The National Football League (NFL) is more than just a collection of teams competing on the gridiron; it’s a rich tapestry of history, culture, and community identity. Over the decades, several NFL franchises have undergone name changes, often reflecting shifts in ownership, location, or societal attitudes.
These transformations are fascinating because a team’s name is not just a label but a symbol that carries the pride and spirit of its fan base. Whether prompted by relocation, rebranding efforts, or cultural sensitivity, name changes highlight how the league and its teams evolve alongside the changing world around them.
Name changes in the NFL can sometimes be controversial, stirring passionate debates among fans and communities. Yet, they also offer opportunities to embrace new identities, modernize branding, and connect with broader audiences.
In exploring which NFL teams have changed their names, we uncover stories of adaptation, resilience, and renewal. From the early days of the league to the present, these shifts provide insight into the dynamic nature of professional sports franchises and the importance of names in shaping their legacies.
The Washington Football Team to Washington Commanders
The Washington franchise stands as one of the most notable examples of a recent NFL team name change. For decades, the team was known as the Washington Redskins, a name that became increasingly controversial due to its offensive connotations toward Native Americans.
In response to mounting pressure from sponsors, fans, and advocacy groups, the franchise made the significant decision to retire the Redskins name in 2020. For two seasons, they played under the neutral name of the Washington Football Team while exploring new branding options.
Finally, in 2022, the team unveiled its new identity as the Washington Commanders, a name chosen to evoke leadership, strength, and unity.
Key Points About the Name Change
- Controversy: The original Redskins name was criticized for being a racial slur.
- Temporary Identity: The Washington Football Team served as an interim name to allow for a thoughtful rebrand.
- New Branding: The Commanders name reflects a fresh start with a focus on military-inspired leadership.
“Changing a team’s name is never easy, but it is necessary to respect all communities and move forward together.” – Washington Commanders spokesperson
The Houston Oilers to Tennessee Titans
The franchise now known as the Tennessee Titans first started as the Houston Oilers, a founding member of the American Football League (AFL). The Oilers were beloved in Houston but faced challenges in the late 1990s related to stadium funding and fan support.
In 1997, the Oilers relocated to Tennessee, initially playing as the Tennessee Oilers. This transition was temporary while a new stadium was being built in Nashville.
In 1999, with a new home and a desire to connect with their new community, the team rebranded as the Tennessee Titans. The name symbolizes strength and power, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology.
Comparing the Oilers and Titans
| Aspect | Houston Oilers | Tennessee Titans |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Houston, Texas | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Active Years | 1960–1996 | 1999–Present |
| Team Colors | Columbia blue, white, red | Titan blue, navy, silver |
| Significance | Original AFL franchise | Modern identity tied to Tennessee |
The Los Angeles Rams: Multiple Name and Location Changes
The Rams franchise has a long history of both name and location changes, reflecting the evolving nature of the NFL and its markets. The team was originally founded in Cleveland but quickly moved to Los Angeles, adopting the Rams name early on.
Over the years, the Rams moved to St. Louis in 1995, maintaining their name but shifting their geographical identity.
In 2016, the team moved back to Los Angeles, keeping the Rams branding but embracing a new era in a different city.
This series of moves is a prime example of how a team’s identity can shift with location, yet maintain continuity through its name.
Rams Name and Location Timeline
- Cleveland Rams (1936-1945)
- Los Angeles Rams (1946-1994)
- St. Louis Rams (1995-2015)
- Los Angeles Rams (2016-Present)
“Our name carries the legacy of a franchise that has thrived in multiple cities but always remained true to its roots.” – Rams team historian
The San Diego Chargers to Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers franchise underwent a notable name change tied closely to their relocation. Originally the San Diego Chargers from their inception in 1961, the team was a staple of Southern California sports.
However, in 2017, the Chargers moved back to Los Angeles, the city where the team first played for a season in 1960 before moving to San Diego. The team retained the Chargers name but updated their branding to reflect their LA identity.
