The History of the Los Angeles Rams

Sports & Recreations

  • Author Dereck Deloney
  • Published April 23, 2019
  • Word count 2,174

For a fan of the NFL, each Franchise has its own History. And for the Los Angeles Rams it’s no different. Precedents of prestigious intent, are built into the minds of NFL ownership. Establishing points that enable and verify each franchise argument. As well as development of fan identity. So, what makes the Rams, Los Angeles? And what benefits are they bringing to the Greater Los Angeles Community? The Rams organization was founded in 1937. And is one of the oldest standing franchises in the National Football League. Twenty-nine members have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And From 1933 to 1946, professional sports discriminated against minorities. Making the beloved Rams, an originated "all white" expansion team of the NFL. Before, relocating from Cleveland to Los Angeles.

At that time, the Rams Rookie Quarterback was Bob Waterfield of UCLA. He led the segregated Rams Franchise to win their first, NFL Championship Title game against Washington. Owner Dan Reeves, afterward decided to move. Because the War was over. And Los Angeles was becoming LAX. For the Rams ownership, the time was primed. Only obstacle for Reeves proved to be the Coliseum.

American Black newspapers in Los Angeles, like the Eagle and Los Angeles Tribune. Gathered their sports editors together. Among other publications of Black Media. And appointed one, Halley Harding; to ask the Rams, to sign an American Black athlete. By Pro Football Standards, he would be seen as a skilled passer and runner. A political choice of the Black Community. And neighbor, who grew up in the Lincoln Heights area. Named, Kenny Washington.

On January 26, 1946; the Coliseum Commission meeting, made Rams history. Harding argued the Coliseum could not be used to host a segregated for profit sports team. Under political pressures, then Rams General Manager Charles Walsh. Agreed before the Coliseum Commission, to allow Washington to try out. A resolution was then passed, by the Coliseum Commission. Banning all racial discrimination of practice.

Washington, was not the only American Black Athlete the Rams signed, in 1946. Woody Strode, a fellow teammate from South Los Angeles. Was also a UCLA Bruin. Alongside teammate Kenny Washington and Major Leagues Baseball star, Jackie Robinson. Strode, then went on to aid and help Washington legitimately reintegrate the NFL. Although he was only a brief member of the Los Angeles Rams organization.

Head Coach Adam Walsh, On November 2, 1947. Witnessed Washington set the Franchise Record, for the Rams longest run from scrimmage. A 92-yard touchdown run. Similarly, he also witnessed Woody Strode’s only four franchise catches.

Upon receiving the news of Washington’s retirement, in 1948. The Rams became the first NFL Franchise to contract an American Black Player, from an Historically Black College. His name, was Paul "Tank" Younger. An arriving star who signed out of the Grambling State University. At the age of twenty-one, in 1949. The year that Chicago became the Bears. And the year before the merger of the NFL and the AAFC, in 1950. Sealing a legacy of achievement, with the Los Angeles Rams. By winning the First Ever Official NFL/AAFC Merger Championship, in 1951. Remaining the only Championship ever won by Los Angeles; in the History of the NFL, as a professional sport.

Encouraging a move to transpire, over not winning a second earned NFL Championship. In well over forty years had said enough. The Rams in Los Angeles had produced a drought of NFL Champions. Nationally being monitored by generations of Rams Fans. Encouraging the move to be profitable and needed, to shake off NFL Seasons of embarrassment.

While pricy, relocation opportunities come seasonally. Along with new League developments, and talks over the NFL expanding. Like, before the merger of the NFL and AAFC rival leagues, in 1950. The Cardinals of Chicago relocated, to St. Louis. And then later moved a second time, for incentive and venue purposes; for NFL play in Arizona. This move opened up a spot in the Midwest. Later to be marketed and viewed by the Rams organization. As primed opportunity to be Champions again; as well as increase their Franchise’s profitability. These two basic aspects were the incentives and motivations needed, for the Rams to leave Los Angeles. And call St. Louis, their new home.

