On the surface, Saturday night's preseason game between the Rams and Raiders will be exactly that — just another tune-up before the Week 1 kickoff.
But a look to the sidelines will show that it means a little more. For the Rams, their rebuild is just a speed bump on the road to contention again. For Hawaiians, it's representative of starting over after wildfires devastated Maui in recent days.
The flames have wiped out entire neighborhoods and destroyed tourist attractions. They've taken lives and robbed residents of countless memories and belongings while reducing its beautiful landscape to ash.
With many people still missing and the death toll having risen to over 100, rescue and cleanup efforts are underway. And the Rams are doing their part to make sure that finances aren't a problem.
Rams players and coaches will wear custom Mãlama Maui shirts for Saturday night’s game in support of the victims of the Hawaii wildfires.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 17, 2023
The shirts are available at https://t.co/OeoJSzrrFo for purchase, with all net proceeds going to support @redcross relief efforts in Hawaii. pic.twitter.com/OoRKo633PI
MORE: Coaches send well wishes to Hawaii as wildfires impact home of Maui Invitational
Here's everything you need to know about the Rams' Maui shirts, including why they are wearing them and how you can buy one.
Why are the Rams wearing Maui shirts?
The team is wearing the Maui-branded shirts in an attempt to raise money for the relief effort in Hawaii, donating the money made from sales and auctions of team-worn shirts to charity.
Rams' players and coaches will wear the shirts that read, "Mālama Maui."
Mālama is the Hawaiian word for, "to care for and protect."
The Rams are not the only Los Angeles-area professional team that's looking to assist in rebuilding Hawaii. According to a release shared by MLB, all 12 professional teams combined to make a donation of $450,000.
The Dodgers are proud to team up with Los Angeles professional sports teams to donate $450,000 to help those affected by the Hawaii wildfires. Visit https://t.co/Jr9XsS9FHw to find out how you can help support American Red Cross' Hawaii Fire Relief efforts. pic.twitter.com/NQ08LVbpJB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 17, 2023
And others are contributing too. The PGA's Collin Morikawa made headlines after announcing he would donate $1,000 for each birdie he makes during the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The University of Hawaii has also taken part in assisting the recovery.
MORE: Maui wildfires: Why Collin Morikawa is donating $1,000 per birdie
The Rams, despite playing in Los Angeles, also have a special connection with Hawaii — playing a preseason game against the Cowboys on the island in 2019. Honolulu's Fox affiliate continues to broadcast the Rams preseason games, solidifying the relationship between the team and community.
Where can you buy the Rams Maui shirts?
The shirts are available for purchase online at RamsFanShop.com or in "The Equipment Room" at SoFi Stadium, with proceeds being donated to the Red Cross relief efforts.
The Rams, NFL, Fanatics or Legends will not keep any of the profits from the sales, according to the team.
The shirts are being sold for $40.
