The NFL announced it will donate $5 million to wildfire efforts as Southern California continues to battle raging wildfires.
“Led by individual contributions from the clubs and ownership groups of the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and the NFL Foundation, these funds will provide vital resources to local organizations supporting those affected by the wildfires,” the NFL said in a statement Friday.
“We are heartbroken by 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.
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Two people ride bicycles in an area damaged by the Palisades fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (Jae C. Hong/AP)
“The NFL family is committed to working with the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams to support their communities in their time of need.”
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More than 10,000 buildings have been destroyed by fire Friday morning, officials confirmed. Authorities also confirmed the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire and Lidia Fire burned more than 27,000 acres across the Los Angeles area.
The Vikings and the Wilf Family Foundation announced a $1 million donation for relief efforts. Brothers Zygi and Mark Wilf and cousin Leonard Wilf own the Vikings.
“The Vikings and the Wilf Family Foundations are making a $1 million contribution to support on-the-ground relief efforts in communities affected by the California wildfires,” the Vikings’ statement said.
Smoke from recent fires obscures the sun at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Also on Friday, the Houston Texans confirmed a $1 million contribution to “provide support and resources to those affected by the wildfires.”
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SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., was originally scheduled to host Monday’s NFC wild-card round game between the Rams and Vikings. But the NFL moved the game to State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, as wildfires continue to sweep through the region.
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Jan. 5, 2025, before a game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. (Matt Kartozian/Imagn Images)
On Thursday, a fire broke out just miles from the Rams’ practice complex in Woodland Hills, Calif., and smoke was visible from the team’s practice field, ESPN reported. The Rams and Chargers are scheduled to play playoff games this weekend, and both teams practiced outdoors Thursday. Some Chargers players chose to wear masks during practice.
On Friday afternoon, ESPN reported that the Cardinals sent one of their Boeing 777 planes to Los Angeles to transport Rams players, staff, their families and some pets to Arizona. The Cardinals are also making their practice complex available to the Rams, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Chargers said the franchise will provide $200,000 in targeted funding to the American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and pet rescue organizations protecting animals displaced by the wildfires.
FOX Corporation has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross’ California Wildfire relief efforts. The donation will help the agency provide safe shelter, hot meals, emotional support and resources to help recover in the region.
FOX Corporation, which continues to be an annual Disaster Giving Program partner, encourages viewers to contribute to help families affected by the devastating wildfires. To donate, visit GO.FOX/REDCROSS
A list of available shelters compiled by the American Red Cross in Los Angeles can be found here.
