Matthew Stafford of the Rams acknowledges playing for those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.

Matthew Stafford, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback, recognized the significance of Monday night's playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings amidst the natural disaster occurring in his hometown.

The Rams-Vikings game was relocated from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The Rams practiced once at their facility before traveling to Arizona to prepare for the matchup.

Despite the loss, Rams fans remained loyal and cheered their team on during the game, which ended with a final score of 27-9.

"Despite having numerous excuses to be lazy and complain, he chose to play for the enjoyment of those back home who needed something to watch."

During the game, Stafford and other players and coaches backed the Los Angeles Fire Department, donning shirts with the acronym "LAFD."

On Monday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the choice to relocate the game.

The devastation, loss, and heartache that the people in Los Angeles are experiencing are felt by all of us, and we knew that the game couldn't be played there by Thursday. However, public safety and compromising any of that were not something we were willing to do. We wanted to ensure that the first responders' focus was on taking care of the people who were struggling so much.

"The league came together when we made that decision. We had contingency plans that included two stadiums every week, and the location for the Los Angeles Rams' fans was perfect. 45,000 fans made the trip over here, which was extraordinary. Michael Bidwell and the Cardinals were at the top of the list."

The Rams were one of the 12 Los Angeles and Anaheim area teams that made a combined $8 million donation to those affected by the wildfires prior to the game.

The funds will be used to aid victims and those battling the fires, with the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon, and other local animal rescue organizations being designated as beneficiaries of the donations.

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