“When the NFL takes the field, it’s not just for touchdowns — it’s for the community as well.” That was Roger Goodell’s saying, and the league is in it for the long haul. Since its founding in 1973, the NFL Foundation has become the league’s charity, growing from a modest beginning to become one of the country’s largest philanthropies. Although it started as a player support program and youth football charity, it’s since spread in the decades to national disasters, social issues, and health efforts, always with a focus on the community it serves.

Collectively funding all 32 NFL teams, the foundation is like the NFL’s humanitarian MVP, funding everything from sports wellness to disaster relief. It is huge in scale, has a budget in the millions per year, and often jumps in where immediate help is called for. It is based on the NFL’s idea that football is not a game but a movement that can change things and offer hope in the midst of adversity.

NFL huddles for humanity

NFL owners and franchises have unified to donate $5 million to fight wildfires in Los Angeles. Such devastating wildfires that forced thousands of people to evacuate and destroyed whole communities initiated prompt and emotional action by the Rams, Chargers, Vikings, and Texans. It’s being led by their owners and the NFL Foundation, with money going to local causes such as the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross. 

“We are heartbroken over the losses in Los Angeles and inspired by the heroism we’ve witnessed,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. The league’s answer, in fact, isn’t simply about the cash. Rams and Chargers players will wear LAFD-themed custom shirts Wild Card weekend and all proceeds from retail go directly to relief. Even game-worn jerseys and gear will be sold so fans can contribute while getting their hands on history.

The Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans have even matched $1 million of donations, so there’s no place for empathy where the sky is blue. But that was before the NFL Foundation, added a further $1 million. In doing so, the NFL family has lent its resources to firefighters, those displaced by the disasters, and even the animals—supporting animal rescue centers across the region.

At the heart of this project is a long-term recovery. “We know there are both immediate and long-term needs,” Rams’ owners, the Kroenke family, said in their promise. We could use a reminder that football is all about instant effervescence, but the NFL has lasting effects after overtime.

Road to Arizona: Matthew Stafford and Co vs Vikings

As Los Angeles wildfire smoke rose, so did logistical issues for the Rams Wild Card clash with the Minnesota Vikings. In addition, the NFL had to move the game to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona—something only the NFL ever does—for safety reasons. For Rams QB Matthew Stafford, it was just one more unexpected twist in a season that has been nothing if not volatile.

“Hopefully (it will be) a great escape for people who have been going through tough times,” Stafford said in a news conference, as a way to unite their fan base outside California. “We’ll play anywhere as long as we get the chance to compete and support our community at the same time.” Rams head coach Sean McVay added.

The Vikings, meanwhile, increased their $1 million donation to California relief. Fans of both teams will descend on Arizona in numbers. Stafford and his teammates aqre ready to show up and make an impact. The game itself is now a fundraiser with all the money from the ticket sales, jerseys, and even concession items, going towards wildfire relief.

It is evidence that, even in a different context, the NFL can transform disaster into opportunity. “Every time we suit up, we’re the Los Angeles Rams. We play for the people in this community, the people that support us, and this week will be another example of that.” Matthew Stafford uttered, and we could hear him extolling the power of sports in the midst of inconceivable tragedy.