Matthew Stafford’s Wife Kelly Comes to Rams Fans’ Rescue After Vikings Game Relocated to Arizona

Following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, which began on Tuesday, over 1,000 structures were destroyed and almost 20,000 acres of land was burnt. The fire blazed through homes and businesses and even engulfed the posh neighborhoods that are home to many celebrities. As the firefighting operations continued, the NFL revealed that it was monitoring the situation.

The LA Rams were due to take on the Vikings in the wildcard game at the SoFi Stadium on Monday, but the raging fire situation put the status of the game in doubt. The NFL then came up with the only decision it could in these circumstances. In the interest of public safety, the league had to move their game from California to Arizona.

The NFL announced the game’s relocation on Thursday. This decision, though necessary, not only stripped the Rams of their home-field advantage but also created a logistics nightmare for their fans. It means that the Rams fans have to undertake a nearly 10-hour drive to watch their team play. As such many fans were affected by the rescheduling and one of them urged the team to rent charter buses for their supporters. Their story, “The Rams should rent charter buses for all of us to go” reached Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly. And guess what? Kelly was eager to help.

She replied to the fan on DM, “I will gladly rent a charter bus for the fans! There and back! Lemme know!” Soon enough Kelly became a savior for many fans arranging a charter bus for the game.

Kelly shared an IG story where a fan revealed her generous gesture. The story read, “It’s confirmed @kbstafford89 is getting the ramily a charter bus to the game and said if we need another bus for more fans to let her know. So please don’t let travel plans be the reason you can’t make this important game!!!”

So there you go, Rams Nation. Thanks to Kelly Stafford, you probably won’t have to worry about getting to the State Farm Stadium to cheer for your team as they look to raise spirits during this trying time. Even though, none of the fire had spread to near SoFi Stadium in Inglewood — which is southwest of downtown Los Angeles — the NFL still opted to move the game.

There were concerns about air quality, the strain put on the community, and the possible demands on police and fire department personnel with such a legion of fans coming out for the game. “The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs, and the NFLPA,” the league said in a statement.

Before the Kenneth Fire broke out near the Rams’ training complex, head coach Sean McVay was positive about the game being played at the SoFi Stadium as per schedule. “We would like to be able to play the game at home in front of our fans,” McVay said. “That’s the way that we’re operating, but I can’t control when that decision will be made. … If it’s not in LA, then the game will still be played, and we’ve got to be able to get ready for that.”

McVay’s team will travel to Phoenix on Friday after their early afternoon practice in Woodland Hills. They will hold practice Saturday at the Cardinals’ complex in Tempe, before getting ready for the showdown against the Vikings at the State Farm Stadium. The Rams finished top of the NFC West with a 10-7 record and will be eager to put on a display for their community.

Rams’ tar QB Matthew Stafford also addressed the importance of this game while talking to the reporters.

“You know every time we suit up, we are the Los Angeles Rams. You know, we play for the people in this community, the people that support us. And this week will be another example of that obviously. It’s, I’m sure hopefully a great escape for people, who’ve been going through a lot of tough times here the last couple of days.”

Judging by Kelly’s effort to help the fans on their way to Arizona, it would surely be a huge moral booster for them as they continue to fight against the LA wildfires.

NFL’s decision to relocate a postseason game is a rarity, but there have been occasions when regular games have been moved due to weather conditions.

NFL goes out of their traditional approach to relocate Rams game to Arizona

Do you know when was the last time the NFL decided to relocate a postseason game? Since the Super Bowl era from 1966, the NFL didn’t relocate any of their playoff game until Thursday. Now, as far as relocation goes for a regular, the NFL did the same back in 2003. Yes, the league decided to move the Monday night clash between the Chargers and the Dolphins from San Diego to Tempe, Arizona. That, too, was because of wildfires sweeping the region of Southern California.

Now, the Rams aren’t the only LA team playing in the postseason. The Bolts, who made the switch from San Diego to LA, also faced disruption in their preparation for the wild-card game at Houston against the Texans. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh had to cut his players’ normal outdoor time in half due to poor air quality.

As for the Rams, this isn’t the first time they have to go through relocation of games. Going back to 2018, the Rams didn’t get to play in Mexico City against the Chiefs because of miserable playing surface conditions.

Well, it’s a neutral venue, so neither of the teams would probably enjoy a home-field advantage. But Matthew Stafford’s wife has ensured they aren’t missing out on the support in Arizona.