Vikings playoff game against Rams relocated to Arizona due to wildfires

The game will take place on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona

By Dane Mizutani, Pioneer Press – January 9, 2025

As wildfires continue to engulf the Los Angeles area, the NFL announced on Thursday night that it has decided to relocate the playoff game between the Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams in the interest of public safety.

The game will take place on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. It was previously scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs, and the NFLPA.

Talking to reporters on Thursday afternoon at TCO Performance Center before the NFL announced the change, head coach Kevin O’Connell, who grew up in Carlsbad, Calif., less than 100 miles south of Los Angeles, offered his thoughts to those impacted.

“You feel helpless watching it from here knowing how many people are being impacted,” O’Connell. “I hold Southern California near and dear to my heart.”

The numbers are sobering as the wildfires have forced more than 180,000 people from their homes with authorities unclear on the total number of deaths.

As a kid growing up in Southern California in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, O’Connell has been exposed to wildfires at different points of his life.

Asked how this tragedy compares, O’Connell replied, “This feels different.” In that same breath, O’Connell praised the first responders, as well, for risking their lives this week trying to contain the wildfires.

“You think about the impact it has on so many folks,” O’Connell said. “Our prayers are with all those impacted.”

Though they will be opponents during the playoff game, O’Connell reached out to Rams coach Sean McVay this week to check in. They built a close friendship during their shared time with the Rams as O’Connell served as the offensive coordinator under McVay.

“I connected with him early on because I know about where he lives,” O’Connell said. “The area we’re talking about, there are a lot of people in a very small square mile radius. You never know who’s being impacted. I’ve had some dialogue with folks that have lost everything and there are really no words.”

It was a similar message from quarterback Sam Darnold, who grew up in San Clemente, Calif., a little more than 50 miles south of Los Angeles.

“It’s tough being from the area and knowing a couple of people who’ve been affected,” Darnold said. “My thoughts go out to those people that are struggling through that.”

Not much changes for the Vikings from a preparation standpoint regardless of where the playoff game takes place.

“There are a lot of really talented people in our building and with the league office that help coordinate these things in times like this,” O’Connell said. “We’re very fortunate to be able to focus on playing a football game as the road team.”

Darnold responds positively

After the Vikings walked off the field last weekend against the Lions, Darnold immediately started the process of turning the page.

How has he responded to some teaching points while preparing for a playoff game for the first time in his career?

“I think Sam has been great,” O’Connell said. “He’s off to a really good start this week.”

That’s been a calling card for Darnold throughout this season. No matter if the Vikings have won or lost, he’s always the same person.

“He’s got a level of mental toughness to be consistent about his routine,” O’Connell said. “There’s really nothing Sam’s doing differently from where I am.”

Taimani getting closer

After having his practice window opened, rookie defensive tackle Taki Taimani was listed as a full participant at practice on Thursday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. That’s good news for the Vikings considering Taimani has been on injured reserve for the past couple of months with an ankle injury.

In order for Taimani to be activated before the playoff game against the Rams, the Vikings would need to be a corresponding move to open up a spot on the roster.

Briefly

On the injury report, edge rusher Pat Jones II (knee) was the only player listed as a non-participant, and running back Aaron Jones (quad) was the only player listed as a limited participant.

Above photo: Fires continue to burn in a neighborhood around sunset time in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, Jan.8, 2025. Multiple blazes have engulfed large areas and officials warned that wind gusts could spread the flames.(Mark Abramson/The New York Times)