Category: Los Angeles Rams

A realistic digital rendering of five Los Angeles Rams football players and cheerleaders standing proudly in front of a sunlit Southern California stadium. Created by ChatGPT using generative AI.

Few NFL franchises blend gridiron greatness, Hollywood allure, and fan devotion quite like the Los Angeles Rams. Since their founding in Cleveland in 1936 and subsequent relocation to Los Angeles in 1946, the Rams have constructed an identity that extends far beyond wins and losses. Their history reads like a Hollywood script: iconic player groups that carried nicknames like brands, sideline squads that produced stars, fans whose creativity became folklore, and multimedia ventures that blurred the lines between sport and spectacle.

(Original Caption) Elroy Hirsch, the Los Angeles Ram’s end, blocks out a Cleveland Brown tackler here, as the Rams’ “Deacon” Dan Towler, (32) goes for ten yards on the ground against the Browns during the National Football League Championship game in the Coliseum. The Rams took the title away from the Browns 24-17.

The alliance between Rams football and Hollywood began partly through geography—Los Angeles was the entertainment capital, and the Rams were the city’s first true major‑league sports franchise. It also began through spectacle: in the 1950s, sportswriters dubbed a powerful trio of running backs—the Rams’ Bull Elephant Backfield—a name capturing both their physicality and the team’s connection to cinematic scale. Paul “Tank” Younger, “Deacon” Dan Towler, and Dick Hoerner hit the field like charging pachyderms, dominating defenses to help deliver the Rams’ first NFL Championship in 1951. Younger broke barriers as the first HBCU graduate to join the NFL, Towler led the league in rushing in 1952, and Hoerner provided consistency and ruggedness. Together, they gave Los Angeles a signature identity rooted in grit, race‑barrier breaking, and championship football (Zimmerman, 2003).

At the same time, unionizing athletic exoticism and entertainment was receiver Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch. Known for his famed high‑stepping gait and acrobatic catches, Hirsch was a Hall of Famer who crossed into Hollywood by starring as himself in the 1957 aviation‑drama Zero Hour!—a film that later inspired the parody Airplane!. He also served as general manager for the Rams in the 1960s, bridging the gap between content and conception, football and film (MacCambridge, 2005).

(Original Caption) “The Fearsome Foursome,” the big men of the Los Angeles Rams defense, look mean enough to eat nails as they take a break during practice. The four are (top-left to right); Lamar Lundy, (85), Merlin Olsen, (79)– (bottom, left to right); Roger Brown, (78) and Deacon Jones, (59). The Rams are preparing for their battle with the Baltimore Colts.

The cultural blend intensified in the 1960s and early 1970s with the Fearsome Foursome, arguably football’s first celebrity defensive unit. Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy, and Rosey Grier, originally nicknamed in San Diego but reimagined in Los Angeles, transformed the defensive line into a headline act. Jones popularized the term “sack” and made television appearances on The Brady Bunch. Olsen transitioned into acting with roles on Little House on the Prairie and Father Murphy. Grier became a civil rights advocate and recorded music. Lundy excelled both on and off the field. Their dominance made Rams defense a weekly spectacle, and their flair made them cultural ambassadors, forever tying the team to Hollywood cachet (MacCambridge, 2005).

Anaheim, CA – 1984: Cheerleaders at NFL Football, Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams, at Anaheim Stadium. (Photo by Geroge Long /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)

The Rams’ cheerleading squad—founded in 1974 and branded as the Embraceable Ewes through 1994—exemplified the intersection of sport and showbiz. Inspired by the Gershwin standard “Embraceable You,” the Ewes embraced glamour, athleticism, and Hollywood the way the L.A. Lakers had the “Laker Girls.” But what set them apart was how many of them parlayed cheerleading into stardom. Jenilee Harrison, a cheerleader from 1978–1980, replaced Suzanne Somers as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company, launching a major acting career. Jayne Kennedy, an Ewe in the same era, became one of the first African‑American female hosts of The NFL Today, breaking new ground in sports broadcasting. Lisa Guerrero, a Rams cheerleader in the mid-1980s, moved into journalism and broadcasting, ultimately winning Emmy awards for her work on Entertainment Tonight and other programs (turn0search9). These women did more than lead cheers—they became emblematic of how the Rams operated at the intersection of athletic ambition and Hollywood possibility.

Fan culture grew equally cinematic. During the Rams’ Anaheim era in the 1980s and early 1990s, a group dubbed the Watermelon Heads hollowed out and decorated watermelons to wear as helmets at Rams games. Inspired by Green Bay’s Cheeseheads, but wilder, these enthusiastic fans were televised regularly—helping define a grassroots, irreverent L.A. fandom that matched the team’s personality (Yasinskas, 2012).

