Rams Owner Stan Kroenke Evades Question on Matthew Stafford Statue at SoFi Stadium
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke was pressed on whether quarterback Matthew Stafford, the 2026 NFL MVP, has earned the first statue at SoFi Stadium. Kroenke's reply was notably non-committal, stating, "Well, we'll see. This guy's something, isn't he? Let's go win one next year!" This response was interpreted by Rams Wire as a clear "Not yet", indicating that Stafford's achievements, while impressive, might not yet warrant such a permanent honor at the venue.
Todd Gurley Explains the Political Complexities Behind Stadium Statues
Former Rams star running back Todd Gurley provided deeper insight into the situation when contacted by the outlet. He confirmed that political factors are indeed at play, primarily due to the stadium's shared ownership with the Los Angeles Chargers. Gurley explained, "From my understanding, yes. Since they share the stadium with the Chargers, if they build a statue of anyone or put them in the stadium, the Chargers have that same right to do that for their player as well, so I don't think they kinda wanna do that."
This arrangement creates a potential dilemma: honoring a Rams player could set a precedent requiring similar recognition for a Chargers figure, complicating decisions around statues. Gurley suggested an alternative, noting that a Stafford statue might be more feasible at the Rams' new facility in Woodland Hills, as owner Stan Kroenke, a prominent real estate figure, is developing the area into a Rams complex.
Stafford's Achievements and the High Bar for Statue Consideration
Matthew Stafford's credentials are undeniably strong, including an MVP award and a Super Bowl LVI victory with the Rams. However, Gurley hinted that the bar for a statue is set exceptionally high. When asked if multiple Super Bowls might be necessary, he responded, "Man, you're going to have to do a lot." With only one Super Bowl win to his name, Stafford may need further accomplishments to solidify his case for such an honor.
Aaron Donald Emerges as a Leading Contender for SoFi Stadium Statue
Meanwhile, NFL Network analyst Adam Rank has proposed defensive tackle Aaron Donald as a more deserving candidate for a statue at SoFi Stadium. Donald's legacy includes being a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and a key contributor to the Rams' Super Bowl success after their return to Los Angeles. Over his 10-year career, he amassed 111 sacks, leading the NFL by 9.5 sacks from 2014 to 2023, cementing his status as one of the greatest at his position.
SoFi Stadium, which opened in September 2020, reserves statues for true legends, making the selection process highly competitive. The ongoing discussions highlight the intricate balance between player achievements, team politics, and stadium logistics in deciding who receives this prestigious recognition.
