When Were The Rams Founded? A History of Los Angeles’ (and St. Louis’) Team
The Rams franchise was officially founded on February 13, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, initially as the Cleveland Rams. This makes them one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League.
The Genesis of a Football Dynasty
The story of the Rams is one of constant evolution, spanning multiple cities and eras. To understand when were the Rams founded?, we need to delve into the context of professional football in the 1930s and the vision of their original owner. The team’s journey is a microcosm of the growth and transformation of the NFL itself.
The Early Years in Cleveland (1936-1945)
The Rams’ history began in Cleveland, Ohio, thanks to the ambition of Homer Marshman and Damon “Buzz” Wetzel. Marshman, a lawyer and sports enthusiast, partnered with Wetzel, a former Ohio State football star, to bring professional football to Cleveland.
- February 13, 1936: The Cleveland Rams were officially founded.
- Marshman and Wetzel’s Vision: They aimed to create a competitive team that would capture the city’s imagination.
- Initial Struggles: The Rams faced financial challenges and struggled to gain a significant foothold in the early years of the American Football League (AFL) and then the NFL.
- World War II Impact: Like many teams, the Rams were significantly impacted by World War II, leading to a temporary suspension of operations.
The Move to Los Angeles (1946)
A pivotal moment in the Rams’ history occurred after World War II. Dan Reeves, a minority owner who gained control of the team, made a bold decision to relocate the franchise to Los Angeles.
- A New Market: Reeves recognized the potential of the Los Angeles market, which lacked a major professional football team.
- The Coliseum Agreement: Securing a lease at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was crucial to the move.
- Breaking the Color Barrier: The Rams made history by signing Kenny Washington and Woody Strode, breaking the color barrier in modern NFL.
- Immediate Impact: The move to Los Angeles proved to be a success, both on and off the field, establishing the Rams as a major force in the NFL.
Years in St. Louis (1995-2015)
In 1995, the team once again relocated, this time to St. Louis, Missouri, ushering in a new era of success and fan support.
- New Ownership: Georgia Frontiere relocated the franchise to St. Louis.
- The “Greatest Show on Turf”: The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the Rams achieve unprecedented success with quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt.
- Super Bowl XXXIV Victory: The Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans to win their first Super Bowl title.
- Declining Fortunes: After the “Greatest Show on Turf” era, the Rams experienced a period of decline.
Return to Los Angeles (2016-Present)
In 2016, the Rams made a historic return to Los Angeles, marking a full-circle moment in the franchise’s history.
- New Stadium: The team eventually moved into SoFi Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility.
- Rebuilding Efforts: The Rams focused on rebuilding their roster through the draft and free agency.
- Super Bowl LVI Victory: In 2022, the Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, defeated the Cincinnati Bengals to win their second Super Bowl title (and their first as the Los Angeles Rams).
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the official announcement of the Rams’ founding?
The official announcement of the Cleveland Rams’ founding was February 13, 1936. This date is considered the start of the Rams franchise, regardless of its subsequent moves and changes in ownership.
Who were the original founders of the Rams?
The original founders of the Rams were Homer Marshman and Damon “Buzz” Wetzel. They were instrumental in bringing professional football to Cleveland and establishing the team.
Why did the Rams move from Cleveland to Los Angeles?
Dan Reeves, the owner at the time, saw the potential in the largely untapped Los Angeles market. He felt that Los Angeles offered a greater opportunity for growth and success than Cleveland did after WWII.
What year did the Rams move to St. Louis?
The Rams moved to St. Louis in 1995. This move was controversial and marked a new chapter in the team’s history.
What was the “Greatest Show on Turf” era?
The “Greatest Show on Turf” was a period of exceptional offensive performance by the St. Louis Rams, typically from 1999 to 2001. The team, led by Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and other stars, captivated fans with their high-scoring games and explosive plays.
When did the Rams win their first Super Bowl?
The Rams won their first Super Bowl in 2000 (Super Bowl XXXIV), defeating the Tennessee Titans. This victory represented the pinnacle of the “Greatest Show on Turf” era.
Why did the Rams move back to Los Angeles?
The reasons for the Rams’ return to Los Angeles were complex, including factors such as declining attendance in St. Louis, the lack of a new stadium agreement, and the perceived potential of the Los Angeles market. Ultimately, the NFL approved the Rams’ relocation application in 2016.
When did the Rams return to Los Angeles?
The Rams officially returned to Los Angeles in 2016. This marked the end of their tenure in St. Louis and the beginning of a new era in California.
When did the Rams win their second Super Bowl?
The Rams won their second Super Bowl in 2022 (Super Bowl LVI), defeating the Cincinnati Bengals. This victory was their first Super Bowl win as the Los Angeles Rams.
What is SoFi Stadium and when did the Rams start playing there?
SoFi Stadium is a state-of-the-art stadium located in Inglewood, California. The Rams started playing there in 2020. It is also home to the Los Angeles Chargers.
How have the Rams been performing recently?
The Rams have had varying performance following their Super Bowl LVI win. They had a down year in 2022 but are consistently striving to compete at the highest level. Their focus remains on building a sustainable winning culture.
What is the legacy of the Rams?
The Rams’ legacy is one of innovation, resilience, and community engagement. From breaking the color barrier to pioneering offensive strategies, the Rams have made significant contributions to the NFL. Their multi-city journey also highlights the evolving landscape of professional sports. Understanding when were the Rams founded is just the first step in appreciating the team’s rich history.