The History of the Los Angeles Rams

by Jesse M. Earl on April 24, 2023

The History of the Los Angeles Rams

Early Years (1936-1945)

The Los Angeles Rams are a professional American football team based in Los Angeles, California. The group was founded in 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Los Angeles in 1946. The Rams have a long and storied history that has seen them achieve success at various points in time. This article will explore the history of the Los Angeles Rams, beginning with their early years from 1936 to 1945.


In 1936, the Cleveland Rams were founded by attorney Homer Marshman and player-coach Damon Wetzel. The team played its first game on September 13, 1936, against the Detroit Lions, losing 28-0. The Rams finished their first season with a record of 5-2-2, placing third in the Western Division of the National Football League (NFL).


The following year, the Rams improved their record to 7-4, finishing second in the Western Division. In 1938, the team struggled, finishing with a record of 4-7. However, the Rams bounced back in 1939, finishing with a history of 8-2-1 and winning the Western Division.


The Rams continued their success in the early 1940s, winning the Western Division in 1942 and 1943. In 1942, the Rams won their first NFL championship, defeating the Washington Redskins 14-6 in the title game. The team was led by quarterback Bob Waterfield and halfback Fred Gehrke, who was also responsible for designing the iconic Ram's horn logo that is still used by the team today.


During World War II, many NFL players were drafted into the military, including several members of the Rams. The team struggled during this time, finishing with a record of 4-6 in 1944 and 5-5 in 1945.


In 1946, the Rams moved to Los Angeles, becoming the first NFL team on the West Coast. The team played its first game in Los Angeles on September 29, 1946, against the Philadelphia Eagles, winning 25-14. The Rams finished their first season in Los Angeles with a record of 6-4-1.


Overall, the Los Angeles Rams' early years were marked by success and struggle. The team had strong seasons, including winning their first NFL championship in 1942. However, the team also had some difficult seasons, particularly during World War II, when many players were drafted into the military. Nonetheless, the Rams' move to Los Angeles in 1946 marked a new chapter in the team's history and set the stage for even greater success in the years to come.



Sources:

"History." Los Angeles Rams. https://www.therams.com/team/history/

The Fearsome Foursome (1960-1969)


The Los Angeles Rams are a professional American football team with a long and storied history. The team has succeeded at various times, and one of the most dominant periods in its history came during the 1960s. This article will explore the history of the Los Angeles Rams during the Fearsome Foursome era, from 1960 to 1969.


The Fearsome Foursome era began in 1960 when the Rams drafted defensive end, Deacon Jones. Jones would become one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history and form one-quarter of the Fearsome Foursome defensive line. The other members of the Fearsome Foursome were defensive tackles Merlin Olsen and Rosey Grier and defensive end Lamar Lundy.


The Rams' Fearsome Foursome defensive line quickly established itself as one of the best in the NFL. In 1961, the Rams finished the season with a record of 6-5-1, but the Fearsome Foursome was beginning to make its presence felt. In 1962, the Rams finished with a history of 1-12-1, but the team's defense was still one of the best in the league, largely thanks to the Fearsome Foursome.


In 1963, the Rams improved to a record of 5-7-2, and the Fearsome Foursome was beginning to garner national attention. Sports Illustrated ran a feature on the Fearsome Foursome; the name stuck that season. The Fearsome Foursome continued to dominate in 1964, helping the Rams to finish with a record of 8-5-1 and earning the team a spot in the NFL Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns. Although the Rams lost the championship game, the Fearsome Foursome had established itself as one of the best defensive lines in NFL history.


The Rams continued to field a dominant defense throughout the remainder of the 1960s, large thanks to the Fearsome Foursome. In 1967, the team finished with a record of 11-1-2, and the defense allowed only 177 points all season, the fewest in the NFL. However, the Rams were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Green Bay Packers.