“Let’s Ram It” – The unforgettable 1986 Los Angeles Rams music video featuring players and cheerleaders in a funk-infused team anthem.

In 1986, the Rams elevated that spectacle to performance art with the music video “Let’s Ram It.” Featuring players like Eric Dickerson, Carl Ekern, Nolan Cromwell, and cheerleaders in uniform, the video was complete with lip-sync rap verses (“We’re gonna rock ya / We’re gonna ram it”), dance sequences, and swagger. It became a cult classic—not for its polish, but for its unabashed embrace of theatricality. It symbolized a team that treated every game like a set and every player like a cast member (NFL Films, 2016).

The cinema returned in 1978 with Heaven Can Wait, a romantic fantasy starring Warren Beatty as a Rams quarterback mistakenly taken from life and put into the body of a millionaire. The film, nominated for nine Academy Awards, included actual Rams uniforms, stadium shots, and real players in cameo roles, effectively enshrining the team in Hollywood lore and cementing their image as destiny-meets-glamor (Ebert, 1978).

29 Jan 2002: St. Louis Rams pro bowl selections (left to Right) Orlando Pace, Isaac Bruce, Aeneas Williams, Marshall Faulk, Adam Timmerman, and Kurt Warner during Super Bowl XXXVI Media Day at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Digital Image. Mandatory Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

In 1999, the Rams redefined what cinematic football could look like with The Greatest Show on Turf, a nickname coined by ESPN’s Chris Berman to describe one of the most explosive offenses ever assembled. Led by Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt, the team led the NFL in scoring and total offense for three straight seasons, won Super Bowl XXXIV, and made highlight reels feel like movie trailers. Warner’s improbable rise from arena football to MVP, Faulk’s dual-threat brilliance, and Bruce’s Super Bowl-winning grab helped turn games into dramatic productions (King, 2001).

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams won 23-20. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

When the Rams returned home in 2016, they seemed poised to write a new act. In Super Bowl LVI in 2022 at SoFi Stadium, big Hollywood moments unfolded: Cooper Kupp’s receiving Triple Crown and Super Bowl MVP, Aaron Donald’s game‑sealing pressure, and Matthew Stafford overcoming career doubts to deliver in clutch moments. The way fans celebrated felt like opening night—complete with celebrity guests, red carpet energy, and a performance worthy of the franchise’s reputation.

Nicknames have power, but the Rams have proven that names can be legacies. The Bull Elephant Backfield represented toughness, championship ambition, and breaking barriers. The Fearsome Foursome brought defensive terror together with cultural charisma. The Embraceable Ewes brought sideline glitz and glimmer to the sidelines, launching future TV stars like Harrison, Kennedy, and Guerrero. The Watermelon Heads showed that fans could be creative, comedic contributors to franchise identity. Let’s Ram It was a bold branding moment. Heaven Can Wait placed the Rams in the pantheon of Hollywood myth. And The Greatest Show on Turf would irrevocably change how the NFL played.

Each of those eras contributed not only wins and statistics but a broader visibility and identity for the Rams. They established the team as a Hollywood institution—one that does not merely play football, but stages it. They built a franchise narrative that spans generations, from the Coliseum to SoFi, from Tank Younger to Aaron Donald. In Los Angeles, they didn’t need to be actors—they already lived in a city that viewed them through that prism.

In a league of teams, the Rams remain something else entirely: a production. Their history is replete with branded teams and branded personalities. That they remain topical, storied, and cinematic nearly 90 years in speaks to the power of those nicknames, those fans, and those cheerleaders turned celebrities. With new stars and potential new nicknames already brewing, the next chapter of Rams mythology is sure to be just as dramatic—and just as unforgettable.

References

Ebert, R. (1978, June 29). Heaven Can Wait [Film review]. Chicago Sun‑Times. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/heaven-can-wait-1978

King, P. (2001, January 29). The Greatest Show on Turf delivers. Sports Illustrated. https://vault.si.com/vault/2001/01/29/the-greatest-show-on-turf-delivers

MacCambridge, M. (2005). America’s Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation. Random House.

NFL Films. (2016). Let’s Ram It – The Rams’ outrageous 1986 music video. NFL Throwback. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeirUJdN8UM

Yasinskas, P. (2012, March 16). Remembering the Watermelon Heads. ESPN.com. http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/53828/remembering-the-watermelon‑heads

Zimmerman, P. (2003). The New Thinking Man’s Guide to Pro Football. Fireside.

