“This year’s Governor’s Cup will be dedicated to both assisting the people of Joplin in their continued recovery and rebuilding efforts, and to recognizing the thousands of volunteers and first-responders who have helped in Joplin.” announced Governor Jay Nixon with Kansas City Chief’s President Mark Donovan and Rams COO and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Kevin Demoff.
Rams and Chiefs players have been supporting the relief efforts in Joplin since devastating Tornadoes struck May 22 killing more than 150 people and costing an estimated $2 billion. Within a few short days of the event Rams QB Sam Bradford led a group of teammates to disaster area. “I grew up in Oklahoma so I know exactly what tornadoes can do and the effect they can have on people’s lives,” Bradford said. “Many people are hurting here right now and we felt it was important to do something.”
The Chiefs chartered four buses a few weeks later and helped clean up neighborhoods in Joplin. At this year’s game Chiefs’ sideline personnel will wear specially-designed hats and shirts, available to fans for purchase by fans, like those worn by the team on their June visit to Joplin. Fans can also support the Joplin Recovery Fund and the Joplin Relief Fund.
“Missouri is fortunate to be one of a handful of states with more than one NFL franchise” Governor Nixon added describing the in-state rivalry game with 42 contests dating back to 1967 between the Kansas City Chiefs and then St. Louis Cardinals. Resumed in 1996 when the Rams moved to St. Louis after an eight year hiatus, the Governor’s cup is awarded to the team who wins during a match up between the two Missouri teams. Played primarily during the preseason, the Governor’s cup has been played five times between the Chiefs and Rams with the last time awarding the cup to the Chief’s in December 2010.
