Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered one of the most iconic messages to his teammates during the team’s game-winning drive against the Carolina Panthers in the wild-card round win.
He told Davante Adams and teammates to “go snatch these guys’ hearts” before drive down the field and throwing a game-winning touchdown to tight end Colby Parkinson.
That line was ice-cold but not 100% original, according to a former Stafford teammate.
Nate Burleson, who played with Stafford from 2010 to 2023 on the Detroit Lions, said he’s heard that line before from his old quarterback. He added that it encapsulates Stafford so much that it should also be his new nickname.
“The Heart Snatcher,” Burleson suggested on CBS Sports’ NFL Today on Sunday.
“I know he didn’t play perfect, but I’m just saying when it’s time to make the perfect throw, he does. And that’s why you can never count out Matt Stafford,” Burleson added earlier in the segment.
Stafford completed 24-of-42 passing attempts for 304 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the 34-31 victory, but he was sensational in the game’s final drive.
The Rams veteran quarterback went 6-for-7 for 71 yards and the touchdown pass in a little more than two minutes. The touchdown came with 38 seconds left in the game, which didn’t give the Panthers much of an opportunity to respond.
Burleson said he thinks Stafford should be in the discussion for one of the greatest passers in NFL history. While he looked like it in the wild-card round, he still needs a few more games to reach the Super Bowl and prove he belongs among that group of quarterbacks.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Former Matthew Stafford teammate proposes new nickname for Rams QB
Reporting by Tyler Greenawalt, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
