Watch: Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht flaunts 'LA' sign to give his best to Dodgers for 2024 World Series
LA Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht is pumped up for the upcoming World Series Game 1 between the LA Dodgers and the New York Yankees, which will take place this Friday. So much so that he showed a support sign after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game.
Midway through the fourth quarter, with Darnold taking a second down snap, a bull rush attack from Hoecht and rookie linebacker Jared Verse resulted in a combo sack. Right after, Hoecht made the Dodgers' "LA" sign, showing his support for the team set to appear in the World Series for the first time since 2020.
The play resulted in an unrecoverable third-and-21 situation. And since the Rams were leading the game 28-20 at that point, chances for the Vikings' comeback were hard. The Rams ultimately won 30-20.
Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani once visited Rams game after signing mammoth contract
One of the reasons the Dodgers are where they are is Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese two-way star entered free agency after spending six years in the MLB playing for the LA Angels. The heightened free agency came when, in December, it was announced he had signed the biggest contract in MLB free agency — a 10-year, $700 million deal.
A week later, showing support for LA-based franchises, Ohtani, along with his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, went to SoFi Stadium to attend the Rams' Week 16 game against the New Orleans Saints.
The Rams gifted the Dodgers' blockbuster acquisition a No. 17 blue-and-gold jersey.
After the pregame honor, Ohtani enjoyed the game from the suite in a Rams jersey.
After the game, which the Rams won 30-22, Ohtani was invited to the Rams' locker room. He met coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The bond between the Rams and the Dodgers runs deep. And while the Rams (3-4) are struggling this season, the players won't mind taking motivation from the Dodgers, who may win it all this year, considering they are the favorites.
Stafford, who is a good friend of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, could perhaps be at Dodger Stadium to support the team for Game 1 on Friday.