A move Millennials of Greater Los Angeles clearly remember. After twenty-one years of biased complaining. Fans watching them win a Super Bowl in St. Louis; and loose another before returning back. Are the very same Fans, excited and now offering them a wholehearted welcome. Embracing them as the area’s, NFL’s Los Angeles Rams.

Over its return history, the Rams NFL Franchise has grown and blossomed within the Greater Los Angeles Area. Impacting its Neighborhoods, and serving its Community. Becoming more and more valuable as a civic partner, fulfilling social responsibilities.

A respect dedicated to Kevin Demoff, Chief Operating Officer and EVP of the Rams. In association with Thomas M. Priselac, President and CEO of Cedars-Sinai. Entering a joint venture as the Rams official Health Partner, in 2016. Together both organizations hold Community Outreach Programs; to benefit neighboring families and children. Anticipated in being a multiyear relationship builder. Each organization plans opportunity, to promote health and wellness across Los Angeles. Including Kids Zone. A sponsored pregame event. Located in the Rams Fan Fest area, for Home Games.

With equal words, a partnering opportunity emerged publicly. In accompaniment of military intellect and social aptitude. Where Fallen Heroes and players share the same stage. When helmets of NFL Players features the initials of Fallen Families Service Members. Recognized throughout a televised, Salute to Service Tribute Game.

Building connections between Families in California, and Los Angeles. Over the course of a Salute to Service Weekend. Growing motivational development of the Rams organization and Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS). Together, by agreeing on community projects and military honoring. Certifying that the Rams have officially brought something impactful back to Los Angeles. Empathy, understanding, and meaningful intentions; of honorary and patriotic roots.

While sharing their corporate spotlight. The Rams announced support of, the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable inaugural Hutchinson Football-Scholar Awards. Where selected football athletes of inner-city Los Angeles schools, are nominated. During the ceremony, Rams personnel presents team items to the selected scholar athletes. Each honored athlete receives a commemorative certificate as well as a cash award. Making the Rams Organization, happy to support such an innovative and worthwhile program.

These activities genuinely prepared the Rams for a return to the Coliseum. A Kickoff Opener for tailgate fans to enjoy and playback to remember. September 10th, 2017. When becoming knowledgeable as a fan about the NFL. One learns that the offseason carries activities that keep the organization running thoroughly. Many factors of improvement are usually administered during training camps, which is an effective activity of the Rams offseason.

The 2017 and 2018 training camps. Featured a student intern, of the Loma Linda University School of Public Health. Completing practicum requirements for a Masters Degree, studying nutrition and dietetics over the summers.

All eighty-nine athletes were involved over the three weeks of training each camp. And all received nutritional counseling. Those who retained the most knowledge, were reflected in the fifty-three man roster. They acknowledged and accepted nutritional balance as being a valuable factor, that makes a difference on the field.

They were better able to understand the concepts of what they ate, affected their performance. Such as, "Players who eat beets right before a game, have better muscle oxygenation and blood flow. Dehydrated players suffer increased muscle cramps and injuries, both of which are huge concerns in the NFL." - Jesse Gutierrez.

Several players documented feedback and commented on playing better. Internships with the Rams are trending as more fun than work. And as news broke to fans, that the Rams would play in Super Bowl LIII; one of the healthiest reasons, just needed to leak.

All year round the Rams seem to keep busy at doing something of benefit to the "Ramly" or "Rams Family".- Cara Straus. On occasion, like no other franchise socially responsible in the Greater Los Angeles Area; Dodgers included. The Rams Franchise has stepped up in Ownership and Player appeal. Designed to fulfill inner believed social responsibilities, within the Los Angeles Community and County. Standing out as a true Professional Sports Organization in Southern California.

Openly willing to take on collegiate internships, from varying degrees of study. Such as, the USC on campus; Annenberg Career Connection Internship and Job Fair. Where Rams recruiters made sure they were available for all potential interns willing to pursue an opportunity. And confident to approach the tables.

