Kelly Stafford is the wife of NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford, known for her resilience, candidness, and dedication to family.
Born on May 29, 1989, in Atlanta, Georgia, Kelly met Matthew at the University of Georgia, where she was a cheerleader and he was the starting quarterback. Their relationship began during college, and they married on April 4, 2015. Together, they have four daughters: twins Sawyer and Chandler, Hunter, and Tyler .
In 2019, Kelly faced a significant health challenge when she was diagnosed with a rare, benign brain tumor known as acoustic neuroma. She underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove the tumor and has since made a remarkable recovery .
Beyond her role as a supportive wife and mother, Kelly is also a registered nurse and the host of “The Morning After” podcast, where she shares insights into her life, marriage, and experiences .
Kelly’s openness about her personal journey, including her health struggles and the dynamics of her marriage, has resonated with many, highlighting her strength and authenticity.
📌 Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Who Is Kelly Stafford?
- Early Life and Education
- Love Story with Matthew Stafford
- Married Life and Children
- Health Challenges: Kelly’s Brain Tumor Journey
- Public Life, Social Media & Podcasting
- Her Role as an NFL Wife
- Advocacy, Philanthropy & Public Speaking
- Life Lessons & Legacy
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Behind every great NFL quarterback is a powerhouse of a partner. For Matthew Stafford, that partner is Kelly Stafford, a woman of strength, heart, and unwavering determination.
This blog post takes you through the inspiring journey of Kelly — a wife, a mother, a brain tumor survivor, a podcast host, and a woman who stands tall in the spotlight yet thrives in the shadows.
Matt Stafford Wife
Kelly Stafford, wife of NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford, was diagnosed in April 2019 with a benign brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma)—a non-cancerous growth on the cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance
Who Is Kelly Stafford?
Kelly Stafford, formerly Kelly Hall, is best known as the wife of NFL star quarterback Matthew Stafford, but she is much more than that. A vibrant personality with a fierce voice, Kelly has transformed her identity from a football wife to a media personality and advocate.
She is admired not just for being the quarterback’s wife but for her resilience, candor, and ability to connect with fans on a deeply personal level.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Kelly Hall grew up in a sports-loving family. Her brother, Chad Hall, is a former NFL player and current wide receivers coach.
Kelly attended the University of Georgia, where she met Matthew. She studied communications, and her outgoing, energetic nature made her a prominent figure on campus.
Love Story with Matthew Stafford ❤️
Kelly met Matthew while they were both students at the University of Georgia — he was the star quarterback, and she was a spirited cheerleader. Their love story blossomed amidst the roar of the Bulldogs’ stadium.
After years of dating, including navigating a long-distance relationship when Matthew was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2009, the couple got engaged in 2014. They married on April 4, 2015, in a lavish ceremony in Atlanta.
Married Life and Children 👨👩👧👧
Today, the Staffords are proud parents to four beautiful daughters — including twins! Kelly often shares snippets of their lives on social media, portraying a balance of chaos, love, and unfiltered parenting.
Despite the fame, they strive for a sense of normalcy. Their family life is filled with birthday parties, vacations, school pickups, and silly dance-offs in the kitchen.
Health Challenges: Kelly’s Brain Tumor Journey 🧠
One of the most defining chapters in Kelly’s life came in 2019 when she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor (acoustic neuroma). The news came as a shock, especially to a young mother with three toddlers.
She underwent a 12-hour surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and the journey was physically and emotionally exhausting. Kelly documented her recovery publicly — sharing her vulnerability, setbacks, and triumphs.
Her honesty in dealing with pain and fear resonated with thousands and positioned her as more than a celebrity wife — she became an inspiration.
Public Life, Social Media & Podcasting 🎙️
Kelly has built a strong following on Instagram, where she posts candid updates about family, life challenges, and NFL-related adventures. Her transparency is a breath of fresh air in a world of filtered perfection.
She also launched a podcast called “The Morning After with Kelly Stafford”, where she discusses life, pop culture, motherhood, and marriage. Her authenticity, humor, and bold opinions make her podcast a must-listen.
Her Role as an NFL Wife 🏈
Kelly is fiercely supportive of Matthew’s career. From his Detroit days to his Super Bowl-winning stint with the Los Angeles Rams, she has been a constant presence on and off the field.
She’s known for defending her husband online, standing up to trolls, and celebrating team wins with passion. But she also sheds light on the less glamorous side of being an NFL spouse — the loneliness, anxiety, and constant moves.
Advocacy, Philanthropy & Public Speaking 🌍
Following her recovery, Kelly became an advocate for brain tumor awareness, speaking at events and using her platform for good. She has raised funds for hospitals, medical research, and local families in need.
