How They Got Their Name: Los Angeles Rams

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The Rams are the NFL’s ninth oldest team, dating back to 1936 when they joined the American Football League as the Cleveland Rams.  Throughout their history, there have been plenty of changes for the franchise.  After the 1936 season, the Rams joined the NFL after the AFL disbanded.  Then after winning the NFL championship in 1945, financial issues and lack of fan support moved the team to sunny Los Angeles.  There they played for five decades until owner Georgia Frontiere moved the franchise to St. Louis after poor play and failing obtain a new stadium, until returning to the City of Angels in 2016.  With all this change, one thing has remained constant throughout the years: their nickname.

After a short playing career with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Pirates as a fullback, Damon “Buzz” Wetzel helped found the Cleveland Rams and was chosen as the head coach to lead the new franchise during their first season in 1936.  He became the GM the following season.  However, before the team ever hit the field, a name had to be chosen.  When local newspaper columnists suggested a short name be chosen to better fit headlines, Wetzel decided to name the team after one of his favorite college football teams.  The Fordham Rams, out of the Bronx, had one of the best teams in the country during those times, and also featured lineman Vince Lombardi, part of the “Seven Blocks of Granite” offensive line.  So, while Fordham’s football team isn’t what they used to be, their gridiron legacy lives on with the Los Angeles Rams.

Garett