In an interview with ESPN, Stafford reflected on the achievement, saying, “It’s tough to think about, especially after a loss, but [Manning] obviously had an outstanding career.” Stafford added that while he may not fully appreciate the milestone during the season, he would take more time to reflect on it afterward. He also shared his appreciation for being mentioned alongside some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, calling it a “really cool, humbling thing.” As someone who grew up as a fan of football long before becoming an NFL player, Stafford expressed his gratitude for reaching this level of success in his career.
Stafford entered the game needing just 223 passing yards to surpass Manning’s total of 57,023 career passing yards. He finished with 224 yards, completing 20 of 29 passes. This achievement is a testament to his consistency and longevity in the league, where he has been a reliable passer for over a decade.
Now 36 years old, Stafford is in his fourth season with the Los Angeles Rams. He joined the team in 2020 after being traded from the Detroit Lions, where he had spent the first 12 years of his career. During his time in Detroit, Stafford was known for his strong arm and ability to rack up passing yards, but team success often eluded him. Since joining the Rams, however, he has found more team success, including winning a Super Bowl in his first season with the franchise.
Despite recent challenges, including injuries that have plagued him over the past two seasons, Stafford continues to showcase his exceptional passing skills. His strong arm and ability to make difficult throws have kept him competitive even as he deals with the physical toll of playing in the NFL for so long. These qualities have helped him build a résumé that is increasingly worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.
Stafford’s rise in the all-time passing ranks is a reflection of his enduring talent and determination. Throughout his career, he has faced adversity, particularly during his time with the Lions, but he has continued to put up impressive numbers year after year. Now with the Rams, he has the opportunity to further solidify his legacy as one of the great quarterbacks of his generation.
Although Stafford is currently focused on the rest of the season, his latest achievement adds to a growing list of career milestones. With more games ahead, he has the chance to continue climbing the all-time passing yards leaderboard, further cementing his place in NFL history.
As Stafford moves past Eli Manning in career passing yards, it’s worth noting the respect he has for those who came before him. Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion and a future Hall of Famer, is someone Stafford admired throughout his career. Now, Stafford’s name will be mentioned in the same breath as Manning’s and other legendary quarterbacks, a recognition that speaks to his remarkable career.
In the years to come, Stafford’s career will likely be remembered for both his individual accomplishments and his contributions to team success, especially his pivotal role in bringing a Super Bowl title to the Los Angeles Rams. As he continues to add to his stats and milestones, Stafford’s journey will be one to watch, and his potential Hall of Fame candidacy will only grow stronger.
Ultimately, Stafford’s milestone is a reminder of the hard work and perseverance it takes to succeed at the highest level of professional football. While there are still games left to play this season, his place in NFL history is already well established, and his career remains one of the most accomplished of his generation.
