Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, has revealed she's extending her break from podcasting to prioritise her family during her husband's exceptional NFL season.
Mental health decision leads to extended absence
The 36-year-old mother-of-four initially stepped away from her podcast, The Morning After, in early October, citing mental health reasons. Now, almost two months into her sabbatical, Kelly has confirmed through social media that fans will need to wait longer for her return.
In a heartfelt post shared on Wednesday, Kelly explained her decision stems from wanting to be fully present for her husband and their four daughters during this crucial period. Matthew Stafford and the Rams are currently enjoying a remarkable 9-2 season, with the team emerging as serious Super Bowl contenders while the quarterback himself is being discussed as a potential MVP.
Family first approach
Kelly expressed her desire to reconnect with her roots and devote energy to her closest relationships. "I feel this pull to get back to my roots, and to do that, I have to pour into the people I love most," she wrote in her social media update.
She continued: "I've got a husband in the middle of one hell of a season, and I want to be fully locked in with him. I want to be present for my girls. I want to give my whole heart to the people who have always given theirs to me."
Kelly shares eight-year-old twins Sawyer and Chandler, seven-year-old Hunter, and five-year-old Tyler with the NFL star. She emphasised that her departure isn't permanent, describing it as "not a 'goodbye' but rather a 'see y'all later.'"
Co-host controversy background
Kelly's original decision to take a step back came less than two months after her co-host Hank Winchester returned to the podcast following serious allegations. Winchester, an Emmy-winning television reporter from Detroit, had been accused of making unwanted sexual advances to a man during a massage.
After law enforcement conducted an investigation and cleared Winchester, he returned to the podcast and spoke openly about the experience. He described taking polygraph tests and undergoing what he called an "emotionally exhausting process."
Winchester explained: "There was an allegation that was made against me by someone and police have a responsibility in these situations to investigate allegations. But they should also take the time to investigate the person making the allegations."
Following the allegations, Winchester was placed on administrative leave with Detroit's NBC affiliate Local 4 News (WDIV), though his current employment status remains unclear.
Kelly expressed gratitude to her listeners for their support during her personal journey, stating: "Thank you for letting me grow, change, fall apart, rebuild, and evolve right alongside you. Thank you for loving me through all my versions."
She concluded with optimism about the podcast's future, saying: "I'm excited for whatever the next chapter of TMA becomes someday."
