WATCH: Matthew Stafford gives Joe Burrow advice immediately after Super Bowl win

On3 imageby:Barkley Truax02/14/22

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

In the midst of celebrating his first Super Bowl victory, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had one priority following the Rams’ final kneel down: find Joe Burrow. Once he did, he made sure to let the leader of the Cincinnati Bengals know how much he appreciated playing against him on Sunday.

“Where’s Joe at?” Stafford said, game ball in hand.

Stafford found him. “Great job brother. Congrats,” Burrow said to the new Super Bowl champion.

“You’re a hell of a player. You’ve got a great future, man. Love competing against you. You just keep being you, buddy,” Stafford said while dapping the Bengals quarterback up.

Stafford might have missed out on MVP status thanks to Cooper Kupp‘s eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, but Kupp couldn’t get there without Stafford’s arm. The long-time Lion quarterback completed 26 of his 40 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

“That’s hard work,” Stafford said of his relationship with Kupp. “That’s hours together. I just thank coach for putting it — ‘Matthew, you and Coop go get this thing done.’ He kept calling plays for him, kept finding ways to get him the ball. He made unbelievable plays, that’s what he does. I’m so proud of this team, it’s such a team victory. Our defense played outstanding — such a great game.

The final touchdown Stafford threw, a one-yarder to Kupp for the game-winning score was all the Rams needed for their first Super Bowl victory since moving back to Los Angeles and first as a franchise since 1999. Aaron Donald, Von Miller and the LA defense proved too much for Burrow and the Bengals’ offensive line that struggled mightily throughout the night.

Burrow finished the game going 22-33 for 263 yards and one score. If Cincinnati were to have won, it’s likely either Burrow or Tee Higgins would’ve grabbed MVP honors. Higgins finished the Super Bowl with just four receptions, but took them for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Both scoring plays were highlights of the game as he scored on a 75-yard controversial play out of halftime; the other by a pass thrown by Joe Mixon, who became the fifth non-quarterback to ever throw a touchdown in Super Bowl history.

“I’m so proud of this team,” said Stafford after the win. “There’s so many guys on our team that deserve this. So many great players, guys that have just given their heart and soul to this team. Guys that are either playing in this game or not because of injury — I’m just so proud of this group. This is the story of our season. It’s up and down, it’s tough. We’re a freaking tough team — showed up late and got it done. I’m excited.”