The Los Angeles Rams have a storied history in the NFL, marked by numerous relocations, iconic players, and significant achievements. Their journey spans several cities and decades, making them one of the most intriguing franchises in professional football.
Early Years and Cleveland Era (1936-1945)
- 1936: The franchise was founded as the Cleveland Rams by attorney/businessman Homer Marshman and player-coach Damon “Buzz” Wetzel.
- 1937: The Rams joined the newly formed second American Football League (AFL), winning the league championship in their first season. The team then joined the NFL the following year.
- 1945: Under the leadership of quarterback Bob Waterfield, the Rams won their first NFL Championship by defeating the Washington Redskins 15-14.
Move to Los Angeles (1946-1994)
- 1946: The Rams relocated to Los Angeles, becoming the first NFL team to play on the West Coast. This move was partly influenced by the desire to tap into the lucrative California market and the availability of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- 1949: The team won its second NFL Championship by defeating the Chicago Bears 24-14.
- 1951: The Rams secured their third NFL Championship with a 24-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The team featured stars like Norm Van Brocklin, Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch, and Tom Fears.
- 1950s-1960s: Despite regular season success and several playoff appearances, the Rams did not win any championships during this period. They were known for their “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line, featuring Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, Rosey Grier, and Lamar Lundy.
- 1979: The Rams, led by head coach Ray Malavasi and quarterback Vince Ferragamo, made their first Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl XIV) but were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- 1980s-1990s: The Rams experienced fluctuating success. Eric Dickerson emerged as one of the league’s premier running backs during the mid-1980s, setting an NFL single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards in 1984.
Move to St. Louis (1995-2015)
- 1995: The Rams relocated to St. Louis, Missouri. This move brought renewed enthusiasm and a change of fortune for the franchise.
- 1999: Under head coach Dick Vermeil and offensive coordinator Mike Martz, the Rams, known as “The Greatest Show on Turf,” won Super Bowl XXXIV with a dramatic 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt headlined this high-powered offense.
- 2001: The Rams made another Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl XXXVI) but were upset by the New England Patriots 20-17.
- 2000s-2010s: The team struggled to maintain consistent success and experienced several losing seasons.
Return to Los Angeles (2016-Present)
- 2016: The Rams moved back to Los Angeles, playing their home games initially at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- 2017: With the hiring of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams saw a significant turnaround, winning the NFC West division title for the first time since 2003.
- 2018: The Rams reached Super Bowl LIII but were defeated by the New England Patriots 13-3.
- 2020: The Rams moved to the newly constructed SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
- 2021: The Rams, under head coach Sean McVay and led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, won Super Bowl LVI with a 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, capturing their second Super Bowl title and fourth overall championship.
Championships and Trophies
NFL Championships (Pre-Super Bowl Era):
- 1945: Cleveland Rams defeated the Washington Redskins 15-14.
- 1951: Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-17.
Super Bowl Championships:
- 1999 (Super Bowl XXXIV): St. Louis Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-16.
- 2021 (Super Bowl LVI): Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20.
The Los Angeles Rams’ history reflects a franchise that has experienced the highs of championship glory and the challenges of relocations and rebuilding. Their legacy includes iconic players, memorable games, and a passionate fan base that has supported them through every era.