By Sebastian Rothering
Lamp Writer
The return of the NFL to St. Louis has finally started to see some light.
First reported by CBS Sports Network analyst Craig Carton, the Anheuser-Busch family has extended an offer to New York Jets owner, Woody Johnson, to buy the team. The Busch family would presumably move the Jets to St. Louis and bring football back to the Arch.
Saint Louis had two NFL franchises in the past: the Cardinals, now the Arizona Cardinals, and the Rams, which just became the Los Angeles Rams.
“It’s like being broken up with by two different girls, for the same reason,” said Scott Rothering, a fan from Taylorville.
Both teams moved due to stadium issues and a strained relationship between the owners and fans.
“I grew up with the Cardinals,” Rothering said. “When they left, there was a void. Now, I miss the Rams, so much.”
The Rams originated in Cleveland, before moving to Los Angeles. The team then moved to St. Louis for 20 years, from 1995 to 2015.
Only five years later, the team won Super Bowl 34 and was successful for the next four seasons, last making the playoffs in 2004. This was also their last winning season.
A combination of losing, lack of improvement, bad coaching, and a bad relationship with an owner, is what ultimately led to the departure from Saint Louis.
The Cardinals, otherwise known as the “Big Red,” only made three postseason appearances in its 27 years in the Gateway to the West. The team also played in the old Busch Stadium.
The combination of not winning, lack of funds for a new stadium, and dwindling relationship between the owners and fans, is what caused the move from Saint Louis to Phoenix.
In the manner the Rams left, there are plenty of fans who do not want anything to do with the NFL. But, there are also plenty of people that want an NFL franchise back.
“I absolutely miss the NFL, it is not the same as when the Rams were here,” said fan Abby Smith. “Our city is more than capable of supporting an NFL franchise along with our baseball and hockey franchises.”
Not all fans are in favor of another team in St. Louis, and would rather the NFL stay away.
Brandon Pearce added: “We have been screwed over twice by NFL owners, and it makes our city look bad. Keep the Jets in New York.”
St. Louis currently is home to the Cardinals baseball and the Blues hockey team.
“I am just straight up tired of being lied to and cheated. I would just rather be a two-sport city: baseball and hockey. That is all we need.” said Kyle Kuntzman
While there is pessimism for another NFL franchise, there is also hope among others to get something done. Even if this Jets deal never comes to fruition, it represents hope.
Sebastian Rothering can be reached at [email protected].
