It’s well-documented by now how Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw grew up together in the Dallas, Texas area.
Stafford was Kershaw’s catcher on the baseball field, and in turn, Kershaw was Stafford’s center on the football field.
Both grew up to be one of the best ever in their respective sports, creating a unique bond that will likely end with both making the Hall of Fame.
While Stafford is still slinging it for the Rams in his 18th season, Kershaw’s career is on the verge of ending as he recently announced he will be retiring after the 2025 season.
He made his final regular season start at Dodger Stadium on Friday night against the San Francisco Giants, and Stafford was among those in attendance to support his childhood friend:
Matthew Stafford, Magic Johnson, and Vanessa Bryant and two of her daughters were here tonight. pic.twitter.com/4AkWp17Tki
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) September 20, 2025
MUST SEE: Matthew Stafford showed up for Clayton Kershaw's final regular season start at Dodger Stadium
The two are lifelong friends and have supported each other every step of the way during their illustrious careers 🥹 pic.twitter.com/N9DauGeTOM
— MLB (@MLB) September 20, 2025
An emotional Matthew Stafford watching his buddy walk off the field one last time in a regular season hit me in the feels man. pic.twitter.com/QPrLhSptzU
— AJ° ™ (@AJsHoopHype) September 20, 2025
The Rams have a big game of their own coming up on Sunday morning on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles, so it was nice of Stafford to show up for Kershaw just a couple of days before. The Rams are likely hopping on a flight to Philadelphia on Saturday morning.
It was a memorable night as the Dodgers went on to beat the Giants, 6-3. Kershaw battled his command early but still managed to get through 4.1 innings while only allowing two runs with six strikeouts. One of those strikeouts was the final batter he faced in the fifth inning before Dave Roberts came and took him out to a massive ovation.
As can be seen in the above video, Stafford got a little emotional watching his friend walk off the Dodger Stadium mound for the final time.
Stafford himself has also contemplated retirement the last couple of offseason, so it will be interesting to see how much longer he keeps playing after this season or if he rides off into the sunset like Kershaw.
Matthew Stafford feels lucky
Similar to Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers, Matthew Stafford and the Rams have championship aspirations this season. A big reason for that is their wide receiver duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and Stafford recently expressed how lucky he feels to get to throw to those guys.
