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The Los Angeles Rams had a secret ingredient in their recipe for victory: cayenne pepper.
With the Rams taking on the Chicago Bears in a frosty, snowy environment at Soldier Field, players turned to the spice as an added measure to stay warm.
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Los Angeles Rams defensive end Tyler Davis (90) and defensive tackle Poona Ford (95) leave the field after the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium on Jan. 10, 2026. (Bob Donnan/Image Images)
“The Rams traveled with more than 2,000 pounds of cold-weather gear, including wetsuits, thermal layers and capes. They have plenty of hot chocolate and chicken broth here on the sidelines,” NBC’s Melissa Stark said during the broadcast of “Sunday Night Football.”
“Get this, some of the Rams have put cayenne pepper in their socks… I’m told it adds warmth and keeps the blood flowing.”
Rams defensive lineman Poona Ford showed off his orange-stained socks in the locker room. He said veteran NFL defensive tackle Al Woods brought the idea home to him.
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Los Angeles Rams safety Kam Curl (3) reacts with safety Kamren Kinchens (26) after intercepting a pass from Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, not seen, during overtime of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
“When it’s cold, like we played in Green Bay one year. And cold games like this… It helps,” Ford told ESPN.
The Rams defense kept the Bears offense at bay for most of the game. Los Angeles forced Chicago to turn the ball over three times in a 20-17 overtime victory.
Caleb Williams’ heroics on Chicago’s final drive in regulation forced overtime, but his incredible touchdown pass was a 50-50 ball that could have been caught by a defender on defense.
Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) is stopped by Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake, center, while attempting to dive into the end zone during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
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Still, Williams threw his third pick in overtime. The Rams drove down the field and set up Harrison Mevis for the game-winning field goal.
