Matthew Stafford makes big gesture to help injured Rams photographer

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is stepping up to help the photographer who was injured Wednesday while covering the team’s championship parade.

Stafford was part of a viral video in which a Rams photographer fell off a stage while photographing the parade. The photographer, Kelly Smiley, suffered a significant injury and also damaged her camera equipment in the fall.

Stafford received some criticism for his perceived indifference to what happened. On Thursday, he, his wife, and the Rams issued a joint statement announcing that they would cover all of Smiley’s hospital bills, and would also purchase new camera equipment for her.

The #Rams and the Stafford family announced in a statement that they're paying for photographer Kelly Smiley’s medical expenses and camera equipment after she fell and fractured her spine during Wednesday's Super Bowl parade. pic.twitter.com/o9j4KVMKow

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 17, 2022

A GoFundMe set up in Smiley’s name had already raised over $40,000 as of Thursday afternoon. In light of the Rams’ statement, it was not clear if that money would still go to Smiley.

Regardless of whether or not Stafford’s reaction was reasonable, this is a nice step for him to be taking. Hopefully Smiley can make a full recovery quickly.

Photo: Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports