If you watched even one NFL game last season, then you most likely encountered the “Football is Family” commercials. Recent events have illustrated that there is definitely truth underlying the sentiment. Two examples of the football family banding together include two NFL teams that assisted a couple of local high school football programs in need.

Although the Rams are new to Los Angeles (again), they haven’t taken long to ingratiate themselves with some of the local youth. The Cleveland High School football team, located in the Los Angeles suburb of Reseda, was provided a huge assist courtesy or the Rams and starting defensive end Robert Quinn.

“I love giving back to the community…It’s what I’m about, and what the Rams are all about,” said Quinn.

The school raised nearly $8,000 in cash donations for necessary equipment, which was stolen from Head Coach Matt Gentle’s office. A second attempt to raise the funds fell short. The culmination of events left the team unsure whether it would be able to play this fall. Needless to say, the young men were exceedingly disappointed.

Undeterred, an industrious mother of one of the players emailed a plea to Rams’ Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff. To her surprise a reply was received very quickly, which stated: “The Rams are on it. We’re going to do what we can to help.”

The Rams enlisted Quinn and the Rams’ mascot, “Rampage”, to deliver the donated equipment in person and pose for photos with the delighted players.

Another recent example occurred in the same state. A Sacramento, Calif. area high school recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for its football program. The total needed to reach its funding goal was only $550, which is not much compared to other programs in need. However, even smaller funding goals can take a long time to succeed and sometimes fall short. However, thanks to the generosity of the San Francisco 49ers, and its pledge of $550, the goal was quickly met. Included in the donation was a note: “Coach Kevin – best of luck this season. From your friends at the 49ers.”

While the amount donated may seem insignificant for an NFL team, it was a welcomed relief for a football program in need.

Sometimes football is family.

If you know of a high school program that has been affected by floods, earthquakes, fire, theft and other natural disasters, then please take a moment to apply for USA Football’s Disaster Relief Grant.