Jack Youngblood: The Enduring Soul of the Rams

By Katherine Walter

On July 25, 2025

In Jack Youngblood, Los Angeles Rams

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 12: Defensive lineman Jack Youngblood #85 of the Angeles Rams looks on from the field before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium on September 12, 1976 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Rams defeated the Falcons 30-14. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Jack Youngblood is, in my view, the most iconic player in the history of the Los Angeles Rams franchise. While other names like Eric Dickerson, Kurt Warner, or Aaron Donald often receive deserved praise for their elite play, it is Youngblood who most fully embodies the Rams’ spirit, legacy, and cultural identity. His career, character, and loyalty to the team reflect a rare breed of athlete whose presence is not just measured in statistics but in the profound emotional and cultural weight he carried for the organization.

Youngblood played 14 seasons for the Rams, from 1971 to 1984, never missing a game due to injury during his entire career. His toughness reached legendary status during the 1979 playoffs, when he played through a fractured left fibula—an injury that would sideline most players for weeks. Instead, he suited up and started all three playoff games and Super Bowl XIV, embodying a kind of grit that transcends even the most heroic athletic narratives (King, 2009). This act alone has secured him a permanent place in the lore of the NFL, but it’s especially revered by Rams fans, who view it as a defining moment in the team’s history.

Youngblood’s dominance on the field was matched by his character off it. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler and 5-time First-Team All-Pro (Pro Football Hall of Fame, n.d.). He finished his career with 151.5 sacks unofficially. During his tenure, the Rams defense was a perennial force, and Youngblood was its cornerstone. Unlike other franchise legends whose careers spanned multiple teams or were marred by contentious departures, Youngblood spent his entire career with the Rams, becoming synonymous with the team itself.

His name and image are often invoked in discussions of what it means to be a Ram. In fact, team publications and long-time fans have referred to him as “Mister Ram” (Farmer, 2020). That title is not awarded lightly—it reflects decades of loyalty, leadership, and excellence that left an indelible mark on the franchise. While Dickerson dazzled with speed and Faulk redefined the running back position during the Greatest Show on Turf era, neither matched the cultural and symbolic resonance of Youngblood. Even modern stars like Aaron Donald, as dominant as they are, have yet to fully reach the level of mythos surrounding Youngblood’s legacy.

Moreover, his impact stretches beyond the field and into the culture of professional football itself. Youngblood was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001, and his peers and analysts consistently place him among the most respected defensive players of all time. Peter King of Sports Illustrated ranked Youngblood’s broken-leg playoff performance as one of the top moments of NFL toughness and valor (King, 2009), elevating his legacy into the realm of legend.

What sets Youngblood apart from even the most decorated players is that he represents something greater than his accolades. He is the personification of a franchise that has relocated, rebranded, and reinvented itself multiple times, yet still finds coherence in the image of a man who lined up week after week, season after season, with unmatched determination. For fans who remember the Rams of Los Angeles and even Anaheim, Youngblood is not just a name in the record books—he is the living spirit of the Rams.

In a league where eras fade quickly and heroes are often transient, Jack Youngblood stands as a timeless icon. Not just the greatest defensive end in Rams history, but the soul of the franchise itself.

References

Farmer, S. (2020, September 6). Jack Youngblood reflects on legacy, toughness, and being ‘Mister Ram.’ Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2020-09-06/jack-youngblood-reflects-on-legacy-and-being-mister-ram

King, P. (2009, January 22). The toughest NFL players of all time. Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/nfl/2009/01/22/nfl-toughest-players

Pro Football Hall of Fame. (n.d.). Jack Youngblood biography. Retrieved July 25, 2025, from https://www.profootballhof.com/players/jack-youngblood/biography

Faithful to the Rams Since Childhood

By Katherine Walter

On December 16, 2024

In Los Angeles Rams

When I think back to 1980, a year filled with iconic cultural moments and personal milestones, one event stands out vividly in my memory: Super Bowl XIV. On that day, January 20, 1980, the Los Angeles Rams squared off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a showdown that cemented my lifelong fandom for the Rams.

I was nine years old at the time and didn’t know too much about the game itself, but it was thrilling to watch. The Rams entered the Super Bowl as the underdogs, facing off against a dynasty. The Steelers, led by Terry Bradshaw, were going for their fourth championship in six years. Meanwhile, the Rams had clawed their way to the big game for the first time in franchise history, showcasing grit and determination. Their resilience mirrored something in me—a belief that with heart and hard work, anything was possible.

