NFL Western Conference Champions (1951)

Lore & Background

The Rams' heyday in Southern California was from 1949 to 1955, when they played in the pre-Super Bowl era NFL Championship Game four times, winning once in 1951. During this period, they had the best offense in the NFL, even though there was a quarterback change from Bob Waterfield to Norm Van Brocklin in 1951. The defining offensive players of this period were wide receiver Elroy Hirsch, Van Brocklin and Waterfield. Teamed with fellow Hall of Famer Tom Fears, Hirsch helped create the style of Rams football as one of the first big play receivers. During the 1951 championship season, Hirsch posted 1,495 receiving yards with 17 touchdowns.

Reader's Guide

The 1951 NFL Championship was won by the Los Angeles Rams, who defeated the Cleveland Browns. The team was led by quarterback Norm Van Brocklin and wide receiver Elroy Hirsch.

Did You Know?

• The Rams are the only NFL franchise to win championships representing three different cities: Cleveland in 1945, St. Louis in 1999, and Los Angeles in 1951 and 2021.
• The 1951 Rams featured Hall of Fame wide receiver Elroy Hirsch, who had 1,495 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns that season.
• The Rams' 1951 championship was their first after moving from Cleveland to Los Angeles in 1946.