The NFL is taking matters into its own hands.
The league announced that Monday’s Wild Card game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams has been moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona due to the wildfires that have ravaged the Los Angeles-area.
It’s a no-brainer decision by the NFL as the fires in Southern California have caused historic damage across the area.
The Rams will now be hosting the Vikings in one of their division rival’s home stadium, the Arizona Cardinals‘ stadium.
A rare, and unfortunate situation.
A reminder that sport is secondary in moments like these.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody that’s been affected by these fires,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said.
“Every time we suit up, we’re the Los Angeles Rams,” Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said.
“We play for the people in this community, the people that support us, and this week will be another example of that.”
NFL fans reacted accordingly to the league’s decision, with the majority agreeing it was the right thing to do.
‘Some things are bigger than football,’ one fan posted on X.
‘Prayers to everyone in LA,’ another fan chimed in.
‘All of the ticket sales should go towards the wildfire relief fund and to support families that were affected by this tragedy,’ one fan suggested.
The Vikings and Rams played against one another earlier in the season in Week 8, where the Rams won 30-20.
The 10-7 Rams won the NFC West, but will now have to play their first round game at a ‘neutral’ site.
Sometimes. it’s just out of one’s control.
Some things are bigger than sports.