The rapidly spreading wildfires in California have impacted tens of thousands of people, with many residents forced to evacuate. Pacific Palisades has burned more than 10,000 acres as of Wednesday, per CBS News, and two deaths were reported Wednesday morning from the Eaton Fire.
The NFL is currently "monitoring" the fires across Los Angeles County, as the Los Angeles Rams are scheduled to host the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC wild-card round on Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Rams players have taken to social media to voice their support for those impacted by the fires and the first responders assisting with the ongoing situation.
"Thank you to all of the first responders! God bless the families impacted!" Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua wrote.
Thank you to all of the first responders! God bless the families impacted!
— Puka Nacua (@AsapPuka) January 8, 2025
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires. Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else doing their best in unfathomable circumstances," Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp posted on social media.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires.
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) January 8, 2025
Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else doing their best in unfathomable circumstances.
The Rams and Vikings official team pages each posted a message of support to the community impacted by the fires.
We're thinking of our Rams friends, their community and the first responders during this time💜💛 https://t.co/mM5hXLqzTe
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 8, 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium with the Rams, announced they will provide $200,000 in targeted funding to the American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and pet rescue organizations sheltering animals displaced by the fires.
"While we're currently experiencing unprecedented conditions that seemingly cannot get any worse as we deal with multiple fires across our region, we're also witnessing our community at its very best," Chargers Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos said. "The bravery, selflessness, courage, sacrifice and compassion on display over the past 24 hours by first responders, good Samaritans, friends, family and neighbors alike has been remarkable. Our hearts are with everyone who has been displaced by these fires, the firemen and police officers and frontline workers who are risking their lives to keep us safe and those among us who have stepped up to assist one another in this incredible time of need."
"The NFL continues to closely monitor developments and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA," NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said in a statement.
