In a remarkable display of sportsmanship and solidarity, the Arizona Cardinals are extending a helping hand to their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, as devastating wildfires sweep through Southern California. The Cardinals have dispatched two team planes to Los Angeles to evacuate Rams players, their families, staff members, and even their pets to the safety of Arizona.
Beyond providing airlift, the Cardinals have also offered the Rams the use of their home stadium, State Farm Stadium, for the upcoming playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams' training complex in Tempe will also be at their disposal while the fires continue to impact Southern California. This decision comes as wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, have consumed vast stretches of land, forcing over 130,000 residents to evacuate and tragically claiming at least five lives. Over a thousand buildings have been destroyed in the infernos. The Rams had initially considered remaining in Los Angeles, but ultimately decided that relocation was the most prudent course of action. The NFL subsequently announced the game's move to Arizona, prioritizing public safety in consultation with officials, the teams involved, and the NFLPA.
The relocation of the Rams-Vikings game echoes similar instances in the past where State Farm Stadium has served as a temporary home. Notably, during the 2020 COVID-affected season, the San Francisco 49ers played three "home" games at the venue. Even earlier, in 2003, wildfires in San Diego led to the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers playing their game at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. The Rams had a scheduled day off Wednesday, while the Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium with the Rams, limited their players’ outdoor practice time due to the compromised air quality before their wild-card game in Houston.
The rescheduled Rams-Vikings game is set for Monday at 8 p.m. ET. This act of generosity by the Cardinals underscores the strong sense of community within the NFL, demonstrating that competition takes a backseat when faced with such dire circumstances.
