Andrew Whitworth, the left tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, has pledged this week’s game check to support the families of the victims killed in the Thousand Oaks mass-shooting incident that occurred November 7th.
Whitworth spoke to Clarence Dennis, a Staff Writer at TheRams.com
“The least thing I can do is say, ‘I can give away the financial reward of playing this game this week, to try to put our arms around — our love and appreciation for what people are going through and what they are feeling.”
On November 7th a gunman opened fire inside the Borderline Bar and Grill killing 12 people then himself. The location of the mass-shooting is near the Rams practice facility. Whitworth shared his grief and his desire to help in a tweet on the morning after the tragedy.
Heart broken this morning! I’m just sorry to those affected. I don’t have words that I feel can help. But I promise to find a way to help support our community through this tragedy!
??!— Andrew Whitworth (@awhitworth77) November 8, 2018
Whitworth made good on his promise and is donating his check to the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Conejo Valley Victims Fund. The money will help support the families of the 12 victims that died in the shooting. The Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke highly of his left tackle.
Sean McVay speaking to Clarence Dennis, a Staff Writer at TheRams.com
“He’s one of the most impressive people I’ve ever met in terms of, obviously, he’s an extremely talented football player. But he possesses a natural empathy and a selflessness,”
The Thousand Oaks area of California is also dealing with wildfires that have destroyed homes and caused the Rams to cancel practice on Friday. The Rams announced on Twitter that Whitworth and the other captains of the team are auctioning off their game-worn jerseys to support victims of both the mass-shooting and the wildfires.
The #LARams captains are auctioning off their game worn jerseys in support of the Conejo Valley Victims Fund + @RedCross SoCal Wildfire Relief.
Bid now » https://t.co/BlSC7VeZHU pic.twitter.com/BGlXX83FuR
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 11, 2018
At a time in the season that the Rams are impressing most and high on many power rankings, they are doing what they can to help a community that may need it now more than ever. Whitworth started by expressing his impulse to help. That grew to into a decision that making a financial sacrifice was a worth helping people. He set the example that the Rams followed becoming a part of that community on and off the field.
