Now and again, something reminds us that there are things in life bigger than football. These events give us some perspective on our fandoms and how we’re all human, even in the heat of rivalries and favorite players changing teams.
Last week, we saw one of those events: extreme flooding struck parts of Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa, affecting numerous lives—including those of new Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, his wife Samantha, and their community of Rock Valley, IA.
Van Ginkel, a Rock Valley, IA, native, signed with the Vikings in this year’s free agency period after spending the past five seasons with the Miami Dolphins. In light of the historic flooding and damage to the Van Ginkel’s property and the entire community of Rock Valley, the family has partnered with former Dolphins teammate Zach Sieler and his Sieler Haven Foundation.
The goal is to help house and provide resources to the more than 1,500 residents who have been affected, as well as to help rebuild the homes that have been severely damaged or destroyed. If you are able and would like to contribute to the relief fund, donations can be made here.