The NFL family is donating $5 million to assist California communities recovering from the devastating wildfires that continue to plague the state.
The Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans, and NFL Foundation each made individual contributions to help those dealing with the effects of the wildfires, according to a statement released by the NFL. These donations will “deliver vital resources to local organizations supporting those affected by the wildfires.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the NFL is committed to helping those in need.
“We are heartbroken over the devastating losses experienced by so many in the Los Angeles area and inspired by the heroism of first responders and residents who have supported their neighbors,” said Goodell. “The NFL family is committed to working with the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams to support their local communities in their time of need.”
The Kroenke family, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, has committed to donating $1 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, a nonprofit that provides equipment and funds to both the county and the city fire departments. The team is also donating to the American Red Cross.
“On behalf of our family and the Los Angeles Rams, our thoughts are with everyone affected by the unfathomable fires and destruction. We are beyond grateful for the tireless efforts of our first responders who continue to protect our community as well as individuals who continue to help our neighbors in need,” stated the Kroenke Family, per the NFL.
“We know there are both immediate and long-term needs and our family and the Rams are committed to doing our part to support recovery efforts now and into the months and years ahead.”
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, multiple sporting events in Southern California have either been postponed to a future date or moved to a different location due to poor air quality due to the fires.
These relocations include moving an NFL playoff game between the Rams and Minnesota Vikings, originally expected to take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, to Glendale, Arizona.
Although teams are always looking for a competitive advantage over other teams in their divisions, the Cardinals reportedly sent two of the organization’s Boeing 777 planes to Los Angeles to help the Rams with their travel, according to a tweet by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on X.
“The Cardinals are sending two of the team’s 777 planes to Los Angeles this afternoon, picking up the Rams team, its staff, their families, six dogs and two cats — yes, six dogs and two cats, per an official — and bringing them to Arizona tonight,” read the January 10 post.
“Cardinals are turning over their training facility for the evacuated Rams to use in advance of their Monday night game vs. the Vikings at State Farm Stadium,” he added.
While this game is scheduled for Monday night at 7 p.m., it is unclear when the other postponed events throughout Los Angeles will take place.