The Cleveland Rams were a professional American football team that played in Cleveland from 1936 to 1945. Their journey from Ohio to California marked a significant chapter in the history of the National Football League (NFL). This article explores the team's origins, their struggles and successes in Cleveland, and the eventual move to Los Angeles that set the stage for the Rams' future.
Origins and Early Struggles
The Cleveland Rams were founded in 1936 by attorney Homer Marshman
and player-coach Damon "Buzz" Wetzel. The team was named after the Fordham Rams, a powerhouse college football team at the time. The Rams began their journey in the second American Football League (AFL) before joining the NFL in 1937. Despite the excitement surrounding their entry into the NFL, the Rams faced significant challenges in their early years.
Under head coach Hugo Bezdek, the Rams struggled to find their footing in the league. The team finished with a dismal 1-10 record in their first NFL season. The Rams' fortunes began to change with the arrival of future Hall-of-Famer Dutch Clark as head coach in 1939. With Clark at the helm, the Rams showed signs of improvement, but it wasn't until the 1945 season that the team truly found success.
The 1945 Championship Season
The 1945 season was a turning point for the Cleveland Rams. Led by Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Waterfield, the Rams finished the regular season with a 9-1 record. Waterfield's exceptional performance, including a record-breaking game against the Detroit Lions, helped propel the Rams to the NFL Championship Game.
In a thrilling contest against the Washington Redskins, the Rams emerged victorious with a 15-14 win, securing their first NFL Championship. The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and marked the culmination of years of hard work and determination. However, the celebration was short-lived as the Rams' future in Cleveland was uncertain.
The Move to Los Angeles
Despite their championship success, the Rams faced financial difficulties and poor attendance in Cleveland. Owner Dan Reeves decided to relocate the team to Los Angeles in 1946, making the Rams the first NFL team to play on the West Coast. The move was driven by the potential for greater financial opportunities and the chance to tap into the burgeoning Los Angeles market.
The Rams' relocation to Los Angeles marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise. The move also played a significant role in the reintegration of African American players into professional football, as the Rams were required to integrate their team as a condition for playing in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This decision paved the way for future integration in the NFL and opened up the West Coast to professional sports.
The Cleveland Rams' journey from Ohio to California is a story of perseverance, triumph, and transformation. Their legacy continues to influence the NFL and the broader landscape of American sports.
