Sports Illustrated Special - Super Bowl LVI Commemorative (2022)

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speed, consistency, improvisation and no drop-off as

the quarterback entered his mid-30s—intrigued him.

But more than that, he saw an adaptable competitor

who could manipulate coverages by throwing from

different positions, using varied arm angles, slinging

deep passes on the move. The Stafford he analyzed was

at his best in the most difficult situations.

McVay called Stan Kroenke, the Rams’ owner, from

Cabo and made his pitch: expensive, no guarantee, but

worth it. “I trust you,” Kroenke told him.

That night, the Staffords and the Whitworths went

Whitworth did mention he had told McVay about the

round. He also shared McVay’s response: Dude, he’s

up to be traded, and I’d love to talk to him. McVay then

messaged a group of Rams executives, writing, “You’re

not going to f------ believe this. Stafford is in town.”

Soon afterward, coach and quarterback met at the

pool, sharing stories and cocktails, chatting for more

than an hour. McVay had learned of Stafford’s avail-

ability while watching the NFC championship game the

previous weekend, which led him to his happy place: the

film room. What McVay saw—the arm talent, processing

2022 SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS

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“THERE’S SO MANY GUYS ON OUR TEAM WHO ARE EASY TO ROOT
FOR, WHO ARE PLAYING FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN
THEMSELVES,” MCVAY SAYS. “THAT IS OUR REAL STRENGTH.”