Superbowl quarterback Matthew Stafford has a history with swimming. Matthew Stafford’s dad, John Stafford, was a swim coach.
John Stafford was the head men’s swimming coach at Florida State from 1977-1982. Under his tenure, the Seminoles had an overall record of 30-16 (.652). The best record was from John Stafford’s first year when the team went 9-2 (.818). Prior to arriving at Florida State as a head coach, John Stafford coached at The Bolles School from 1972-1976.
John Stafford helped guide the team to three (out of three) Metro Championship titles. The team also switched conferences numerous times under John Stafford as records show they also competed in the Southern Intercollegiate Championships as well as the National Independent Championship.
In addition to winning conference titles, John Stafford also coached one All-American and one All-American Honorable Mention. Steve Allbritton won All-American as he placed 6th in the 50 freestyle with a time of 20.56 at the 1978 NCAA Championships. A year later, Kevin Connell swam to an 11th place finish in the 200 breaststroke in a time of 2:03.69 to earn him All-American Honorable Mention honors.
John Stafford resigned from coaching in July 1982 and he entered the business world where he sold insurance.
Matthew Stafford will be playing in Superbowl LVI beginning Sunday night at 6:30 pm eastern time. Prior to this year, Matthew Stafford played for the Detroit Lions ever since he was drafted as the first overall pick back in 2009. Although being considered one of the better quarterbacks in football, the Lions never won their division under Matthew Stafford and only went to the playoffs as a wild card three times in 12 seasons.
About a year ago, Matthew Stafford was traded from Detroit to the Los Angeles Rams where he now has guided the team to a 12-5 record as well as a trip to the Superbowl. The Rams will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Go Bolles !!!
John Stafford was also an assistant swim coach at the University of Georgia along with Jack Bauerle.
Go Dawgs.
I wonder if Matt Stafford ever swam as a kid? Stafford grew up in a very wealthy part of Texas. His Dad must have done very well in the insurance game.
Probably at least some summer league
Stafford was also a good baseball player. He went to High School and is good friends with Clayton Kershaw.
He actually went to swim camp at SMU