteran quarterback handles the freezing Chicago elements.
