NFL In St. Louis: Where's The Football Team?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the gridiron situation in St. Louis. For many years, St. Louis was a proud NFL city, but things have changed, leaving many fans wondering about the current status. So, let's get straight to the big question: Does St. Louis, Missouri, currently have an NFL football team?

The Short Answer

No, St. Louis does not currently have an NFL team. The city's NFL team, the St. Louis Rams, relocated to Los Angeles in 2016. This move left a significant void in the St. Louis sports scene, and fans have been without an NFL team ever since.

A Look Back: St. Louis's NFL History

St. Louis has a rich history with the NFL, marked by periods of excitement, heartbreak, and ultimately, departure. Understanding this history provides context to the current situation and the lingering feelings of fans in the region. Let's take a journey back in time to explore St. Louis's NFL story.

The Early Years: The St. Louis Cardinals

Before the Rams, St. Louis was home to the Cardinals. The St. Louis Cardinals were one of the oldest teams in the NFL, having been founded in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club. They moved to St. Louis in 1960 and remained there for nearly three decades. While the Cardinals had moments of success, they generally struggled to compete with the NFL's elite teams. Despite this, they cultivated a dedicated fan base in St. Louis.

During their time in St. Louis, the Cardinals played at Busch Stadium, sharing the venue with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. This created a unique atmosphere where fans could enjoy both baseball and football in the same location. However, the stadium's limitations and the team's lack of consistent success led to growing dissatisfaction among fans and ownership.

Ultimately, the Cardinals' ownership decided to move the team to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1988, where they became the Arizona Cardinals. This move marked the end of the Cardinals' era in St. Louis and left the city without an NFL team for several years.

The Rams Arrive: A New Era

The departure of the Cardinals left a void in St. Louis, and the city craved the return of NFL football. That wish was granted in 1995 when the Los Angeles Rams relocated to St. Louis. The arrival of the Rams brought renewed excitement and hope to the city's sports fans. The team's early success further fueled this enthusiasm.

The St. Louis Rams quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. Led by talented players like quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and wide receiver Isaac Bruce, the Rams unleashed "The Greatest Show on Turf" on the league. Their high-powered offense and exciting style of play captivated fans and made them one of the most popular teams in the NFL.

Super Bowl XXXIV Champions

The pinnacle of the Rams' success in St. Louis came in 2000 when they won Super Bowl XXXIV against the Tennessee Titans. This victory was a defining moment for the city and cemented the Rams' place in St. Louis sports history. The Super Bowl win brought immense pride to the city and further solidified the team's connection with its fans.

The Rams continued to be competitive for several years after their Super Bowl victory, but they eventually began to decline. Changes in coaching, player personnel, and ownership contributed to the team's struggles. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, the Rams were unable to replicate the success of their earlier years.

The Departure: A City Heartbroken

In the early 2010s, rumors began to circulate about the Rams potentially moving back to Los Angeles. The team's owner, Stan Kroenke, expressed interest in building a new stadium in Los Angeles, raising concerns among St. Louis fans and city officials. Despite efforts to keep the team in St. Louis, Kroenke ultimately decided to move the Rams back to Los Angeles in 2016.

The departure of the Rams was a devastating blow to St. Louis. Fans felt betrayed and heartbroken by the team's decision to leave. The move sparked anger and resentment towards Kroenke and the NFL. The city lost not only a football team but also a significant part of its identity and sports culture.

Why Did the Rams Leave?

The Rams' decision to leave St. Louis was influenced by several factors, including stadium issues, market potential, and ownership's vision. Understanding these factors provides insight into the complex dynamics that led to the team's departure.

Stadium Issues

The Edward Jones Dome, where the Rams played in St. Louis, was considered outdated compared to newer NFL stadiums. The Rams' lease agreement included a clause that required the city to make significant upgrades to the stadium or risk the team leaving. Negotiations between the Rams and the city over stadium improvements proved unsuccessful, contributing to the team's decision to explore other options.

Market Potential

Los Angeles is one of the largest media markets in the United States, offering significant revenue potential for NFL teams. The Rams' ownership believed that moving to Los Angeles would provide greater financial opportunities and enhance the team's brand recognition. The allure of the Los Angeles market was a major factor in the decision to relocate.

Ownership's Vision

Stan Kroenke, the Rams' owner, had a long-term vision for the team that included building a state-of-the-art stadium in Los Angeles and creating a premier entertainment destination. Kroenke's commitment to Los Angeles and his desire to control the team's future played a significant role in the Rams' relocation.

The Aftermath: What's Next for St. Louis?

The departure of the Rams left a void in St. Louis, but the city has shown resilience and determination to move forward. While there are no immediate plans for another NFL team in St. Louis, the city is exploring other avenues to revitalize its sports scene.

Lawsuits and Settlements

Following the Rams' departure, the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County filed a lawsuit against the NFL and Stan Kroenke, alleging breach of contract and fraud. The lawsuit sought damages for the loss of the Rams and the economic impact on the region. In 2021, St. Louis reached a settlement with the NFL for $790 million, providing some financial relief to the city and its residents.

Other Sports and Entertainment

St. Louis continues to be a vibrant sports city with a passionate fan base. The St. Louis Cardinals baseball team remains a beloved institution, and the St. Louis Blues hockey team has experienced recent success, winning the Stanley Cup in 2019. The city also hosts numerous other sporting events and entertainment options, ensuring that there is still plenty to enjoy for sports enthusiasts.

Future Possibilities

While there are no immediate plans for an NFL team to return to St. Louis, the possibility remains open for the future. The city has demonstrated its ability to support professional sports, and if the right opportunity arises, St. Louis could once again be home to an NFL team. However, any future efforts would likely require significant investment and a strong commitment from both the city and potential ownership groups.

St. Louis Today

So, to bring it all together, while St. Louis doesn't currently have an NFL team, the city's sports spirit remains strong. The Rams' departure was a tough blow, but St. Louis continues to support its other teams and explore future possibilities. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe one day, NFL football will return to St. Louis! But for now, the answer is no. Keep your hopes up, St. Louis fans! Your passion is what keeps the dream alive. Root for your other teams, show your city pride, and maybe someday, we'll be talking about a triumphant return to the NFL.