The arrival of the Los Angeles Rams in the City of Inglewood is not only altering and improving the city’s landscape as they continue the development of the SoFi Stadium and Entertainment Complex, they are also demonstrating social responsibility and effective community relations as they contribute to the overall well-being of Inglewood’s residents and neighboring communities.
On Tuesday Nov. 10th, former Rams cornerback Aqib Talib and safety John Johnson III hosted a holiday shopping spree for Watts Rams youth football players at the Inglewood Target store on Century Boulevard in Inglewood.
To kick off the event, Talib provided remarks to the youth over an evening meal, provided by Chick-Fil-A and $100 gift cards for each child to purchase items on their holiday wish lists.
His spirited remarks were well received by the young players as he discussed his non-profit organization, Motivation Foundation, which encourages young people to aspire to achieve whatever they want to become. “My foundation helps young people pursue whatever they want in life, whether or not it is professional sports,” Talib said.
Entering the 2019 season, the Los Angeles Rams formalized their support of the youth football program and the LAPD’s efforts to bridge community and police relations through the game of football by renaming the Watts Bears, the Watts Rams. As part of the partnership, the Los Angeles Rams are funding all components of the Watts Rams program, including uniforms and equipment.
Throughout the year, the Rams will provide engagement opportunities with current players, alumni, coaches, scouts, and football operations staff, as well as host a career day for the Watts Rams players to expose them to business opportunities within the sports industry as a way to expand their knowledge and ignite their passions beyond the playing field.
The young Pop Warner football players, who recently won the D R Championship, were as enthusiastic about meeting a former professional football player as they were about receiving the $100 gift card each player received for their Target shopping spree.
Mathew, a runner and blocker and Jeremiah, an offensive and defensive end, said they were hoping for a PS 4 for Christmas. Another player named Jeremiah, who is a nose guard on the team, said he was hoping for a Viro Rider Electric Bicycle for Christmas.
When asked if he has been a good boy this year, he promptly replied, “I’ve been off and on, but mostly good.”
After receiving the $100 gift card and admonishments from Talib to behave responsibly and respectfully inside the store, the players were accompanied on their shopping spree with volunteers, Target staff and Los Angeles Rams staff members.
They were advised to keep track of the total of the items they select so that they may get as close to the $100 as possible.
Another ‘off-the-field touchdown’ for the Los Angeles Rams!
