Rams lose home-field advantage because of Los Angeles wildfire for Wild Card round, Matthew Stafford sends powerful message
Vikings-Rams Wild Card round moves to Arizona as LA Wildfires leads to low air quality and shortage of state officials.
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Matthew Stafford shares powerful message to those affected by LA Wildfires (Image via X)
The LA Wildfires have forced more than 180,000 people to leave their homes and belongings behind. The fires have also damaged more than 5000 structures. Additionally, the fires and smoke have threatened to displace the Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams game.
With the winds fanning the flames, the fires have not subsided. Thousands of acres of land have burnt down and have left vast areas destroyed. Several Hollywood celebrities have had their properties destroyed as well.
Along with them, NBA stars and coaches have also seen their homes burn down. It is unknown if any Los Angeles based NFL star has lost their properties. But with hundreds of thousands lives affected, sports is the last thing on the minds of fans. This prompted Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to say this at their media session earlier today.
Every time we suit up, we’re the Los Angeles Rams. We play for the people in this community, the people that support us, and this week will be another example of that. Hopefully, a great escape for people. We’ve been going through a lot of tough time.
Matthew Stafford said
"Every time we suit up, we're the Los Angeles Rams. We play for the people in this community, the people that support us, and this week will be another example of that." -QB Matthew Stafford pic.twitter.com/InMzZY3K6J
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 9, 2025
Stafford’s words might resonate with the people of Los Angeles who are facing a costly and lengthy rebuild. His head coach, Sean McVay, did reveal that a few staff members had problems with their houses. But so far, none of their staff have been injured from these LA Wildfires.
Vikings-Rams Wild Card round to be played in Arizona
The LA Wildfires continue to burn, smoke and ash have been filling the air. This has led to a severe drop in air quality. Athletes need air quality to be at its optimum if they are to perform at the highest level. With smoke clouds forming over SoFi Stadium, the NFL took a decision earlier today.
In the interest of public safety, Monday’s Vikings-Rams Wild Card game has been moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA to State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL announced today. The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs and the NFLPA.
NFL in its statement
This means the Los Angeles Rams will lose home field advantage. However, Arizona is not that far off, and home fans can make the short trip to cheer their team on. However, with the current situation in Los Angeles, sports may end up taking a back seat.
#Vikings–#Rams has been moved to Arizona. pic.twitter.com/WN9PraKjxn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams will enter Monday Night Football’s Wild Card game as 2.5 points underdogs. However, their late season form might give home fans some hope. The Minnesota Vikings, on the other hand, struggled against the Detroit Lions in their last regular season game.
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Joseph Varghese
(2262 Articles Published)