Money talks, but when it comes to prenups, it whispers uncomfortable truths. For most couples, the conversation feels like planning a funeral before the wedding. But when one partner is worth hundreds of millions, those whispers become shouts that can’t be ignored.
Kelly Stafford knows this reality better than most. As the wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, she faced the prenup conversation head-on and lived to tell about it.
What Made Kelly Stafford Change Her Mind About Prenups?
Prenuptial agreements have long sparked debate in society for religious, philosophical, and practical reasons. However, they protect both parties in the event of a divorce and can also influence how a couple navigates challenges during their relationship.
Kelly invited attorney James Sexton to her YouTube show to discuss the topic. During their conversation, she shared her experience and revealed that she reached a generous agreement with the quarterback before they married.
“When we got engaged, we talked about prenups even before getting engaged,” Kelly Stafford said. “And I, again was very naive, and I was like, ‘I feel like we’re planning our divorce before we’re getting married. I don’t really love the idea.’ But then again, I had to look at the other direction and say, well, if we never get divorced, we’ll never need it anyway.”
The couple has been together since Stafford’s college days at Georgia and have four daughters together. They officially got married in 2015 after the quarterback had already signed his first contract extension with the Detroit Lions. After weighing their options, they ultimately chose to sign the prenup.
“He was obviously very generous and it all,” Kelly said. “But I think sometimes when you think prenups, you think it’s a negative connotation when you’re talking about marriage. And turns out, I agree with you, like, letting you and your significant other decide the terms if a divorce does happen.”
How Does Kelly View Prenups in Modern Relationships?
In Kelly’s view, a prenup is a way to control what can be controlled. Even though no one wants to get divorced, it’s a possibility that needs to be addressed. If the terms are set beforehand, then there’s no room for bigger problems down the road.
The exact terms of their agreement were not discussed, but the decision shows a level of maturity from both sides and the trust the couple has in each other. This approach allowed them to handle a potentially divisive topic with transparency and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, the financial stakes couldn’t be higher. Stafford is the second-highest career earner in NFL history, with over $364 million from contracts alone. Despite the ups and downs every relationship faces, the couple remains strong as one of the most notable pairs in the NFL.