Gaining opportunity to learn from senior officers is invaluable. They always prove years of experience is needed, to balance such a profitable, NFL-Sports Entertainment Franchise. Boosting nostalgia of Staff working together towards a common goal. Creating an amazing work environment; with open office floor space. Running off of Ticketmaster Archtics system. And CRM, to manage customer relations.

Still, outside of game time. In 2018, the third annual Taste of the Rams event, with twelve of Los Angeles’s top chefs featured. Kicked off, in Studio City at the Sportsmen’s Lodge. Todd Gurley II, served as the Honorary Chair. And helped raise more than $170,000 for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. In three years, Taste of the Rams has raised nearly half a million dollars. Providing nearly 2 million meals to our neighbors in need.

Again, much respect to Kevin Demoff. This time around for contributing to the Rams in association with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Putting on the ninth annual Charity Kickoff Luncheon, of 2018. Where attendees were enjoying dining and memorable conversations. With Rams players at their tables. For the event; life was all about personality, community, and football. Featuring the Rams Head Coach, Sean McVay. Leading all ears and hearts along building History’s Trail back to Glory. Altogether, funds are raised for the Rams Foundation. Seeing it as an unbelievable chance, to help grow the Los Angeles region.

Providing community support that Politicians and Law Enforcement aren’t equipped to. Organizing activities that inspire and educate Fans is one thing. Establishing common ground to protect them, is another.

As of 2018, the Rams new training facilities were completed. And now in full use at the Cal Lutheran Campus, in Thousand Oaks. And the team’s Administrative offices, are located in Agoura Hills. Now, with tangibility increasing. Embracing Los Angeles as a home was more real, than an idea to the team. Like, playing the AFC Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl. And you’re listed as the NFC Favorite. The stage was set. Announcements made everything more real that it wasn’t an idea. CBS would eventually broadcast the game live, Nationally. On February 3, 2019.

Out of inspiration from the Rams leading the NFL back to racial integration. Fast forward seventy-three years and "The History of the Los Angeles Rams" presents… Two new athletes cheering for the organization on Sundays. Before rivalry season began, NFL Cheering Squads were scouting and auditioning male talent. Activities quite familiar to the Rams two newest male members. Napoleon Jinnies and Quinton Peron.

Who, actually had a little face off of their own. During the 2019 NFC Championship Game, versus Jesse Hernandez of the New Orleans Saints’ cheer squad. All three males made their squads in 2018. That leap of chance; and courage to dance. Granted them something special. An international line in history. A line people aren’t born to make; but live to realize. That realization carried them along with the team; into Super Bowl LIII.

Indeed, the Rams history is worth preserving in Los Angeles. Soon souvenirs from Super Bowl LIII and 1946 will be hard to come by. Especially pulp sources like, standard programs of the old days.

Luckily, a souvenir collector stashed and preserved a copy; of a Rams preseason charity game program, against the Washington Redskins. It marks the first appearance of the Rams in the Los Angeles Coliseum. It also included a Roster and most certainly would be worth more today, than many old standard collector packs are.

All leading to consideration for profits. Reflecting the land around the Forum currently undergoing transformation. Into the Rams and Chargers football stadium. Known to NFL Fans as, L.A. Stadium at Hollywood Park. With grand architectural design, nearly three times larger than Disneyland.

Seating close to 70,000. Bringing economic growth to the City and Industries of Inglewood. The blueprint, schedules it to be open for the NFL’s 2020-2021 season. Making the site a development of potential economic activity, throughout the year. And booming activity potential on game days.

So, what makes the Rams, Los Angeles? And what benefits are they bringing to the Greater Los Angeles Community? "A NFL Fan Welcoming" is the biggest reason the Rams are once again, apart of the Los Angeles area. No other franchise of the NFL has claimed a home in Los Angeles since the Rams departure, in the mid 90’s. Bringing back substantial benefits of economic and community development. Impacting Rams Generations who have long anticipated their return arrival; into the History of Los Angeles.

College Student at Los Angeles Trade Tech College

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