The Rams are preparing for their divisional round game against the Bears with an unusual approach to the extreme cold. Temperatures at Soldier Field in Chicago are expected to drop to 2 degrees, and the team is using high-tech gear to stay warm.
According to the NY Post, quarterback Matthew Stafford is wearing a scuba suit under his uniform to maintain his core body temperature during the game. NFL Legend Tom Brady used to do this too. Brady first tried out a scuba top on January 10, 2004, during the divisional-round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans; a game he calls the coldest of his career.
This strategy is important for Stafford, who has struggled badly in cold weather since joining Los Angeles. He holds a 1-9 record when playing in cold, rainy, or snowy conditions. For a three-time Pro-Bowler, this is a concerning track record heading into a crucial playoff game. The wetsuit helps Stafford avoid the distraction of freezing temperatures so he can focus on playing
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Stafford’s cold-weather gear is now being used by his head coach
Head coach Sean McVay revealed that Stafford introduced him to the specialized wetsuit technology after joining the team. McVay plans to wear the same gear along with a heated vest during the game. “Matthew since he got here, he introduced me to the wetsuit stuff,” McVay said. “I’ll wear that. Maybe I’ll have a heated vest. I’ve had some guys that have had that.”
McVay joked about his cold-weather preparations when asked if he was bundling up for the game. He initially said he was going shirtless before clarifying he would use the thermal gear. Despite wearing multiple layers, McVay insisted the equipment won’t slow him down. “I’ll be in good shape, man. Don’t you worry about me,” he stated. “We’ll be good. Don’t worry. What do you think, I’m going to dress up like the Michelin man or something?”
The coach emphasized that his personal comfort doesn’t matter compared to the team’s performance. Injuries are always a concern in extreme weather conditions, as demonstrated when Victor Wembanyama dealt with a scary collision recently. He trusts his equipment team, particularly senior director Brendan Burger, to prepare everything he needs.
“I don’t give a crap about me being warm or cold,” McVay said. “That s— doesn’t matter at all. It’s about our players, but ‘Burg’ takes good care of me.” McVay also mentioned he will finally wear a beanie after his mother and wife criticized him for going without one.
The Rams hope this wetsuit strategy will help them overcome the brutal cold and turn around Stafford’s poor cold-weather record. Athletes in other sports have also faced criticism for their preparation choices, like when Sean Strickland’s controversial social media post drew backlash. If successful, this technology could become more common in future cold-weather playoff games.
Published: Jan 17, 2026 10:45 am