NFL teams and the league’s charity organization are donating a total of $5 million to help people affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, the NFL announced on Friday. The area is still reeling from the destructive fires.
Multiple fires have killed 10 people and destroyed thousands of homes, causing chaos in the city this week.
The Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and Houston Texans, along with the NFL Foundation, are making the donation. The money will go to local groups helping those impacted by the fires.
“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,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
Rams players will wear special Los Angeles Fire Department hats and shirts during Monday’s wild card playoff game, which was moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, because of the fires.
“The league did the right thing,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said about the decision to move the game. “And I think it’s a real credit to a lot of people in our organization to be able to seamlessly adjust.”
McVay’s family evacuated their home in Hidden Hills on Thursday because of the wildfire threat. Although his wife, Veronica, and son, Jordan, were unharmed and their house was not damaged, McVay said the evacuation made the situation feel more real.
“When you see as the smoke rose up yesterday, there were a lot of guys that live in proximity and that hits home in a different way,” he said. “As soon as I knew Veronica and Jordan were good, I was good as well.”
