Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford talks about the relocation of the playoff game against the Vikings and the team’s community role during the tragic situation.
Amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the Los Angeles Rams‘ quarterbacks squad will be playing for Monday’s playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Furthermore, due to the severe wildfires, the NFL has relocated the Rams’ playoff game against the Vikings at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
#Vikings–#Rams has been moved to Arizona. pic.twitter.com/WN9PraKjxn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2025
Before the NFL decided on the relocation of the game, Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams released a statement:
“The safety of the Los Angeles community is our top priority, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in the area, As of now, the wild card playoff game featuring your Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings remains scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium on Monday night at 5 PM.”
They continued by saying:
“As with all games, the NFL has contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed due to the tragic fires in our region; if the NFL decides a change in located is needed, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.”
Similarly, during a press conference on Thursday, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford talked about the event’s importance.
He further emphasized the team’s role in the community by stating, “We’re the Los Angeles Rams; we play for the people in the community.“
Matthew continued by saying that this week will be another example of how Rams contribute to the community and hopes it would be a great escape for people who have been through tough times.
Moreover, Mathew Stafford also talked about the relocation of the game, stating that it was due to concerns for the safety of everyone involved.
NFL also stated that the air quality and the strain on emergency resources are critical factors in the relocation.
Despite the relocation, the game will broadcast at its original scheduled time, airing at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+.
Matthew Stafford’s Wife, Kelly Stafford, Shares Heartfelt Payers To The Wildfire Victims!
In addition to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, his wife, Kelly Stafford, also talked about the devastating wildfires.
Moreover, Kelly Stafford, who resides in Hidden Hills, Los Angeles, with Mathew and their four kids, took to her Instagram story to share a heartbreaking message.
She stated:
“These fires are truly terrifying. Praying for all the firefighters and their loved ones, Yes, homes and structures are important, but never important than a life, please stay safe.”
In another story, she shared a video showing the blazes and stated, “Watching this over and over because it doesn’t seem real.“
Moreover, Matthew Stafford and his wife purchased the $28 million former home of Jennifer Lopez in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hidden Hills in 2023, roughly 18 miles from the Pacific Palisades area.
It is unsure if Staffords remains in the Hidden Hills or has evacuated. However, earlier this week, Kelly suggested that she and their four kids would leave home.
In a recent The Morning After Media podcast episode, Kelly said she might move ahead to the playoffs game.
Kelly shared that she and her four kids, twins Sawyer and Chandler, Hunter, and Tyler, suffer from flu; therefore, relocating from their home would be in Matthew’s best interest as he prepares for the Monday game.
Moreover, the couple tied the knot on April 4, 2015. Matthew first met his wife at the University of Georgia, where Kelly Hall was the cheerleader.
Kelly is the sister of former NFL player and current Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers coach Chad Hall.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- John Matthew Stafford was born on February 7, 1988, in Tampa, Florida, United States, to father John and mother Margaret Stafford.
- He has one sibling sister named Page. Matthew attended Highland Park High School with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw.
- Matthew began his NFL journey with the Detroit Lions in 2009 and joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
- He has won several honorable titles, including the Super Bowl Championship, NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and two Pro Bowls.
