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The Los Angeles Rams had a secret ingredient in their recipe for victory: cayenne pepper.
As the Rams faced the Chicago Bears in a snowy and frigid environment at Soldier Field, players turned to spice as an added measure to stay warm.
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Los Angeles Rams defensive end Tyler Davis (90) and defensive tackle Poona Ford (95) leave the field after the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium on January 10, 2026. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
“The Rams traveled with over 2,000 pounds of cold weather gear, including suits, thermal layers and capes. They have plenty of hot chocolate and chicken broth here on the sidelines,” NBC’s Melissa Stark said on “Sunday Night Football.”
“Get this, some Rams have put cayenne pepper in their socks…I’ve been told it adds warmth and gets the blood circulating.”
Rams defensive lineman Poona Ford showed off his orange-stained socks in the locker room. He said veteran NFL defensive tackle Al Woods convinced him of the idea.
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Los Angeles Rams safety Kam Curl (3) reacts with safety Kamren Kinchens (26) after intercepting a pass from Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, unseen, during overtime of an NFL Football Divisional Playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
“When it’s cold, like we played in Green Bay one year. And just cold games like this. … It helps,” Ford told ESPN.
The Rams defense kept the Bears offense at bay for most of the game. Los Angeles forced Chicago to turn the ball over three times in the 20-17 overtime victory.
Caleb Williams’ heroics on Chicago’s final drive in regulation forced overtime, but his incredible touchdown pass was a 50-50 ball that could have been caught by a defensive back.
Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) is stopped by Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake, center, as he attempted to dive into the end zone during the second half of an NFL Divisional Football Playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
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Yet Williams threw his third pick in overtime. The Rams drove the field and set up Harrison Mevis for the game-winning field goal.
