Los Angeles Rams players and coaches showed their support for the Los Angeles Fire Department on Monday night during their playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Players warmed up in “LAFD” T-shirts and hats and coaches were seen on the sideline wearing the same gear as they prepared for the wild-card game.
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches a pass before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The game between the Rams and Vikings was moved Thursday from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, due to the series of wildfires that devastated the city of Los Angeles, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the home of the Arizona Cardinals .
Some Rams players were forced to evacuate their homes when the game was relocated. The team held practice on Friday and moved to Arizona. On Saturday, the team had practice at the Cardinals’ facility and then on Sunday they settled into their hotels without family.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with running back Kyren Williams (23) before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale , Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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Firefighters and other emergency officials worked throughout the week to contain the fires that left more than two dozen dead. Authorities warned that the fire threat was not over and more strong winds were expected to blow through the area once again.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the decision to postpone the game in an interview with ESPN before the game.
“What people are going through in Los Angeles, the devastation, the loss, the pain that we all feel for them, we knew the game couldn’t be played there on Thursday,” he said. “Public safety and endangering all of that is not something we do. And we wanted to make sure that the focus of first responders was taking care of the people who are struggling so much out there.
“When we make that decision, the league comes together. We have preparations or what we call contingency plans that include two stadiums every week, and this was a perfect fit as far as the location for the Los Angeles Rams fans, and me.” I’m proud to say that 45,000 of them made the journey here, which is simply extraordinary. “Everyone came together and Michael Bidwell and the Cardinals are at the top of that list.”
Smoke from a wildfire rises over the Los Angeles Rams NFL football practice facility in the Woodland Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)
The Los Angeles Chargers also showed their support for the Los Angeles Fire Department during their road playoff game against the Houston Texans.
