Who were the Rams before LA? This question often piques the interest of football enthusiasts, especially those who are not well-versed in the history of the NFL. The Los Angeles Rams, now based in Inglewood, California, have a rich history that dates back to their founding in 1936. Before their relocation to Los Angeles, the Rams had a storied past in several other cities, each leaving an indelible mark on the franchise’s legacy. Let’s delve into the origins of the Rams and explore the cities that played host to this storied team before the “City of Angels.”
The Rams were originally founded as the Cleveland Rams in 1936. The team was one of the eight charter members of the National Football League (NFL) and was owned by former college football coach and player, Dan Reeves. The Rams’ first season was a success, as they finished with a 7-3 record, which was good enough for second place in the league. The team’s first head coach was a legendary figure in football history, George Halas, who would later become the team’s co-founder and co-owner.
In their early years, the Rams played their home games at the Cleveland Municipal Stadium, which was also home to the Cleveland Browns. The team enjoyed a fair amount of success during this period, including a victory in the 1945 NFL Championship, which was the first NFL championship game ever played. The Rams’ success in Cleveland was not only on the field but also in terms of popularity, as they became one of the most beloved teams in the league.
However, the Rams’ tenure in Cleveland was not without its challenges. In the late 1940s, the team faced financial difficulties and a dwindling fan base. As a result, the Rams’ owners, led by Dan Reeves, decided to move the team to a new city that could provide better opportunities for the franchise. In 1946, the Rams were relocated to Los Angeles, California, where they were renamed the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams’ time in Los Angeles was marked by a series of ups and downs. The team enjoyed a successful period in the late 1940s and early 1950s, including another NFL Championship win in 1949. However, the team faced financial difficulties once again and, in 1960, the Rams’ owners decided to move the team to St. Louis, Missouri, where they became known as the St. Louis Rams.
The Rams’ time in St. Louis was a successful one, as the team won the Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999. However, in 2016, the Rams’ owners, Stan Kroenke, decided to move the team back to Los Angeles, where they were renamed the Los Angeles Rams. The team’s return to Los Angeles has been met with great excitement and has reignited the franchise’s storied history.
In conclusion, the Rams’ journey from their founding in Cleveland to their current home in Los Angeles is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the franchise. From the “Cleveland Browns” to the “Los Angeles Rams” and finally the “St. Louis Rams,” the team has left an indelible mark on the NFL and the cities that have had the pleasure of hosting them. The rich history of the Rams is a reminder of the power of sports to bring communities together and create lasting legacies.
