In a unique display of solidarity, two NFL mascots came together to demonstrate that football extends beyond the game and into community support. Blitz, representing the Seattle Seahawks, and Rampage, mascot for the Los Angeles Rams, delivered over $10,000 worth of Nike shoes to young people served by the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena, whose homes and schools were damaged by the Eaton Fire. This initiative highlighted a shared commitment to assist those affected during a critical time.
Kyren Williams Joins Effort to Boost Affected Students
Rams running back Kyren Williams also participated in the shoe donation event, joining forces with Seahawks Legends Dave DesRochers, Jeron Johnson, Jon Ryan, and Walter Thurmond. Williams, personally affected by the fires, expressed deep empathy for the impacted families.
“Being closely impacted by the fires, it was my first time ever going through something like that. I can’t imagine what these kids and families have lost, so being out here is nothing but a blessing,”
he said.
Williams emphasized the importance of giving back:
I do this with a warm heart, a welcoming heart,
and added,
Being able to give back is what this is all for, I’m in this position to be able to see the reaction on [the kids] faces when they see me, but it’s more than just that. I’m able to give back and pour into them.
Seahawks’ Initiative and Continued Rams Commitment to Community
This donation aligns with the Seattle Seahawks’ upcoming 50th season in 2025, marked by the launch of their Impacting 50 Communities program. This ongoing effort aims to positively influence 50 communities globally through meaningful support and events. Blitz’s Kicks4Kids program, which provided the shoes, is a charitable arm dedicated to assisting children and families in need.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams have maintained a strong presence in aiding their community since the Eaton Fire began on January 7, 2025. Their activities included rookie players partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles and Hollywood Park for a drive-thru distribution at SoFi Stadium. Around 500 households affected by the fires received essential supplies during this event.
Additionally, the Rams completed a beautification project at Odyssey Charter School in Altadena, aiming to boost the morale of students dealing with the disaster’s aftermath. They have also arranged football clinics, hosted meal deliveries to fire stations and base camps, and distributed backpacks and merchandise alongside players, coaches, Rams Cheerleaders, and Rampage.
Rams’ Broader Fire Relief Efforts and Donations
Several Rams legends, including Aaron Donald, Andrew Whitworth, and Todd Gurley, have actively engaged in relief work by visiting fire base camps and distributing crucial supplies. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly contributed by providing new uniforms and football equipment to Pasadena High School and the Pasadena Panthers Youth Football program, replacing items lost during the wildfires.
To date, the Rams have donated nearly $2 million toward fire relief. This includes a significant $1 million gift from The Kroenke Family Foundation to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation, supporting frontline firefighting efforts. The team’s comprehensive response exemplifies ongoing dedication to assisting families, students, and communities impacted by the disaster.
Ongoing Impact and Future Support Plans
The collaboration between Kyren Williams, NFL mascots Blitz and Rampage, and multiple community partners represents a powerful example of sports figures using their platforms for collective healing. As relief and rebuilding efforts continue, the Seahawks’ and Rams’ community programs are poised to provide sustained assistance. These efforts not only address immediate needs but also foster hope and resilience among those affected by the Eaton Fire.