LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – NFL teams and the league’s charitable arm are donating a combined $5 million to support those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, the NFL said on Friday, as the region reels from the devastating infernos.
Multiple fires have killed 10 people so far and razed thousands of homes, throwing daily life into chaos across the sprawling metropolis this week.
The Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans joined the NFL Foundation in making the donation, with the funds directed to local organizations providing support to those impacted in the wildfires.
“We are heartbroken over the devastating losses experienced by so many in the Los Angeles area and inspired by the heroism of first responders and residents who have supported their neighbors,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
Rams players will wear custom Los Angeles Fire Department hats and shirts during Monday’s wild card game, which was moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to the fires.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles and Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Ken Ferris)