Her charitable efforts also extend to causes like pediatric cancer, military families, and disaster relief. She often uses her social media presence to amplify important causes and stories.
Life Lessons & Legacy 📚
Kelly Stafford’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and influence. She shows that vulnerability is strength and that the role of an NFL wife can be just as powerful as that of the player.
Through health struggles, motherhood, fame, and advocacy, Kelly has built a legacy far beyond football — one of courage, authenticity, and connection.
Kelly Stafford Age
Kelly Stafford was born on May 29, 1989, which makes her 36 years old as of today, June 11, 2025
📌 Age Details Snapshot:
- Birthdate: May 29, 1989
- Current age: 36 years
- Sun sign: Gemini (aside, but fun!)
🧐 A Note on Conflicting Info:
Some sources list her birth year as 1990, making her 34 or 35 — but the most reliable biographical listings, like FamousBirthdays, confirm 1989
Kelly Stafford Net Worth
As of 2025, Kelly Stafford’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million. While this is modest compared to her husband Matthew Stafford’s wealth, Kelly has built her own financial success through various endeavors.
💼 Sources of Kelly Stafford’s Income
- Podcasting: Kelly hosts The Morning After with Kelly Stafford, where she shares candid insights into her life, including motherhood, marriage, and personal experiences.
- Social Media: With a substantial following on platforms like Instagram, Kelly collaborates with brands and shares content that resonates with her audience.
- Entrepreneurship: Beyond her online presence, Kelly is involved in community initiatives and charity work, further diversifying her income streams.
🏠 Combined Net Worth of the Stafford Family
When combining Kelly’s net worth with Matthew Stafford’s estimated $150 million, the Stafford family’s total net worth is approximately $151 million.
This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to Matthew’s successful NFL career, including his $160 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams, and his endorsement deals with brands like Nike and PepsiCo.
Kelly Stafford Height
Kelly Stafford, wife of NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford, stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs approximately 119 pounds (54 kg).
Born on May 29, 1990, in Feltham, Middlesex, United Kingdom, Kelly moved to the United States at a young age. She attended the University of Georgia, where she was a cheerleader and met Matthew Stafford. The couple married in 2015 and have four daughters together.
In addition to her role as a mother and wife, Kelly is known for her podcast, The Morning After with Kelly Stafford, where she discusses topics ranging from family life to personal experiences.
She is also active on social media, sharing insights into her life and engaging with her followers.
Matthew Stafford Wife Brain Tumor
In April 2019, Kelly Stafford, wife of NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford, was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a rare non-cancerous tumor affecting the cranial nerves responsible for hearing and balance.
This condition led to symptoms such as dizziness and imbalance, prompting her to seek medical attention.
After an MRI confirmed the presence of the tumor, Kelly underwent a 12-hour surgical procedure on April 17, 2019, performed by Dr. Greg Thompson at the University of Michigan.
The surgery was complex due to the tumor’s location and an unexpected vein discovered during the operation. Dr. Thompson’s meticulous approach and decision to pause the surgery to preserve Kelly’s hearing were pivotal in her recovery.
Post-surgery, Kelly faced a challenging recovery, including physical therapy to regain mobility and manage side effects.
Despite these obstacles, she remained resilient, focusing on positivity and the support of her family. She expressed that her greatest fear was not being there for her children, which motivated her throughout the healing process.
Kelly has since become an advocate for awareness of acoustic neuromas, sharing her journey to help others facing similar challenges. Her openness has provided insight into the realities of living with and recovering from such a condition.
For more detailed information on Kelly Stafford’s experience and recovery, you can watch the following video:
Conclusion ✨
From college cheerleader to a podcasting powerhouse, Kelly Stafford is more than Matthew Stafford’s wife — she is a force of nature in her own right. Her journey, marked by love, trials, healing, and triumph, reminds us all that behind every public figure is a personal story worth telling.
Whether you’re a football fan or someone looking for inspiration, Kelly’s life offers powerful takeaways on courage, partnership, and living out loud.
FAQs ❓
Q1: When did Matthew and Kelly Stafford get married?
A: They were married on April 4, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Q2: How many kids do Matthew and Kelly Stafford have?
A: They have four daughters — including a set of twins.
Q3: What health issue did Kelly Stafford face?
A: In 2019, Kelly was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor (acoustic neuroma) and underwent a 12-hour surgery.
Q4: What is Kelly Stafford’s podcast?
A: It’s called “The Morning After with Kelly Stafford”, where she shares her thoughts on life, motherhood, and more.
Q5: Is Kelly Stafford active on social media?
A: Yes, she’s active on Instagram, sharing real-life updates and advocacy work.