In 1969, the Rams finished with a record of 11-3, and the Fearsome Foursome was still going strong. However, the team was again upset in the first round of the playoffs, this time by the Minnesota Vikings. Following the 1969 season, Grier was traded to the New York Giants, signaling the end of the Fearsome Foursome era.


Overall, the Fearsome Foursome era of the Los Angeles Rams dominated the team's history. The defensive line was one of the best in NFL history and helped to establish the Rams as a force to be reckoned with throughout the 1960s.



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The Chuck Knox Era (1973-1977)


The Los Angeles Rams have a storied history, with many successful periods throughout the team's existence. One such period came in the mid-1970s, during the Chuck Knox era. This article will explore the history of the Los Angeles Rams during the Chuck Knox era, from 1973 to 1977.


Chuck Knox was hired as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams in 1973, and he quickly turned the team into a force to be reckoned with. In his first season, the Rams finished with a 12-2, winning the NFC West division title and earning a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Rams' offense was led by quarterback John Hadl and running back Lawrence McCutcheon, while defensive end Jack Youngblood and linebacker Isiah Robertson anchored the defense.


In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round before losing to the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game. Despite the loss, Knox had established himself as one of the best coaches in the NFL, and the Rams were poised for continued success in the years to come.


In 1974, the Rams finished with a 10-4, winning their second consecutive NFC West division title. McCutcheon had another outstanding season, rushing for over 1,000 yards, while Youngblood and Robertson led the defense. In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the Washington Redskins in the first round before losing to the Vikings again in the NFC Championship game.


The 1975 season saw the Rams finish with a 12-2, winning their third consecutive NFC West division title. The team's offense continued to be led by Hadl and McCutcheon, while the defense was once again dominant. In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round before losing to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game.


In 1976, the Rams finished with a record of 10-3-1, winning their fourth consecutive NFC West division title. McCutcheon had another outstanding season, rushing for over 1,200 yards, while the defense remained dominant. However, the Rams were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Vikings.


The Chuck Knox era ended in 1977, as Knox left the Rams to become head coach of the Buffalo Bills. Despite losing their coach, the Rams finished with a 10-4, winning their fifth NFC West division title in a row. However, the team was again upset in the first round of the playoffs, this time by the Minnesota Vikings.


Overall, the Chuck Knox era of the Los Angeles Rams was successful in the team's history. Knox turned the team into a perennial contender, winning five consecutive NFC West division titles and reaching the playoffs each year. While the team could not win a Super Bowl during this period, the Chuck Knox era set the stage for continued success in the years to come.



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The Eric Dickerson Years (1983-1987)


The Los Angeles Rams have a long and storied history, with many successful periods throughout the team's existence. One such period came in the mid-1980s, during the Eric Dickerson years. This article will explore the history of the Los Angeles Rams during the Eric Dickerson years, from 1983 to 1987.


The Los Angeles Rams drafted Eric Dickerson as the second overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. Dickerson quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the league, rushing for 1,808 yards and 18 touchdowns in his rookie season. The Rams finished the season with a 9-7, narrowly missing the playoffs.


In 1984, Dickerson had one of the greatest seasons by a running back in NFL history, rushing for 2,105 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Rams finished with a 10-6, winning the NFC West division title and earning a first-round bye in the playoffs. In the divisional round, the Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys before losing to the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship game.


The following year, Dickerson rushed for 1,234 yards and 12 touchdowns, despite missing two games due to injury. The Rams finished with an 11-5, winning the NFC West division title again. In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the first round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion, the Chicago Bears, in the divisional round.


In 1986, Dickerson had another outstanding season, rushing for 1,821 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Rams finished with a 10-6, making the playoffs for the third consecutive year. In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the Washington Redskins in the first round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion, the New York Giants, in the divisional round.


The 1987 season saw the Rams finish with a record of 6-9, as the team struggled with injuries and a players' strike that shortened the season to just 15 games. Despite the team's struggles, Dickerson still managed to rush for 1,288 yards and seven touchdowns.