This move sparked mixed reactions from fans, but it represented a strategic effort to tap into the larger Los Angeles market.
Relocation and Branding Highlights
- Original Era: San Diego Chargers, 1961–2016
- Return to LA: Los Angeles Chargers, 2017–Present
- Branding: Updated logos and colors to emphasize a modern LA vibe
The Tennessee Oilers to Tennessee Titans: An In-Depth Look
Although mentioned earlier, the transition from the Tennessee Oilers to the Tennessee Titans deserves a more detailed exploration because it encapsulates the challenges of relocation coupled with rebranding.
The Oilers kept their original name for two seasons in Tennessee before realizing the need for a fresh start. The franchise sought to build a new identity connected more deeply with the local community’s pride and history.
The choice of the name Titans reflected this vision, symbolizing power and resilience, qualities the team wanted to embody on and off the field.
“The Titans name was chosen because it represents strength and the spirit of competition that defines our team.” – Former Tennessee team CEO
The New England Patriots: From Boston to New England
The Patriots franchise, now synonymous with NFL success, originally began as the Boston Patriots in 1960. The name reflected the city’s rich Revolutionary War heritage and was a nod to the region’s historical significance.
In 1971, the team moved to Foxborough, Massachusetts, and rebranded as the New England Patriots to represent the broader New England area rather than just the city of Boston.
This name change helped the franchise expand its fan base and regional identity, aligning with its growing ambitions.
Boston Patriots vs. New England Patriots
| Boston Patriots | New England Patriots |
| 1960-1970 | 1971-Present |
| Logo featured a Revolutionary War minuteman | Modernized logo with “Flying Elvis” design |
| Team played at Fenway Park and other Boston venues | Home games in Gillette Stadium, Foxborough |
The Arizona Cardinals: From Chicago to St. Louis to Arizona
The Cardinals franchise is one of the oldest in the NFL and has undergone several location changes, though the team name remained consistent. Originally the Chicago Cardinals, the team moved to St.
Louis in 1960 and then to Arizona in 1988, becoming the Phoenix Cardinals before eventually adopting the Arizona Cardinals name.
While the name “Cardinals” stayed the same, the shifts in geographic identity accompanied changes in branding and fan demographics. The name itself is tied to the cardinal bird, which is detailed in our explanation of NFL teams named after birds.
Cardinals Name Consistency Through Moves
- Chicago Cardinals: 1920–1959
- St. Louis Cardinals: 1960–1987
- Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals: 1988–Present
“The Cardinals name connects us to a proud history, no matter where we’ve called home.” – Cardinals team representative
Other Notable NFL Team Name Changes and Relocations
While some teams have undergone prominent name changes, others have experienced subtle rebranding or relocations that impacted their identity. For example, the Raiders moved from Oakland to Los Angeles, back to Oakland, and recently to Las Vegas, maintaining their iconic name throughout.
Similarly, the Colts migrated from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984, keeping the Colts name but revitalizing the brand in a new market.
These examples show that while a name change can be significant, location shifts without a name change also play a major role in shaping a team’s identity and fan loyalty.
Examples of Relocation Without Name Change
- Indianapolis Colts (formerly Baltimore Colts)
- Las Vegas Raiders (formerly Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders)
- Los Angeles Chargers (formerly San Diego Chargers, name retained but location changed)
If you’re interested in the cultural and linguistic significance of names beyond sports, you might find insights in what Juliet says about names and their true meaning, which explores how names hold deeper meanings beyond their surface.
Understanding the evolution of NFL team names gives us a broader perspective on how identity, community, and history intertwine in sports. Names are not just words but stories that carry meaning, pride, and sometimes controversy.
Exploring these transformations also reminds us that change, while sometimes difficult, often leads to growth and new opportunities. Whether a franchise has changed its name to honor cultural sensitivity, embrace a new city, or refresh its image, these stories enrich the fabric of the NFL and its passionate fan base.
