Pro Football In St. Louis: Does The City Have A Team?

Hey guys, let's dive into the burning question: Does St. Louis, Missouri, have a professional football team right now? It’s a question that pops up often, especially among football fans in the region. The history of pro football in St. Louis is rich and, well, a bit complicated. To get the full picture, we need to look back at the teams that have called St. Louis home and the current state of the city's pro football scene. So, let’s break it down and get you the answer you’re looking for!

A Look Back: St. Louis's NFL History

To truly understand the current situation, we've gotta take a little trip down memory lane. St. Louis has a vibrant history with the NFL, and it's a story filled with excitement, heartbreak, and everything in between.

The St. Louis Cardinals Era

Let’s kick things off with the St. Louis Cardinals. These guys were a fixture in the city for nearly three decades, from 1960 to 1987. Originally the Chicago Cardinals, the team made the move to St. Louis, bringing with them a wave of excitement and a new era of football to the city. During their time in St. Louis, the Cardinals had some memorable moments and passionate fans. While they didn't clinch any Super Bowl titles, they had several seasons where they were competitive, and they built a strong fan base that stuck with them through thick and thin. Players like Jim Hart, Terry Metcalf, and Jackie Smith became household names, and the games at Busch Stadium were always buzzing with energy. But, like all good things, their time in St. Louis eventually came to an end when the team moved to Arizona in 1988, becoming the Phoenix Cardinals (and later the Arizona Cardinals). This move left a void in the hearts of many St. Louis football fans, but it wasn't the end of the city's NFL story.

The St. Louis Rams: A Super Bowl High and a Painful Departure

Fast forward to 1995, and St. Louis was once again in the NFL spotlight with the arrival of the St. Louis Rams. Moving from Los Angeles, the Rams brought with them the promise of a new beginning for football in the city. And boy, did they deliver! The late 1990s and early 2000s were a golden era for the Rams, marked by the unforgettable “Greatest Show on Turf” offense. Led by quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and wide receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, the Rams were an offensive powerhouse. They lit up scoreboards and captured the hearts of fans across the nation. The pinnacle of this era was, without a doubt, their Super Bowl XXXIV victory in 2000, where they defeated the Tennessee Titans in a thrilling finish. That Super Bowl win remains one of the most cherished moments in St. Louis sports history. However, the Rams' success wasn't sustained. Over the years, the team experienced ups and downs, and eventually, a cloud of uncertainty began to loom over their future in St. Louis. In 2016, the Rams ownership decided to move the team back to Los Angeles, a decision that left St. Louis fans heartbroken and ignited a passionate debate about the business side of professional sports. The departure of the Rams was a tough pill to swallow, and it left a significant void in the city's sports landscape.

So, Does St. Louis Have a Pro Football Team Now?

Okay, guys, let's get to the heart of the matter. Currently, St. Louis does not have an NFL team. The departure of the Rams in 2016 left the city without a professional football franchise. This has been a sore spot for many fans who remember the glory days of the Rams and the earlier era of the Cardinals. The absence of an NFL team has left a void in the city's sports scene, but it hasn't dampened the spirit of football fans in the region. People still love the game, and there's a strong desire to see pro football return to St. Louis someday.

The Aftermath of the Rams' Departure

The exit of the Rams wasn't just about losing a team; it also sparked a lot of discussion and legal battles. St. Louis city and county, along with the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority, filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the Rams, alleging that the league and the team violated relocation policies. This lawsuit brought to light many of the behind-the-scenes dealings and decisions that led to the Rams' move back to Los Angeles. In 2021, a significant settlement was reached in the case, with St. Louis being awarded a substantial sum of money. While this settlement doesn't bring a team back to St. Louis, it does provide resources that could potentially be used to attract future sporting events or even another franchise down the road. The legal battle and the settlement underscored the deep feelings and the economic impact that professional sports teams have on their host cities.

The XFL Era: A Glimmer of Hope

Even without an NFL team, St. Louis has continued to show its love for football. In 2020, the city welcomed the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL, a professional football league that aimed to provide an alternative to the NFL. The BattleHawks quickly became a fan favorite, drawing large crowds and generating a lot of excitement. The team's games at The Dome at America's Center were electric, with fans decked out in BattleHawks gear, chanting and cheering. The BattleHawks' success demonstrated that St. Louis still had a strong appetite for professional football. Unfortunately, the 2020 XFL season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the league filed for bankruptcy. This was a major disappointment for BattleHawks fans and the city as a whole. However, the XFL was later revived under new ownership, and the BattleHawks were brought back for the 2023 season. This revival was met with enthusiasm, and the team once again proved to be a hit, showcasing the enduring passion for football in St. Louis.

The Future of Pro Football in St. Louis

So, what does the future hold for pro football in St. Louis? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? While there are no guarantees, there are several factors that suggest St. Louis could see another NFL team someday.

The Market Potential

First and foremost, St. Louis is a proven NFL market. The city has a long history of supporting professional football, as evidenced by the passionate fan bases of the Cardinals and the Rams. The success of the BattleHawks in the XFL further underscores this point. St. Louis has the infrastructure, including a modern stadium, and the fan base to support an NFL team. These are key factors that the NFL considers when evaluating potential expansion or relocation opportunities. The city's central location and accessibility also make it an attractive market for the league.

Potential Expansion or Relocation

The NFL is a business, and like any business, it's always looking for opportunities to grow and expand. While there are no current plans for NFL expansion, it's something that the league could consider in the future. St. Louis would undoubtedly be on the short list of potential expansion cities, given its history and market size. Additionally, NFL teams sometimes relocate, and St. Louis could be a viable option for a team looking for a new home. The city's leaders and business community are aware of this potential, and there have been ongoing efforts to position St. Louis as an attractive destination for an NFL team.

Fan Support and Community Engagement

Perhaps the most important factor in bringing pro football back to St. Louis is the continued support and engagement of the fans. The passion for football in St. Louis is undeniable, and this passion needs to be sustained. By supporting local football initiatives, attending games (like BattleHawks games), and making their voices heard, fans can demonstrate to the NFL that St. Louis is a market worth investing in. Community engagement and a strong fan base are crucial in attracting the attention of the league and potential team owners.

Final Thoughts

Alright, guys, to wrap it up: No, St. Louis does not currently have an NFL team. But the story doesn't end there. The city's rich football history, passionate fan base, and recent successes with the XFL's BattleHawks all point to the potential for pro football to return to St. Louis in the future. It might take time, but the hope is alive and well. St. Louis is a football town, and the dream of seeing an NFL team back in the city is one that many fans continue to hold dear. So, keep the faith, St. Louis! The future could hold some exciting possibilities for pro football in the Gateway City.