ONE
The Los Angeles Rams originated as the Cleveland Rams in 1936, founded by attorney Homer Marshman and player-coach Damon Wetzel. They joined the NFL in 1937, but initially struggled to find success on the field. The Cleveland Rams won their first NFL Championship in 1945 - defeating the Washington Redskins 15-14 in a tense game. The victory marked the end of their tenure in Cleveland, as owner Dan Reeves sought a more lucrative market.
Los Angeles Rams Logo
TWO
In 1946, the Rams relocated to Los Angeles - becoming the first NFL team to establish a presence on the West Coast. The move was significant for the league’s expansion, and the Rams played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum - a large venue that helped draw significant crowds. The Rams won their second NFL Championship in 1951, defeating the Cleveland Browns 24-17. This victory was famous for featuring a high-powered offense led by quarterback Norm Van Brocklin and wide receiver Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch, showcasing the team's dynamic passing game.
THREE
In 1966, Carroll Rosenbloom purchased the Rams and initiated a series of changes - including altering the team's colours to the iconic blue and yellow. Rosenbloom’s tenure marked the beginning of a competitive era for the Rams, including regular playoff appearances. Defensive end Deacon Jones was instrumental during the late 60s and is known for coining the term "sack.” Jones was an eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
FOUR
The Rams made their first Super Bowl appearance in 1979, under head coach Ray Malavasi and led by quarterback Vince Ferragamo and defensive end Jack Youngblood. Youngblood played his entire career with the Rams from 1971 to 1984 - forging a reputation for playing through injuries, including a broken leg in the 1979 playoffs. Despite advancing to Super Bowl XIV, the Rams lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-19 in a closely contested game.
Jack Youngblood, Defensive End 1971-1984
FIVE
Despite frequent playoff appearances during the ‘80s, years of declining attendance and stadium issues in Los Angeles led the Rams to relocate to St. Louis in 1995. The move revitalised the franchise, and they began playing at the newly constructed Trans World Dome (later known as the Edward Jones Dome). Eric Dickerson became a fan favourite during these years and would break the single season rushing record in 1984 with 2,105 yards - a record that still stands to this day.
Eric Dickerson, Running Back 1983-1987
SIX
The 1999 season marked the peak of the Rams success in St. Louis. Led by MVP quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, the Rams' high-octane offense was dubbed "The Greatest Show on Turf." They won Super Bowl XXXIV - defeating the Tennessee Titans 23-16 in a dramatic game that ended with a game-saving tackle at the one-yard line.
Final Play, Super Bowl XXXIV - Mike Jones, Linebacker 1997-2000
SEVEN
Despite another Super Bowl appearance in 2001 (a loss to the New England Patriots), the Rams struggled through much of the 2000s. Financial difficulties and on-field performance issues led to ownership changes, with Stan Kroenke becoming the majority owner in 2010. The Rams drafted defensive tackle Aaron Donald in 2014, who would go on to become one of the most dominant defensive players in history and help create history during his career.
Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle 2014-2023
EIGHT
The Rams returned to Los Angeles in 2016, playing their home games temporarily at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum while awaiting the completion of SoFi Stadium. Under head coach Sean McVay, who was hired in 2017, the team saw an immediate improvement - culminating in an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl LIII appearance in 2018. Although they lost to the New England Patriots, the Rams' return to prominence was evident.
NINE
Over the next few seasons, Sean Mcvay built a ‘win now’ team, filled with stars such as; Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald. This eventually led the Rams to a victory in Super Bowl LVI in their new home stadium in 2022 - thanks to star wideout Cooper Kupp who won Super Bowl MVP after recording a rare receiving triple crown in the regular season. Despite the retirement of Aaron Donald in the 2024 offseason, the exciting emergence of receiver Puca Nacua has Rams fans excited for what the future has in store - particularly with Cooper Kupp now fully healthy.
Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver 2017-Present
BEFORE YOU GO
The Rams are the only NFL team to have won championships in three different cities: Cleveland (1945), Los Angeles (1951), and St. Louis (1999).
In 1946, the Rams signed Kenny Washington and Woody Strode - making them the first African-American players in the modern NFL.
According to Forbes the Los Angeles Rams are valued at $6.9 billion as of 2023.
