LA Rams QB to Provide Jerseys to PHS Football Team

The CIF Championship Pasadena High School football team received a surprise at its banquet last week, according to ABC-TV News.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford arrived at the banquet and delivered news that he would replace team uniforms lost in the devastating Eaton Fire. Several players lost their homes in the fire.

Pasadena High School alumni Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmember Justin Jones were also in attendance.

“I’m happy for the players,” Jones told Pasadena Now. “I thought it was very generous of Matthew Stafford to donate equipment and jerseys in person to them. You don’t forget those types of moments.”

Stafford will also provide 60 jerseys to the school, 150 young athletes across five Pasadena Panthers youth teams.

“We just wanted to do something to lift your spirits,” Stafford said. “We know how much football means to this community. We know how much it means to have that pride when you step on the field. This is about making sure you all keep playing the game you love.”

In total, 17 people died in the fire and more than 9,000 homes were destroyed in Altadena and Pasadena where many of the coaches and players live. The fire is one of the deadliest in the state’s history.

Pasadena is coming off an 8-7 season that saw the Bulldogs capture the Southern Section Division 13 championship, the school’s first in 91 years.

“We can’t imagine what you’ve all been through,” she said. “But we want you to know that you’re not alone. We’re here for you,” Stafford’s wife Kelly said.

Stafford is the second celebrity to donate to a Pasadena school. Last week, Steve Carell announced free prom tickets for local students.

“Attention all seniors, this is Steve Carell with a very special announcement,” the actor said in the video. “I work with a wonderful charity out of Virginia called Alice’s Kids. And Alice’s Kids wanted me to let you know that they will be paying for all of your prom tickets.”