The 1957 season marked the 20th year for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League and their 12th season based in Los Angeles. While the team ultimately finished with a 6–6 record, placing them fourth in the NFL Western Division and missing the playoffs, it was a year notable for setting significant attendance records and witnessing the departure of key veteran players. Under the leadership of general manager Tex Schramm and head coach
Sid Gillman, the Rams played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, drawing unprecedented crowds that season.
Setting New Attendance Benchmarks
The 1957 Los Angeles Rams season etched its name in the NFL history books by establishing an all-time attendance record. The team played before a staggering total of 1,051,106 fans across 19 games, which included both home and away contests, as well as pre-season matchups. This cumulative attendance figure was not just a new high for the NFL, but it also surpassed any previous total for an American football team at any level of competition, encompassing both college and professional leagues.
Beyond the season-long record, the Rams also achieved a remarkable single-game attendance milestone. On November 10, 1957, an astounding 102,368 fans packed the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This massive crowd gathered to witness a contest between the Rams and their in-state rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, further solidifying the team's popularity and drawing power during that era.
End of an Era for Key Players
The 1957 season proved to be a transitional one for the Rams, as it marked the final year in a Los Angeles uniform for two of their most prominent players. Quarterback and punter Norm Van Brocklin, who had been the team's starting signal-caller since 1950, concluded his tenure with the Rams. During his final season, Van Brocklin threw for 20 touchdowns and accumulated 2,105 passing yards. However, his performance was also marked by 21 costly interceptions, which contributed to the team's fourth-place finish in the Western Conference.
In addition to Van Brocklin, the Rams also parted ways with top receiver Elroy Hirsch at the close of the 1957 season. Hirsch was a seasoned veteran, having played nine NFL seasons, and his departure signaled a significant change in the team's offensive lineup. These exits indicated a shift for the franchise as it moved forward from a period defined by these star players.
Defensive Performance and Team Standing
While the offense saw significant changes and mixed results, the Rams' defense in 1957 demonstrated a notable ability to limit opponents. The defensive unit allowed nearly 300 fewer yards on the ground and 75 fewer yards through the air compared to the yardage totals their own offense generated. This defensive effort was a key component of the team's overall performance throughout the season.
The pass defense, in particular, was anchored by linebacker Les Richter, who emerged as a leader on that side of the ball. Richter led the team with four interceptions, showcasing his impact in disrupting opposing passing attacks. Despite these defensive strengths, the team's 6–6 record ultimately left them in fourth place in the NFL Western Division, preventing them from qualifying for the playoffs in what was a memorable season for other reasons.
