Full Breakdown
Matthew Stafford Stars in New Topps Commercial
4/13/2026, 9:12:24 PM
Overview of the Commercial Shoot
Matthew Stafford, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback and recent NFL MVP, recently filmed a commercial for Topps, the exclusive trading card licensee of the NFL. The shoot took place in late March at UFC announcer Bruce Buffer’s “It’s Time” studio in Agoura Hills, California. Topps executives Andrew Goodman and Brian Terwilliger expressed their excitement about working with Stafford, who they believed would be a perfect fit for their upcoming "MVP Buyback" program set to launch in 2026. This initiative allows fans to trade in select Stafford cards at local hobby shops for store credit.
Behind the Scenes
During the filming, Stafford showcased his acting abilities, impressing the Topps team with his performance. The commercial features Stafford encountering an actor portraying his "traitorous Aunt Amy" in a hobby shop, leading to comedic exchanges. The shoot lasted approximately two hours, during which Stafford executed multiple takes with ease. Goodman noted that Stafford appeared "incredibly comfortable" in front of the camera, demonstrating his adaptability beyond the football field.
Stafford's Reflections on Acting
Stafford, who has participated in 10 to 15 commercials throughout his career, commented on his growing comfort in acting. He humorously remarked that his success in the commercial stemmed from "faking it" well, particularly enjoying the comedic elements of the script. "It’s fun," he stated, adding that he prefers comedic roles over serious drama. The commercial officially premiered on Monday, coinciding with the launch of the MVP Buyback program.
Impact on Collectors and Fans
The MVP Buyback program allows collectors to exchange their 2025 Topps Chrome Football cards featuring Stafford for store credit, with base cards valued at $20 and high-level parallels reaching up to $200. Stafford expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating it is a "cool way to get people involved" in the trading card community, encouraging fans to revisit their collections and engage in discussions about cards.
Official Statements & Responses
Topps executives praised Stafford's performance, highlighting his ability to connect with the audience through humor and relatability. Stafford's involvement in the commercial aligns with Topps' strategy to revitalize interest in trading cards, particularly among younger fans.
Criticism & Opposition
While the commercial has received positive feedback, some critics argue that the focus on celebrity endorsements in sports memorabilia can overshadow the intrinsic value of the cards themselves. This perspective raises questions about the commercialization of sports and its impact on traditional collectors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a great actor.” — Brian Terwilliger, Topps Executive
- “I definitely do a lot better in comedic stuff than I do trying to be serious and drama.” — Matthew Stafford
- “It’s a cool way to get people involved and get people almost reinvolved, right?” — Matthew Stafford
The commercial and the accompanying MVP Buyback program represent a strategic move by Topps to engage fans and collectors, leveraging Stafford's popularity to enhance the trading card experience.
