History of the NFL in Los Angeles

The History of the National Football League (NFL) in Los Angeles spans several decades, marked by the establishment and relocation of multiple teams, and significant impacts on the sports culture of the city. Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, has had a complex relationship with the NFL, characterized by periods of both fervent support and notable absence of a local team.

Early History

The history of the NFL in Los Angeles began in 1946 when the Cleveland Rams relocated to Los Angeles, becoming the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams were the first professional football team to be based on the West Coast. Their move was significant as it marked the NFL's venture into a non-traditional football market. The Rams played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which they shared with the University of Southern California's football team.

The 1980s and 1990s: Raiders and Rams

In 1982, the NFL landscape in Los Angeles changed dramatically when the Oakland Raiders moved to the city, prompted by disputes over their stadium in Oakland. The Raiders, under the ownership of Al Davis, adopted the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as their new home. This period saw the Raiders winning a Super Bowl championship during the 1983 season, enhancing their popularity in the city.

Meanwhile, the Rams struggled with performance and fan support in the 1980s, leading to their eventual relocation to St. Louis in 1995. The departure of the Rams was a significant blow to their Los Angeles fan base and left the city with just one NFL team.

The NFL's Absence from Los Angeles

Following the 1994 season, the Raiders returned to Oakland, leaving Los Angeles without an NFL team for over two decades. This period was marked by several failed attempts to bring the NFL back to the city, including proposals for new stadiums and negotiations with existing teams. The absence of the NFL from such a significant market was a topic of frequent discussion and speculation among sports analysts and fans.

Return of the NFL to Los Angeles

The NFL officially returned to Los Angeles in 2016 when the Rams moved back to the city from St. Louis. This move was followed by the announcement that the San Diego Chargers would also relocate to Los Angeles, becoming the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017. The return of the NFL to Los Angeles was facilitated by the construction of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, which became the shared home of both the Rams and the Chargers.

Impact and Legacy

The history of the NFL in Los Angeles has had a profound impact on the city's sports culture. The presence, absence, and return of the NFL have influenced local economic developments, including stadium construction and sports-related businesses. The city's diverse fan base has shown varying degrees of loyalty and enthusiasm, reflecting the broader dynamics of professional sports in urban American settings.

See Also

• History of the Cleveland Rams
• History of the Oakland Raiders
• History of the San Diego Chargers
• SoFi Stadium