{"id":732284,"date":"2026-02-06T00:16:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T00:16:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/732284\/"},"modified":"2026-02-06T00:16:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T00:16:17","slug":"rams-send-message-after-nfl-announces-historic-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/732284\/","title":{"rendered":"Rams Send Message After NFL Announces Historic Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t\t\t<img width=\"780\" height=\"438\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2241084407-1-e1770333694422.jpg\" class=\"attachment-featured-image size-featured-image wp-post-image\" alt=\"Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams\"   decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with head coach Sean McVay during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/los-angeles-rams\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Los Angeles Rams<\/a> will embark on a historic journey next season, and their NFC West rivals, the <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/san-francisco-49ers\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">San Francisco 49ers<\/a>, will join them.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams offered messages in reaction to the landmark news. The official word came from the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/\" title=\"NFL\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"160971\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL<\/a>, and it created a buzz around both franchises and within the individuals who cover them for a living.<\/p>\n<p>All of that, and the 2026 NFL offseason has yet to officially begin.<\/p>\n<p>Rams Get Historic News From NFL<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5755541\" class=\"size-large wp-image-5755541\" data-lazy-load=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770336976_998_GettyImages-2229305320-e1770327211179.jpg\" alt=\"Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5755541\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts on the sidelines during a game against the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/dallas-cowboys\/\" title=\"Dallas Cowboys\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"160970\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dallas Cowboys<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTHE FIRST-EVER REGULAR SEASON GAME IN AUSTRALIA IS SET! [Australian flag emoji],\u201d the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NFLAUNZ\/status\/2019483651143266652\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">NFL announced<\/a> in a post on X on February 6. \u201c@49ers vs @RamsNFL at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RamsNFL\/status\/2019483729992036832\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">Rams posted<\/a>, \u201cNFC West battle down under. [triumphant emoji],\u201d on X on February 5 after getting the news that officially means one less home game, where they went 7-1 in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSee you at the @MCG!\u201d the Rams said in <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RamsNFL\/status\/2019484267026501862\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">another post<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Robert Irwin, renowned conservationist and son of the late \u201cCrocodile Hunter,\u201d Steve Irwin, also <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RamsNFL\/status\/2019492004481073193\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">sent the Rams a message<\/a>, saying, \u201cI know you guys are coming down under to Australia. I am so excited.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019re gonna have to bring your A-game. I know you will, and I hope to see you at the Australia Zoo. Let\u2019s go wrangle some crocodiles, hey? Get you warmed up for the big game.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The 49ers did not share their message if they received one, but they did react to the news.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a g\u2019day mate [Australian flag emoji],\u201d the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/49ers\/status\/2019484672527417473\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">49ers posted<\/a> on their official X account in reaction to the news, adding <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/49ers\/status\/2019488403016847443\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">another message that said<\/a> \u201cFrom The Bay to Down Under [Australian flag emoji].\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Rams are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/draftkings\/posts\/the-international-records-of-every-nfl-team-what-stands-out-\/1360744828747686\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3-2 all-time<\/a> in international games, most recently defeating the <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/jacksonville-jaguars\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> in London in Week 7 of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n<p>The 49ers are 3-0 all-time in international games.<\/p>\n<p>LA and San Francisco split their two meetings this past season, and the 49ers gave the Rams a run for the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs. However, the Rams are 4-2 against the 49ers over the past two seasons.<\/p>\n<p>The 49ers had the edge in the series for much of head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/los-angeles-rams\/mcvay-snead-contract-extension-roster-offseason\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sean McVay<\/a>\u2019s tenure, though, with the Rams going 4-10 in their first 14 meetings.<\/p>\n<p>Their upcoming contest in the Land Down Under is sure to generate interest.<\/p>\n<p>Rams\u2019 International Game Gets Volunteers<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5748844\" class=\"size-large wp-image-5748844\" data-lazy-load=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770336977_998_GettyImages-2258189627-e1770055010232.jpg\" alt=\"Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams\" width=\"780\" height=\"440\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5748844\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/seattle-seahawks\/\" title=\"Seattle Seahawks\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"160969\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Seattle Seahawks<\/a> in the NFC Championship Game.<\/p>\n<p>Players often enjoy seeing sights when abroad, but the Rams\u2019 and 49ers\u2019 game drew volunteers from the media.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe NFL announced the Rams and 49ers will play the first ever regular season game in Australia next season,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/FieldYates\/status\/2019484933304037544\" rel=\"nofollow\">ESPN\u2019s Field Yates posted<\/a> on X amid the news. \u201cI am announcing that I am willing to travel to Melbourne to cover the game for ESPN.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sports Illustrated\u2019s Albert Breer responded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI too am willing to take the bullet and travel to Australia for the game,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AlbertBreer\/status\/2019522076844151177\" rel=\"nofollow\">Breer posted<\/a>. \u201cIf need be, I can do a few weeks of advance work as well to enhance SI\u2019s coverage.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rams Ready for NFL Honors<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5753395\" class=\"size-large wp-image-5753395\" data-lazy-load=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2257696951-e1770239208953.jpg\" alt=\"Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5753395\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to the sidelines during warm-ups before the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks.<\/p>\n<p>While the Rams can plan for their trip to face the 49ers, they are bracing for the NFL\u2019s final decisions at the NFL Honors award show on Wednesday. The Rams are awaiting word on two players in particular: <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/nfl\/player\/matthew-stafford\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Stafford<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/nfl\/player\/puka-nacua\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Puka Nacua<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Stafford is a finalist for the MVP.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMVP-caliber season for [No. 9 emoji],\u201d the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RamsNFL\/status\/2019171684683849729\" rel=\"nofollow\">Rams posted<\/a> about their three-time Pro Bowl quarterback and the NFL\u2019s regular-season leader in passing touchdowns and yards.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou know who has our vote for OPOY [head shaking vertically emoji] @AsapPuka,\u201d the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RamsNFL\/status\/2019471087885750631\" rel=\"nofollow\">Rams\u2019 social media team posted<\/a> about Nacua, who led the league in receptions during the regular season.<\/p>\n<p>The NFL Honors <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/news\/nfl-honors-finalists-announced-for-mvp-other-awards-from-2025-season\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">program begins<\/a> at 9 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/author\/jgbuck\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Buckhalter<\/a> covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He&#8217;s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck  <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/author\/jgbuck\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">More about Josh Buckhalter<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Rams\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Getty Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with head coach Sean McVay during a game&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":732285,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2080],"tags":[220,7,6,1161,252,2624,2623],"class_list":{"0":"post-732284","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-san-francisco-49ers","8":"tag-49ers","9":"tag-football","10":"tag-nfl","11":"tag-san-francisco","12":"tag-san-francisco-49ers","13":"tag-sanfrancisco","14":"tag-sanfrancisco49ers"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116020813352466287","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/732284","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=732284"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/732284\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/732285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=732284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=732284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=732284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}