LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Matthew Stafford has spent nearly two decades establishing himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks in NFL history. On Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Rams veteran accomplished something no quarterback had ever done before.
Stafford became the Rams’ all-time leader in passing touchdowns during Sunday’s 35-21 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, surpassing longtime franchise record holder Roman Gabriel. The milestone also made Stafford the first quarterback in NFL history to hold the career passing touchdown record for two different franchises, having already established the same mark during his 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions. (Rams)
The historic achievement adds another chapter to a career that has included a Super Bowl championship, an NFL Most Valuable Player award and more than 400 career touchdown passes.
Stafford Breaks a Record That Stood for More Than Five Decades
Entering Sunday’s matchup against Las Vegas, Stafford needed three touchdown passes to surpass Gabriel’s franchise record of 154, a mark that had stood since the former Rams quarterback concluded his tenure with the organization in 1972.
Stafford wasted little time approaching the milestone.
The 38-year-old opened the scoring with a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Davis Allen in the first quarter before connecting with Allen again from five yards out.
Then, in the second quarter, Stafford found wide receiver Puka Nacua for an 11-yard touchdown, officially giving him 155 passing touchdowns as a member of the Rams and moving him into sole possession of first place in franchise history.
What makes the accomplishment particularly impressive is how quickly Stafford reached the mark. Gabriel recorded his 154 touchdown passes across 130 games with the Rams, while Stafford surpassed that total in just 81 appearances.
It was another reminder of the remarkable offensive production Stafford has delivered since arriving in Los Angeles in 2021. (NBC Sports)
From Detroit to Los Angeles: A Historic Achievement Across Two Franchises
While becoming the Rams’ passing touchdown leader was significant on its own, Stafford’s place in NFL history extends far beyond Los Angeles.
Before joining the Rams, Stafford spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Despite playing for Detroit teams that frequently struggled to compete for championships, Stafford developed into one of the league’s most prolific passers.
During his tenure with the Lions, Stafford threw 282 touchdown passes, establishing a franchise record that remains intact today.
His time in Detroit was defined by impressive individual production, numerous fourth-quarter comebacks and a strong connection with Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
However, postseason success remained elusive, and Stafford eventually departed Detroit following the 2020 season in a trade that sent him to the Rams.
Five years later, Stafford has now rewritten the record books for a second organization.
With 282 passing touchdowns in Detroit and 155 in Los Angeles, Stafford became the only quarterback in NFL history to hold the career passing touchdown record for two of the league’s current 32 franchises.
It is a distinction that separates Stafford from some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the position, including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. (Associated Press)
A Career Transformed Following His Departure From Detroit
Stafford’s move to Los Angeles in 2021 fundamentally changed the trajectory of his career.
After spending more than a decade searching for postseason success in Detroit, Stafford immediately helped the Rams capture Super Bowl LVI during his first season with the franchise.
The championship validated the organization’s decision to acquire the veteran quarterback and gave Stafford the postseason accomplishment that had eluded him throughout his time with the Lions.
His success did not end there.
During the 2025 season, Stafford delivered one of the finest individual performances of his career, throwing a career-high and league-leading 46 touchdown passes on his way to earning his first NFL Most Valuable Player award.
Now in his 18th NFL season, Stafford continues to produce at a high level despite being one of the oldest starting quarterbacks in the league.
His latest milestone brings his career total to 437 passing touchdowns, placing him sixth on the NFL’s all-time list and further strengthening an already compelling Hall of Fame résumé. (Associated Press)
Stafford’s Historic Afternoon Helps Rams End Losing Streak
Stafford’s record-breaking performance also came at an important time for Los Angeles.
Entering Sunday’s contest with a 2-4 record and riding a two-game losing streak, the Rams needed a victory to prevent their early-season struggles from worsening.
Stafford helped provide exactly that.
The veteran quarterback completed 23 of 29 passes for 195 yards, three touchdowns and one interception as Los Angeles defeated Las Vegas 35-21 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Rams built a commanding 28-3 lead during the second quarter, with Stafford’s three touchdown passes helping establish early control of the game.
Running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum also contributed touchdowns as Los Angeles accumulated 386 yards of total offense.
The victory improved the Rams to 3-4, providing some much-needed momentum as they attempt to climb back into the NFC playoff picture. (Reuters)
Another Milestone Strengthens Stafford’s Hall of Fame Case
For Stafford, Sunday’s accomplishment represents something larger than another entry in the franchise record books.
Few quarterbacks have enjoyed sustained statistical success with two different organizations, and even fewer have managed to redefine their careers after more than a decade in the NFL.
Stafford has now done both.
His 12 seasons in Detroit established him as one of the most productive quarterbacks of his generation, while his time in Los Angeles has provided the championships, individual recognition and continued production that have elevated his legacy.
Following Sunday’s victory, Stafford acknowledged the teammates and coaches who helped him reach the milestone, emphasizing that passing touchdowns are the product of an entire offense rather than one individual.
The quarterback’s appreciation reflects the two distinct chapters of his career, each defined by different teammates, coaching staffs and expectations. (Associated Press)
A Legacy Unlike Any Other Quarterback
There have been quarterbacks who dominated with one franchise before finding success elsewhere. Others have accumulated extraordinary career statistics while spending most of their careers with a single organization.
Stafford’s achievement combines both paths.
He remains Detroit’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns more than five years after leaving the organization, and he now holds the same distinction for a Rams franchise with a history stretching back decades.
At 38 years old, Stafford continues to add to a career that has already included nearly every major accomplishment available to an NFL quarterback.
And while the Rams still have considerable work ahead of them this season, Sunday’s performance ensured that Stafford’s name would be permanently attached to another piece of NFL history.
Two franchises. Two all-time passing touchdown records. One quarterback.
Matthew Stafford has accomplished something no player before him had ever achieved, adding another defining accomplishment to one of the most remarkable quarterback careers of his generation.
