As the Rams geared up for their 10th season back in Los Angeles, the team focused on bringing football to the community. The "Countdown to Kickoff" week got fans excited for the upcoming season while uplifting the community ahead of the team's season opening victory against the Houston Texans.
The week kicked off at Welby Way Charter Elementary, where excitement filled the community as they were one of over 25 schools throughout Los Angeles who received Rams shirts and wristbands. Welby Way students were surprised with special appearances from outside linebacker Jared Verse and running back Blake Corum, who not only handed out gear but engaged with students.
"We're not just here to get the kids excited for football season, but to let them know education is just as important. It's great to be here having a little fun after school," shared Verse.
Corum added, "It puts a smile on my face giving back to the youth. Hearing them laugh and scream puts an even bigger smile on my face."
The momentum continued as the Rams hosted a PLAY 60 Field Day at Caroline Coleman Field for the second consecutive year. Partnering with Inglewood United School District, the Rams welcomed 550 fifth graders who rotated through engaging activity stations. With inflatables, interactive drills, and teamwork challenges, students learned the value of staying active for 60 minutes a day as part of the NFL's PLAY 60 initiatives. Each student left with a t-shirt and interacted with Rams mascot Rampage and Rams cheerleaders.
At the end of the week, the Rams brought their energy to Palisades Charter High School for a pep rally. Nearly 2,500 students filled the area celebrating the upcoming Rams season and their own high school football home opening game. The event featured performances from Rams cheerleaders and a speech from Rams Legend and Super Bowl XXXIV Champion Roland Williams. The event concluded with the surprise announcement of various teachers and the entire football team receiving tickets to the Rams home opener. For Pali High, the event carried an even greater meaning as the students and staff have been continuing classes at a temporary site since the January Los Angeles wildfires displaced them earlier this year. The Rams visit continued their commitment to supporting both student athletes and communities in recovery.
"It was incredible. Our community getting together, being able to cheer and the Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders being there with us is inspirational for me," said Aubrey, a Palisades High cheerleader.
As part of the home opener celebration efforts, the Rams also activated their Rams House Vehicle at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)'s pre-game Fan Zone and the University of Southern California (USC)'s Fan Fest leading into their football team's home openers. The Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, mascot Rampage, Rams House Hype and a DJ added to the excitement of the events and fans participated in sweepstakes where they won tickets to a Rams home game.
For more information about the Rams' community outreach efforts, visit www.therams.com/community.
