Rams Honor First Responders During NFL Draft Event
On Day Two of the NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams hosted a special Chalk Talk event honoring 150 hometown heroes from all four public safety agencies at the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Air Operations facility in Van Nuys, which also served as this year’s Rams Draft Headquarters.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
On Day Two of the NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams hosted a special Chalk Talk event honoring 150 hometown heroes from all four public safety agencies at the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Air Operations facility in Van Nuys, which also served as this year’s Rams Draft Headquarters.
Head Coach Sean McVay, along with players Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Jared Verse, Kyren Williams, Tyler Higbee, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, and Blake Corum, spent the morning recognizing and celebrating first responders in an emotional and well-deserved tribute.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Los Angeles Rams for their unwavering support of the Los Angeles City Fire Department and our wildfire-impacted communities,” said Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva.
Coach speaks with firefighters and Rams fans and families (Photo: LA RAMS)
A Community Celebration
The event was set against the impressive backdrop of LAFD helicopters, city officials, families of firefighters, team mascot Rampage, and Rams Cheerleaders. It highlighted the team’s ongoing commitment to honoring those who protect and serve Los Angeles, especially those who battled January’s devastating wildfires.
Coach McVay delivered an inspiring speech, thanking the first responders for their dedication to keeping Los Angeles safe. His words earned a standing ovation from the crowd.
Throughout the day, Rams players mingled with first responders and their families, signing jerseys and footballs and posing for photos. Players also toured the fire station and learned about the critical role of helicopters in emergency operations. Puka Nacua even joined some firefighters in running training drills.
Supporting the Heroes
In partnership with Zillow, the Rams are renovating the LAFD Air Operations recreation room to provide firefighters with a more comfortable space to rest between 24-hour shifts. Bob’s Discount Furniture, another Rams partner, supplied new recliners for the room.
“At Zillow, we know that home is more than just a place — it’s about comfort, safety, and a sense of belonging,” said Beverly Jackson, Zillow Vice President of Brand and Product Marketing. “We’re proud to return as a Rams Draft partner for the second year and to help honor these heroes.”
Custom LAFD-Rams apparel is also being sold to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts. The Kroenke Family Foundation donated $1 million to the LAFD Foundation, with total Rams contributions to fire relief now approaching $2 million.
A Historic First
This year marks the first time an NFL team has used a fire station as its Draft headquarters. The Rams’ decision to host the event at LAFD Air Operations underscores their dedication to community resilience and to honoring the first responders who safeguard the city they proudly call home.
