In Tempe, Arizona, the Los Angeles Rams held a spirited practice session on Saturday, set against the backdrop of a delightful afternoon in suburban Phoenix. The atmosphere buzzed with energetic music, enthusiastic coaching, and the sight of footballs soaring through the air, accompanied by the gentle sway of palm trees that evoked a Southern California feel.
Running back Kyren Williams expressed the team’s sense of tranquility, saying, “I felt like I was at peace. We didn’t really have to worry about anything except for playing ball.” The Rams traveled to Arizona to prepare for their upcoming NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, taking refuge from the devastating wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area. With their families safe, the team is also mindful of those still grappling with the disaster.
Williams mentioned the team’s resolve, stating, “There’s a feeling amongst the team — this is for LA. This is for hope back at home that they can cling onto, that the Rams are going to be the people who can take them away from whatever they’re going through for a few hours on Monday.” The Rams (10-7) are set to play the Vikings (14-3) on Monday night at the Cardinals’ State Farm Stadium, with the league moving the game due to ongoing wildfire threats and concerns for public safety.
The Arizona Cardinals graciously opened their training facility in Tempe for the Rams, complete with a welcoming banner featuring logos of both teams. To assist with their travel, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill arranged for two team planes to transport the Rams from Los Angeles on Friday, allowing players to bring their families and pets along for the journey. Rams receiver Cooper Kupp expressed his gratitude, remarking, “It was cool to have that experience with my boys and with my wife. Obviously, to be here, super thankful for the Rams with how they’ve been able to take care of the families in the organization.”
Despite the distance from SoFi Stadium, about 375 miles, Los Angeles remains optimistic about generating a robust home-field advantage on Monday. Season ticket holders purchased 25,000 tickets shortly after they became available, and the Rams are organizing at least 15 buses to transport fans from Inglewood for the big game. Additional travel arrangements are also under consideration to ensure fan support.
Interestingly, State Farm Stadium has served as something of a second home for the Rams over the past decade, having won nine consecutive games there until recently. Coach Sean McVay noted that the Rams opted for the visitor’s locker room on Monday due to their familiarity with the venue. Kupp affirmed, “For the most part, we’ve played pretty well in this stadium. It’s grass, too, which is a big bonus. I’ll take any chance we have to play on grass.”
Fortunately, only a small number of Rams staff were directly impacted by the nearby wildfires until the outbreak of the Kenneth Fire on Thursday, which ignited just a few miles from their training facility, sending smoke into the air. Defensive lineman Kobie Turner shared that teammate Puka Nacua faced an evacuation warning, prompting Turner to invite him over for a night. The experience has fostered a greater sense of camaraderie among the players as they support one another through this difficult time.
The Rams have already navigated significant challenges this season, recovering from a 1-4 start to clinch the NFC West title. They view the current situation as just another obstacle to overcome, and given the hardships faced by many in Los Angeles, they remain resolute in their pursuit.
“At the end of the day, it’s a playoff game,” Turner emphasized. “You don’t get too many of these.”