Overall, the Eric Dickerson years were successful in the Los Angeles Rams' history. Dickerson established himself as one of the best running backs in NFL history and helped to lead the Rams to three consecutive playoff appearances from 1984 to 1986. While the team could not win a Super Bowl during this period, the Eric Dickerson years set the stage for continued success in the years to come.



Sources:

"1987 Los Angeles Rams Statistics & Players." Pro Football Reference. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/1987.htm

The Greatest Show on Turf (1999-2001)


The Los Angeles Rams have a storied history, with many successful periods throughout the team's existence. One such period came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, during what is known as The Greatest Show on Turf era. This article will explore the history of the Los Angeles Rams during The Greatest Show on Turf era, from 1999 to 2001.


The Greatest Show on Turf era began in 1999 when the Rams hired head coach Dick Vermeil and traded for quarterback Kurt Warner. The team quickly established itself as one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history, with Warner throwing for 4,353 yards and 41 touchdowns in his first season as a starter. The Rams finished with a 13-3, winning the NFC West division title and earning a first-round bye in the playoffs.


In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to reach Super Bowl XXXIV, where they faced the Tennessee Titans. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Rams taking a 16-0 lead before the Titans mounted a comeback. In the game's final moments, the Titans had a chance to tie the score, but Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled Titans receiver Kevin Dyson just short of the goal line to preserve the Rams' 23-16 victory. The Rams had won their first Super Bowl in franchise history, and The Greatest Show on Turf was officially born.


The 2000 season saw the Rams continue their dominance, with Warner throwing for 3,429 yards and 21 touchdowns despite missing several games due to injury. The team finished with a 10-6, winning again the NFC West division title. In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints in the first round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion, the New York Giants, in the divisional round.


In 2001, the Rams again fielded a dominant offense, with Warner throwing for 4,830 yards and 36 touchdowns. The team finished with a 14-2, winning the NFC West division title and earning a first-round bye in the playoffs. In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the Green Bay Packers in the first round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion, the New England Patriots, in Super Bowl XXXVI. Despite the loss, The Greatest Show on Turf had firmly established itself as one of the most significant offenses in NFL history.


While The Greatest Show on Turf era was relatively short-lived, it left an indelible mark on the NFL. The Rams' explosive offense, led by Warner, Marshall Faulk, and Torry Holt, set numerous records and helped revolutionize the game. While the team could not win multiple Super Bowls during this period, The Greatest Show on Turf will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in NFL history.



Sources:

"2001 St. Louis Rams Statistics & Players." Pro Football Reference. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2001.htm

The St. Louis Years (1995-2015)


The Los Angeles Rams have a long and storied history, with many successful periods throughout the team's existence. One such period came during the team's time in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1995 to 2015. This article will explore the history of the Los Angeles Rams during the St. Louis years.


In 1995, the Rams owner, Georgia Frontiere, announced that the team would move from Los Angeles to St. Louis. The move was controversial, but the Rams quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in the NFL. In 1999, the team reached the Super Bowl, defeating the Tennessee Titans to win their first championship in nearly 50 years.


The St. Louis Rams were known for their explosive offense, led by quarterback Kurt Warner and running back Marshall Faulk. In 1999, Warner threw for over 4,300 yards and 41 touchdowns, while Faulk rushed for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns. Wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt also had outstanding seasons, with Bruce catching 77 passes for 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns and Holt catching 52 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns.


In addition to their Super Bowl win in 1999, the Rams made the playoffs in 2000 and 2001, reaching the Super Bowl again in 2001. While the team did not win another championship in St. Louis, they were consistently competitive and were one of the top teams in the NFL during this period.


After the 2001 season, the Rams' success began to wane. They missed the playoffs in each of the next eight seasons and went through several coaching changes and quarterback controversies. However, the team continued to have some bright spots, such as Steven Jackson's outstanding rushing performances and the emergence of young stars like Sam Bradford and Robert Quinn.


