San Diego: A City of Gridiron Ghosts - Uncovering the Lost NFL Teams of America's Finest City
The history of professional football in San Diego is far from a tale of triumph; it is a narrative of fleeting glory, heartbreaking defeats, and ultimately, abandonment. For decades, the city has been a breeding ground for promising NFL franchises that have come and gone, leaving behind a trail of memories, legends, and what-ifs. This article delves into the history of San Diego's lost NFL teams, shedding light on their triumphs, struggles, and the eventual demise of their respective franchises.
The Early Days of Professional Football in San Diego
San Diego's journey with the NFL began in 1959 when the LA Chargers relocated to the city and became the San Diego Chargers. In the 1960s, the team gained a loyal fan base, but despite their early success, they struggled to find consistent playoff contention. In 1968, the team changed their name to the Fouts-led Chargers, but it would not be until the 1970s and 80s that they found consistent success under legendary coach Don Coryell, winning three consecutive playoff appearances from 1979 to 1981.
However, as Coryell would eventually leave the team, San Diego's NFL dreams began to unravel. Despite a brief resurgence in the late 1990s under quarterback Drew Brees, the franchise would eventually be sold to Dean Spanos and move to Los Angeles in 2017, becoming the L.A. Chargers.
A History of Failure: The San Diego Clippers (1967-1975)
San Diego's foray into the American Football League (AFL) began in 1967 when the Los Angeles Chargers moved to the city and became the San Diego Chargers (AFL). However, with a name change came little success for the team. After just two seasons of mediocre play, the team changed its name again and became the San Diego Clippers. In their inaugural AFL season, the team finished last place in the division with just 2-9-3 record, earning them 7 victories in 2 seasons before the franchise folded due to low team attendance and declining revenue.
San Diego's loss was Los Angeles' gain; the team merged with the Chargers and became the LA Chargers in 1970. Despite this, the legacy of San Diego's NFL endeavors lives on, with an ever-growing legion of Chargers fans still holding on to their beloved team, hoping they one day return to the city.
The Fading Glory of the San Diego Aztecs (1950-1956)
The San Diego Aztecs, a minor league football team, were founded in 1950 and were a precursor to professional football in San Diego. The team had modest success during the 1950s, but after a 1947 merger with the San Diego Rockets, both the Aztecs and Rockets merged, resulting in the team folding in 1956. The legacy of the San Diego Aztecs lives on as an integral part of San Diego's gridiron legacy, offering a glimpse into the city's early days of professional football.
The Short-Lived Existence of the Los Angeles Rams (1952)
While technically an LA franchise, the Los Angeles Rams, a National Football League team, once called San Diego home. In 1952, the team relocated to the city and renamed themselves the Los Angeles Rams (LA). However, after just one season, due to declining viewership and ticket sales, the team moved to the Los Angeles Coliseum, leaving behind a short but unforgettable legacy in the City of Angels.
The team's short stint in San Diego was filled with mediocrity on the field, with a lackluster 0-4 record. Despite their poor performance, the Rams still managed to attract a loyal fan base in San Diego.
The Legacy of San Diego's Lost NFL Teams
The city's lost NFL teams have left behind a legacy that continues to resonate with San Diegans today. From the Chargers to the Aztecs, the city's gridiron history has been etched in the hearts of its residents, leaving them with a sense of what-ifs and a yearning for the glory days of the past.
Much like the iconic La Jolla Cove, San Diego's NFL past is filled with tales of fleeting triumphs and failures. From the early days of the San Diego Aztecs to the present-day longing for the Chargers, the city's NFL story is one of perseverance, heartache, and ultimately, hope. As San Diego continues to evolve, its gridiron passion remains unbridled, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the city's football history.
A Look into San Diego's Future in the NFL
Although San Diego has lost its beloved Chargers, the city remains hopeful that they will return to the city. In recent years, efforts have been made to bring an NFL expansion franchise to the city, but nothing has come to fruition as yet. Despite this, the NFL has not ruled out the possibility of a team returning to San Diego, and with the city's rich history and loyal football fan base, any move towards re-establishing an NFL franchise would be met with open arms.
"San Diego has always been a city of football lovers, and I think that's a fact of life in this great city. Our fans have been loyal, our players have given it their all, and I think that the city will always have a love for football." - Mike McCoy, San Diego Chargers Head Coach
Timeline of San Diego's NFL History
- 1948: LA Chargers relocate to San Diego, becoming the San Diego Clippers
- 1950: San Diego Aztecs founded
- 1952: Los Angeles Rams relocate to San Diego, renaming themselves as LA Rams, but move back to LA after one season
- 1957: San Francisco 49ers relocate to Los Angeles, then back to SF
- 1961: Chargers rename themselves to the LA Rams
- 1974: Rams relocate back to LA, renaming themselves as the LA Rams and selling their equipment to the St. Louis Rams
- 2017: LA Rams relocated to LA Coliseum, and then moved to So Fi Stadium
- 2017: Chargers move to LA, with the team renaming themselves as the LA Chargers