That game was a rollercoaster of emotions. I remember watching Vince Ferragamo, the Rams’ quarterback, defy expectations with his poise and precision. There was a moment in the third quarter when it felt like the Rams might actually pull it off. Ferragamo connected with Billy Waddy for a 50-yard pass, setting up a touchdown that put the Rams ahead. My heart soared. For those fleeting moments, it seemed as if the impossible was within reach.

But as the fourth quarter unfolded, the Steelers’ experience and star power took over. Lynn Swann and John Stallworth made spectacular plays, and the Rams’ defense, which had fought valiantly, couldn’t hold off Bradshaw and his offense forever. The final score, 31-19, didn’t tell the whole story. The Rams had played with courage and passion, and their underdog spirit had won me over completely.

As a Rams fan living in Chicagoland, my devotion to the team has always set me apart. In a region dominated by Bears fans, I’ve proudly worn my Rams gear and cheered them on through thick and thin. The 1980s were an especially intriguing era to follow the team. Although the Rams didn’t make it back to the Super Bowl during that decade, they were consistently competitive, making the playoffs nearly every year under head coach John Robinson.

I admired players like Eric Dickerson, whose electrifying runs made him one of the greatest running backs of all time. His 1984 season, when he set the single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards, remains one of the most remarkable individual performances in NFL history. The Rams’ defense, nicknamed the “Fearsome Foursome” in earlier eras, continued to be a force, anchored by players like Jack Youngblood and Nolan Cromwell.

Despite their success, the Rams often found themselves just short of the ultimate prize. Heartbreaking playoff losses to teams like the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers defined much of the decade. Yet, their persistence and ability to rebuild year after year only deepened my admiration for the team. Even from afar, I felt a connection to their determination and grit, traits that resonated with me as I navigated life in the Midwest.

When the team moved to St. Louis in 1995, I was excited about the opportunity to have them closer geographically. While they were based in St. Louis, I made it a point to attend at least one game every season. Those trips were special—a chance to see my team in person and connect with other fans. Watching the Rams grow into a powerhouse during the late 1990s was exhilarating. The 1999 season, when they earned the nickname “The Greatest Show on Turf,” was nothing short of magical. Led by Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and Isaac Bruce, the Rams had one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history. Their Super Bowl XXXIV victory over the Tennessee Titans was unforgettable, especially that final defensive stand that sealed the win.

Even during the lean years that followed, my loyalty to the team never wavered. The sense of community I felt attending games in St. Louis was unmatched, and those moments remain some of my favorite memories as a fan.

Their move back to LA in 2016 changed things for me logistically, but my passion for the team remains as strong as ever. It is my hope to one day see a game at their current stadium, SoFi Stadium, and experience the energy of the Rams’ home crowd once again.

Today, I look back on that day in 1980 with gratitude. Super Bowl XIV wasn’t just the beginning of my love for the Rams; it was the start of a lifelong relationship with football, a sport that has brought me community, connection, and countless memories. The Rams taught me that even in defeat, there is honor in giving your all and leaving it all on the field. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

St. Louis Rams show support for Ferguson

By Katherine Walter

On December 2, 2014

In Los Angeles Rams

Members of the Rams’ receiving corps show their support for the Ferguson protestors.

On Sunday during the introductions of the Rams players for the Rams-Raiders game at the Edward Jones Dome in Saint Louis, Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, Jared Cook, Chris Givens and Kenny Britt entered the field with their hands up in the air. The gesture was used to show solidarity with the Ferguson protestors. Since the August 9, 2014 shooting of Michael Brown, protestors have been using the rallying cry “hands up, don’t shot” while raising their hands up in the air in a surrender gesture. It is intended to send the message of how law enforcement are mistreating young African-American males by assuming that they are a threat because of their ethnicity and gender.

As a life long Rams fan, I was moved by the gesture of solidarity. It showed how much the Rams, or at least these five players with the Rams organization, care about the Ferguson community. During the 2014 NFL Draft, the Rams made the bold move to draft Michael Sam, making him the first openly gay American football player with the NFL. The Rams are keeping in stride with positive social change by showing that they are against racial profiling. The gesture also reminded me a lot of the 1968 Summer Olympics Black Power salute done by Tommie Smith and John Carlos during their medal ceremony.

It didn’t surprise me to read comments by other Ram fans on social media who were against it. In fact the Time OUT Sports Bar & Grill in Saint Louis are boycotting the Rams over it and turning their support to the Kansas City Chiefs. It saddens me when people take an act that is trying to draw attention to social injustices and then turn it around and make it look like the person drawing the attention to these facts are the violent ones.