Los Angeles Rams

Rams donate thousands of tickets to game vs. Chiefs to first responders

Published Nov. 14, 2018 7:37 p.m. ET

Connor McGlynn

From the New York Yankees on Sept. 21, 2001 to the Boston Red Sox on April 20, 2013, sports franchises have always been there in the wake of tragedy to help people realize the often obfuscated bond shared between a community. Regardless of name, rank or serial number, at the end of the day, people are people.

The Los Angeles Rams, too, understand this and on November 26, they will help rebuild that bond.

After the Rams upcoming Monday Night clash against the Kansas City Chiefs was moved from Mexico City to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum because of unsafe field conditions, the team took swift action to assure those responsible for protecting the community were taken care of.

https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1062853912074448898

Just days after the fatal shootings in nearby Thousand Oaks and while the Woolsey and Sierra Fires continue to ravage communities across Southern California, the Rams will be providing thousands of complimentary tickets to first responders who "are bravely protecting the greater Los Angeles community, as well as people who have been impacted by our community’s recent tragedies," the team announced.

According to US News, The Woolsey Fire, as of Tuesday evening, had burned 97,114 acres and was 40 percent contained. There have been two fatalities and 435 structures have been destroyed, while the Sierra Fire has burned through nearly 150 acres as well.

https://twitter.com/Rodger_Saffold/status/1062504372595154945

In addition to the team's donation, many players--including several who have been evacuated from their own homes and live in Thousand Oaks-- are taking matters into their own hands.

Offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth made national attention by donating his game check from Sunday's game to the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Conejo Valley Victims Fund. The more than $500K will go to the families of the 12 victims who lost their lives in a Nov. 10 shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. The Borderline is 45 miles from the Los Angeles Coliseum, but only a five-minute drive from the Rams’ practice facility.

https://twitter.com/Rich_Hammond/status/1061809809769476097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1061809809769476097&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fnfl%2Fnews%2Frams-giving-away-thousands-of-tickets-to-first-responders-victims-after-shooting-fires-devastate-area%2F

Punter Johnny Hekker has also became very involved, visiting first responders battling the fire and supplying food and other resources.

https://twitter.com/JHekker/status/1061139420886102016

Other professional sports teams in Los Angeles have also joined together to bring attention to the unnecessary violence impacting their community. The Clippers, Lakers, LA Kings and Ducks have all united to create the "Enough" movement and are donating proceeds from purchased merchandise to the Ventura County Community Foundation as well.

Just like in New York and Boston, it won't be today or tomorrow, but sports will help Los Angeles heal.

Let Los Angeles be the last city to have to heal.