Matthew Stafford’s been stacking milestones in his career, but his latest? Well, it’s got Eli Manning in his sarcastic bag. And when Manning’s got jokes, you know something big just went down. But let’s not spoil the fun too soon…

The Rams’ star QB hit another breakthrough, leaving behind the former two-time Super Bowl QB Manning for the 10th-most passing yards—during a 24-18 loss to the Bears. Stafford racked up 224 yards, bumping his total to 57,025 in his 16th season (beating Manning’s 57,023). The ex-Giants star couldn’t resist dropping a playful message. NFL Legacy tweeted Manning’s “congrats,” where he quipped, “Matthew, just wanna congratulate you on breaking into the top 10… I’m not really sure why I’m congratulating you.” Think this was it? Nah. The 43-year-old then threw in a warning, mentioning the QB’s closing in on another record: “You’re also seven touchdowns away from passing me in total touchdowns; do not expect another video for that.”

A quick rewind: Matthew Stafford completed 20 of 29 passes. Although he didn’t throw a TD, the yardage was enough to break the record. Now, his stats alone make this achievement a helluva deal. Since his Detroit days (with a 5,000-yard season in 2011), Stafford’s been a passing yard machine. Topping Manning’s record is just another addition to his impressive résumé. And let’s not forget—he did this while leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory back in 2021—the same year he left the Lions. Another record broken this season is by TE Travis Kelce (922 career receptions), who surpassed Tony Gonzalez (916 mark) during the Chiefs’ 17-10 win over the Chargers. 

The Georgia Bulldogs standout’s road to this milestone wasn’t all sunshine and roses, though. The Bears’ defense made sure Stafford worked for every yard, capping off the day with a game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter. But records are records, and when asked about surpassing Manning, the Rams’ QB played it cool, calling it a humbling experience. “[Manning] obviously had an outstanding career,” Stafford said. “I was a fan of this game long before I became a player… to be mentioned with some of those guys is a really cool, humbling thing for me.”

Off-field, Stafford’s also opened up about the growing concerns around NFL concussions and player safety, raising awareness about how the sport’s physical toll impacts mental health—an issue he’s been vocal about for a few years now.  

Matthew Stafford on NFL concussions and brain injuries 

In a Detroit Free Press interview from 2017, the two-time Pro Bowl QB got real about concussions. He called for more open chats on player health, saying, “I think it’s just an important conversation to have.” It wasn’t always like this—brain injuries were once taboo in the league. But Stafford’s seen the shift firsthand. 

And if anyone gets it, it’s Stafford’s wife, Kelly. She’s seen her husband take some brutal hits, and she’s always got that look—the one every concerned spouse or family member gives when a loved one’s out there battling in the trenches. “I’m honest with her [about my injuries],” Stafford said. No sugar-coating here.

The Rams’ QB dropped wisdom about brain injuries too: “You hurt a foot or a knee, and you know when it’s better.” But concussions? Different ballgame. That’s the “unknown” Stafford’s talking about—the real danger that comes when you think you’re good but aren’t sure.

With 16 seasons under his belt, he’s all about staying transparent, urging fellow players to keep it real when it comes to their health.