Social media users reacted with surprise, amusement and plenty of jokes Friday after Los Angeles Rams first-round draft pick Ty Simpson said Matthew Stafford’s wife, Kelly, welcomed him to the team via Instagram direct message before the veteran quarterback reached out.
Simpson, selected 13th overall out of Alabama in the 2026 NFL Draft as a potential long-term successor to Stafford, made the disclosure during his introductory news conference. He has not yet spoken with Stafford, who turns 38 this year and is entering his 17th NFL season.
“Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram and welcomed me and told me to hit her up if we need anything,” Simpson said. “But I can’t wait to talk to Matthew. I’m super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain.”
The comment spread rapidly online, where many users called the situation odd or “weird” that the wife initiated contact ahead of her husband. Clips of Simpson’s remarks racked up hundreds of thousands of views on X, formerly Twitter, and Reddit’s NFL forum, sparking memes and quips such as “Kelly already in the DMs” and references to the classic line “Yer woife is in me DMs.”
🚨BREAKING: #Rams first-round pick Ty Simpson says that he has NOT HEARD from star QB Matthew Stafford after he was drafted.
Ty says that Matts wife Kelly Stafford DM'd him on Instagram welcoming him to Los Angeles and the organization.
Very interesting. pic.twitter.com/fMI0D4qOwn
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) April 24, 2026
Some posters tied the moment to Kelly Stafford’s past comments about her college relationship with Matthew at the University of Georgia, where she has said she dated his backup quarterback during a break to make him jealous. Others simply found the family dynamic amusing or unusual for an NFL locker room.
Not all reactions were negative. Several users described Kelly Stafford’s message as a kind gesture to help the rookie and his family settle in Los Angeles. Simpson also mentioned receiving a text from Rams safety Quentin Lake.
Rams coach Sean McVay has described the draft pick as a move to prepare for the future while emphasizing that the team remains Stafford’s.
The episode illustrates how quickly personal details involving NFL players and their families become fodder for online discussion, especially when a high-profile rookie quarterback joins a veteran-led roster.
