Sal Martinez
On November 23rd, 1969, seven-year-old, Sal Martinez, attended his first Rams game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. In the 4th quarter, the Rams overtook the Cowboys, taking home the win 24-23. However, Martinez knew he would become a Rams fan for life the second he saw the Rams horns on the players' helmets before the game even began. He knew he couldn't leave the stadium without a helmet of his own. From that day on, Sal began his massive collection of Los Angeles Rams memorabilia, which covers every inch of his small business dedicated to his favorite team.
Los Angeles Native, Sal Martinez, opened his Rams themed barbershop, The Golden Ram, in 1994 during the team's last season playing in Anaheim. From the moment you enter the Westminster barber shop, you are immediately taken aback by the sheer number of signed items, player photos, and team mementos that cover every single inch of wall space. Each piece of memorabilia holds a story for Sal to tell his loyal patrons. Where to start? Perhaps with his beloved Vince Ferragamo worn jersey that he received from Vince during Super Bowl XIV. This priceless item greets each customer when they walk into Sal's friendly barbershop.
When the team moved to St Louis, Sal's fandom crossed state lines. He would travel to Missouri to support his favorite team at their new "home." No matter where the team played, his shop became the SoCal spot for local fans who kept the fandom alive in Los Angeles. When game viewings outgrew The Golden Ram, Sal curated watch parties, which he titled "The Rams Room," at local businesses for all die-hard Rams fans to cheer on their team and keep the legacy alive on the west coast.
Sal was more than ecstatic when his Rams returned to Los Angeles in 2016 and he was able to see the team play in the city where his fandom began. He highlighted that the Rams' homecoming "was a dream come true. I was so happy the Rams came home; I got my childhood memories back." His decades-long tradition of the "The Rams Room" found a new home at the beautiful SoFi Stadium. Sal, his daughter and fellow die-hard Rams fans line up at SoFi Stadium every game day at 6:00 AM to begin their multi-car set up that includes a full DJ and taco cart assortment for all who gathers. His goal is to host a lively and inclusive spot for all fans to bond over their passion for their favorite team – Rams, or away. Over his years of traveling to watch the Rams play, he cherished each moment that he was welcomed at an opposing stadium and continues to do the same in Los Angeles.
Aside from his barbershop, Sal continues to make a difference in the Los Angeles community. He has been a mentor to the youth in Westminster for over 30 years. Sal's Golden Ram Barbershop acts as a safe and comfortable space for all to gather. He is a listening ear and positive influence that young kids need. Aside from providing advice and leadership, Sal creates jobs around the community to allow teens to have the means to afford food and provide a fuller life for their families.
One of Sal's favorite moments happened in 2022, when the Rams arranged for Terrell Burgess to surprise Sal at The Golden Ram with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Sal grew up studying the Vince Lombardi trophy, but nothing could prepare him for the feeling of holding the trophy with his own hands. He was flooded with deep emotions as he recognized immediately that he was able to hold the Super Bowl trophy for all his fellow Rams friends that did not make it to see the Rams move back to Los Angeles or win another Super Bowl. One of his closest family friends had a chair that was in the shape of his favorite Rams helmet. When he passed away a few years back, Sal was gifted the chair and placed it in the lobby of The Golden Ram. It was a special moment to place the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the chair in his dear friend's memory.
Sal continues to share his 53 years of great Rams memories with all who enter the Golden Ram or who joins his family at his tailgates. Thus far, being named the 2023 Rams Fan of the year is his fondest Rams memory and a dream come true. Sal was simply excited to be on the field and invited to participate in a trivia game and it never crossed his mind that there was a surprise awaiting him. It was surreal to see O'Shea Jackson Jr. hand him the two Super Bowl tickets and process what he had just won.
Sal Martinez embodies a true Rams fan with his dedication to the Los Angeles community and commitment to share the fandom with his family, friends, and customers.