Los Angeles Rams' Jared Goff starts fundraiser for California wildfires

Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Second-year Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff started a fundraising campaign to aid those affected by the California wildfires.

Goff started a GoFundMe initiative on Tuesday. The campaign, titled "Northern California Fire Relief" had more than $7,200 in donations from 94 people as of Wednesday.

"Being from the Bay Area and more specifically the North Bay Area the recent fires in the Sonoma, Napa, and Santa Rosa area have hit literally close to home for me," Goff wrote for the group's description. "Like many others from the area, I know many families that have been seriously affected by this tragedy by losing loved ones or entire homes. I wanted to start this fund to try and help some of those families and people in need at this time.

"I've been working with members of the local community there to make sure the money donated goes to the correct places. Along with my personal donation, I've set up this site to help raise money for the families affected by this tragedy. All of the funds donated will go directly to the fire survivors through the Sonoma County Fire Account."

Goff's agency, Rep 1 Sports, gave a $500 donation to his cause.

Goff ranks No. 7 in the NFL with 1.484 passing yards this season. He has eight touchdown passes against three interceptions, showing substantial growth under first-year head coach Sean McVay.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft was born in Novato, Calif., and went to high school at Marin Catholic in Kentfield, Calif., before attending the University of California.

At least 40 people have died and thousands of homes have been destroyed from the wildfires in Northern California.

The Rams quarterback commented on the fires when he met with the media on Oct. 11.

"The city I lived in hasn't been affected yet, but just north of it has been devastated and it's been tough to see some people that I know and some people that are friends of friends that have been affected by it. Hopefully they can get it under control soon and hopefully those people can figure out something that will help them with their situation soon," Goff said.

Goff's group has a fundraising goal of $50,000.