The Rams had the strangest remedy for the frigid Chicago weather

The Rams knew that weather was going to be a factor heading into Sunday's NFC Divisional Round game in Chicago. Game-time temperatures were in the teens with snow falling at kickoff. So, you'd expect a team from Los Angeles to look for any way to handle those conditions.

But apparently all the Rams had to do was look in a spice rack.

Ahead of Sunday's game with the Bears, NBC reported that several Rams players opted to put cayenne pepper (!!!) in their socks in order to stay warm during the game. According to Melissa Stark, the Rams said that cayenne pepper supports blood flow to help keep sensation in their feet.

Some Rams players have put cayenne pepper in their socks, per the NBC broadcast.

"It brings heat and keeps the blood flowing." pic.twitter.com/2US74U1yv8— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 18, 2026

Now, anyone who has spent time in cold weather knows some tricks to stay warm. But putting actual cayenne pepper in your socks sounds beyond uncomfortable. Even a Google search doesn't turn up many results about the cayenne method.

But if it works for the Rams, we'll probably see more teams adopt that method.

Fans were understandably skeptical though.

I’ve lived in Illinois for 30 years and have never heard about cayenne pepper in your socks bears by a million pic.twitter.com/injD2v8Js9— Jimmy Roundball (@JamesRoundball) January 18, 2026

Cayenne pepper in the socks? pic.twitter.com/YxnFjeNBUO— Dave Algonquin (@the_real_matt_m) January 18, 2026

"the weather is only a big deal if you make it one"

"so the Rams have brought 2000 pounds worth of cold gear, hot soup, and are putting cayenne pepper in their underwear"

Oh they're definitely not making a big deal about it then...— Joey Bradley (@Living4aLiving_) January 18, 2026

…cayenne pepper in their socks? That’s a thing to stay warm?— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) January 18, 2026

I've lived in many cold places that got to -65°F and I've never put cayenne pepper in my socks. #Bears#SNFpic.twitter.com/9jnRK4SKrb— Miss Mahlia (@MissMahlia) January 18, 2026

Cayenne pepper? In their socks? pic.twitter.com/mGFZrcleix— krismadarame (@krismadarame) January 18, 2026

That can't really be a thing, can it?

This article originally appeared on For The Win: The Rams had the strangest remedy for the frigid Chicago weather