TEMPE, Ariz. — The Los Angeles Rams were in high spirits during their practice session on a picturesque Saturday afternoon at a temporary facility in suburban Phoenix.
With lively music playing, coaches motivating the players, and footballs soaring through the air, the atmosphere was reminiscent of Southern California, complemented by gently swaying palm trees.
Running back Kyren Williams shared that the team was also feeling a sense of clarity. “I felt like I was at peace,” he conveyed. “We didn’t really have to worry about anything except for playing ball.”
The Rams are currently in Arizona gearing up for a Monday playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, utilizing the training facilities of the Arizona Cardinals. They arrived in the area the previous night, seeking refuge from the catastrophic wildfires affecting Los Angeles.
With their families safe, the Rams expressed their support for those still facing challenges back home. “There’s a feeling amongst the team — this is for LA,” Williams stated. “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) will “host” the Vikings (14-3) at State Farm Stadium, home of the Cardinals, after the league decided to relocate the game due to ongoing wildfire threats and potential impacts on public services.
The Cardinals opened their training facility in Tempe for the Rams during this time. A large banner hanging at the entrance read “Welcome Los Angeles Rams,” showcasing the logos of both teams. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill even arranged for two aircraft to help transport the Rams from Los Angeles to Arizona on Friday. Players were permitted to bring their families, plus some pets, reinforcing the sense of togetherness.
“It was cool to have that experience with my boys and with my wife,” remarked Rams receiver Cooper Kupp. “Obviously, to be here, super thankful for the Rams with how they’ve been able to take care of the families in the organization.”
Although approximately 375 miles away from SoFi Stadium, the Rams are hopeful for strong support during Monday night’s game. Season ticket holders purchased 25,000 tickets within the first hour of availability, and at least 15 buses have been organized to transport fans from Inglewood to the game. Further travel support is also under consideration.
State Farm Stadium has had a familiar aura for the Rams over the past decade. They previously enjoyed a nine-game winning streak in Arizona until it was interrupted earlier this season. Sean McVay indicated that the Rams requested access to the visitors’ locker room for the game on Monday, recognizing their previous experiences in the venue.
“For the most part, we’ve played pretty well in this stadium,” Kupp noted, adding, “It’s grass, too, which is a big bonus. I’ll take any chance we have to play on grass.”
As of Thursday afternoon, only a few Rams staff members had been directly impacted by the wildfires. However, with the Kenneth Fire erupting close to the team’s training complex in Woodland Hills, defensive lineman Kobie Turner mentioned that receiver Puka Nacua had to evacuate his house, prompting him to stay with Turner for a night. The team has become increasingly united throughout this challenging experience, supporting one another during this trying time.
The Rams have already endured significant challenges throughout the season, bouncing back from a 1-4 start to clinch the NFC West title. This latest obstacle is just another test for the team, and given the circumstances many in Los Angeles are facing, they refuse to complain.
“At the end of the day, it’s a playoff game,” Turner concluded. “You don’t get too many of these.”
