EAGAN, Minn. — The devastation from the L.A. wildfires is widespread. The challenge is yet to be conquered, but help for victims and first responders is on the way.

The NFL on Friday announced a $5 million donation to support communities affected by the wildfires in the greater Los Angeles region. Led by individual contributions from clubs and ownership groups from the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and NFL Foundation, these funds will deliver vital resources to local organizations supporting those affected by the wildfires.

"We are heartbroken over the devastating losses experienced by so many in the Los Angeles area and inspired by the heroism of first responders and residents who have supported their neighbors," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "The NFL family is committed to working with the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams to support their local communities in their time of need."

The Los Angeles Rams are supporting two organizations working around the clock to help keep the Los Angeles community safe during this tragic time: the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, benefiting both County and City Fire Departments, and American Red Cross. The Kroenke Family – through the Kroenke Family Foundation and on behalf of their sports organizations and business entities – will donate $1 million benefiting the LAFD Foundation.

"On behalf of our family and the Los Angeles Rams, our thoughts are with everyone affected by the unfathomable fires and destruction. We are beyond grateful for the tireless efforts of our first responders who continue to protect our community as well as individuals who continue to help our neighbors in need. We know there are both immediate and long-term needs and our family and the Rams are committed to doing our part to support recovery efforts now and into the months and years ahead," said the Kroenke Family.

The Los Angeles Chargers are furthering their targeted funding of American Red Cross relief efforts, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and several pet rescue organizations across the region sheltering animals displaced by the wildfires.

"The displays of heroism from first responders and residents alike in the face of these devastating wildfires has been remarkable," said Chargers Owner and Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos. "Our hearts are with the tens of thousands of Angelenos who have been displaced, the firefighters of the LAFD and departments from around the state who have tirelessly fought to prevent loss of life and property, the police officers keeping us safe and informed, and all those among us who have stepped up to assist one another in this incredible time of need."

In addition, Los Angeles Chargers (Saturday) and Rams (Monday) players, coaches and staff will wear custom, team-specific LAFD hats and shirts. These team-specific LAFD hats and shirts will be available for retail purchase, with proceeds from Chargers apparel supporting the LAFD Foundation and proceeds from Rams apparel supporting the LAFD Foundation and American Red Cross. Game-worn jerseys and select game-used footballs from both Wild Card games will be auctioned off on NFL Auction with proceeds going to the support the American Red Cross.

Further, the 50 percent of the Rams 50/50 Raffle from Monday's game that benefits the Los Angeles Rams Foundation will be donated to the LAFD Foundation and American Red Cross.

The Chargers are visiting the Houston Texans to open Wild Card Weekend on Saturday. The Vikings were set to visit the Rams, but that Monday Night Football game has been moved to Arizona.

The Minnesota Vikings and the Wilf Family Foundations are providing a matching $1 million contribution to support on-the-ground relief efforts in communities affected by the California wildfires. The Houston Texans are also donating $1 million to support relief efforts and first responders in the greater Los Angeles region.

"As we witness the continued devastation from these wildfires, our hearts go out to the tens of thousands of residents who have been directly impacted, to the individuals who have tragically lost their lives and to the first responders who are desperately fighting to protect their community and mitigate the destruction," Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf, Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and the Wilf family said.

The NFL Foundation, the league's philanthropic arm, is complementing these club contributions with a matching $1 million donation to support relief efforts. The NFL is also partnering with the American Red Cross to support the organization's efforts in providing shelter, food, and supplies to people affected by the wildfires. Visit redcross.org/NFL to donate and support the organization's lifesaving efforts.

The images have struck a chord with Vikings coaches and players with direct ties to Southern California.

"Just want to express my and our organizational sadness for those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles," O'Connell said in opening his Thursday media session. "You feel helpless watching it from here and know how many people are being impacted.

"Southern California [is] near and dear to my heart, and I have some friends that have lost homes, and you just think about the impact it has on so many folks, so our prayers are with all those impacted and definitely with the brave first responders that are putting their lives on the line and working 24-hour shifts to try to help put this thing to end."

Having grown up near San Diego, where he also played college football before eventually becoming an assistant coach with the Rams, O'Connell is not a stranger to the threat of wildfires and the fatal consequences and emotional tolls they can cause.

"The worst aspect of it are the lives that have been lost. And then you think about people that lose a lifetime of memories and things and a home that they've, in many cases, built their families," O'Connell said. "But there's also a lot of people who have been evacuated that are trying to basically make sense of all this during this time. So, there's just so many people impacted. And then you think about these heroes in my mind who are out, whether it's wind or circumstance of fighting this fire that you think about just the adversity they're up against and how much sacrifice there is there.

"This one does feel different, though," O'Connell added. "And like you said, it's something you experience in Southern California, based on the time of the year when these winds kick up and it's dry. There's never one of these where I hear about it, and it seems like a small thing that, 'Oh, there's just another one.' "

Quarterback Sam Darnold is from San Clemente, which is south of Los Angeles.

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