In 2015, the Rams announced they would return to Los Angeles. While the move was controversial, it marked the end of an era for the St. Louis Rams. Despite some ups and downs during their time in St. Louis, the Rams were consistently competitive and were one of the top teams in the NFL during the late 1990s and early 2000s.



Sources:

"2001 St. Louis Rams Statistics & Players." Pro Football Reference. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2001.htm

Return to Los Angeles (2016-present)


The Los Angeles Rams returned to their original home city in 2016 after spending 21 years in St. Louis, Missouri. The team's return to Los Angeles began a new chapter in the Rams' long and storied history. This article will explore the history of the Los Angeles Rams since their return to the city in 2016.


Upon their return to Los Angeles, the Rams hired Sean McVay as their head coach and drafted quarterback Jared Goff as the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. While the team struggled in their first season back in Los Angeles, finishing with a record of 4-12, they quickly rebounded in 2017.


In 2017, the Rams had one of the best seasons in franchise history, finishing with a record of 11-5 and winning the NFC West division title. McVay was named the NFL Coach of the Year while running back Todd Gurley was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year. The Rams' success continued in the playoffs. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons in the Wild Card round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the divisional round.


In 2018, the Rams had a successful season again, finishing with a record of 13-3 and winning the NFC West division title for the second consecutive year. The team's offense, led by McVay and Goff, was one of the most explosive in the league, with Gurley again having a standout season. In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints to reach Super Bowl LIII, where they faced the New England Patriots. Despite a solid defensive performance, the Rams could not score a touchdown in the game and lost to the Patriots 13-3.


While the Rams' success has tapered off somewhat in the years since their Super Bowl appearance, the team remains a competitive force in the NFL. In 2020, the team made the playoffs again, finishing with a record of 10-6 and reaching the divisional round before losing to the Green Bay Packers.


Overall, the Rams' return to Los Angeles has been triumphant, with the team quickly establishing itself as one of the top teams in the NFL under the leadership of McVay and Goff. While the team has yet to win a Super Bowl since returning to Los Angeles, they remain a competitive force in the league and are poised for continued success in the years to come.



Sources:

"2020 Los Angeles Rams Statistics & Players." Pro Football Reference. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2020.htm

FAQs

What were the Rams before they were in LA?

Before the Los Angeles Rams moved to LA in 1946, they were known as the Cleveland Rams. The team was founded in 1936 and played its first season in Cleveland, Ohio. The Rams played in Cleveland for five seasons before moving to LA, where they have since become one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. During their time in Cleveland, the Rams had some success, winning the NFL championship in 1945. However, the team struggled financially and needed help to secure a new stadium in Cleveland, leading to their move to Los Angeles.

How many Super Bowl rings do the Rams have?

The Los Angeles Rams have won one Super Bowl championship in their history. They won Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, defeating the Tennessee Titans by 23-16. While the team has made three other Super Bowl appearances, they could not win the championship in those games.

How many cities have the Rams been in?

The Los Angeles Rams have been in three cities throughout their history. The team was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1936 and played there for five seasons before moving to Los Angeles, California, in 1946. The Rams played in LA for nearly 50 years before moving to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1995. The team spent 21 seasons in St. Louis before returning to Los Angeles in 2016, where they currently play.

Jesse M. Earl

Jesse M. Earl is an experienced sports blogger with 6 years of expertise in the field. Jesse has developed a reputation throughout his career for his insightful analysis and engaging commentary on various sports topics. He has covered many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, and is particularly interested in the intersection of sports and culture. Through his writing, Jesse provides a fresh and unique perspective on the latest sports news, offering readers a deeper understanding of the impact of sports on society. With his extensive knowledge and passion for sports, Jesse is a trusted voice in the world of sports journalism, and he continues to inspire and inform his readers with his thoughtful and thought-provoking content. 

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