Obviously, football is more than just the NFL. It's college and high school, too. Which is why I get so confused when people say that they used to root for one team, but then they started rooting for the team's mortal enemy. We learn from very early on that when you are associated with one team, you just cannot switch sides. So, if you are born a Packers fan, you cannot switch to a Vikings fan; if you're a Titans fan, you cannot suddenly root for the Colts; and if you're a Browns fan, you cannot be a Steelers fan. It's just how the world works. But, did you know that if you're a Browns fan, rules dictate that you hate the Ravens as well? True story!
The NFL will form expansion teams every now and again. Meaning, if the market demands it, the NFL will form a new team to meet that demand. Some teams that started as expansion teams are the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Carolina Panthers, the Tennessee Titans, and the Baltimore Ravens (sort of). Now, purists will say that neither the Titans nor the Ravens are expansion teams, because they were actually teams that were just moved. The Titans were previously the Houston Oilers, and the Baltimore Ravens were the Cleveland Browns. And this is where the Browns/Ravens rivalry comes in.
As I understand it, in 1995, the Browns were on fire. They finished the season well, staying in the playoffs until losing in the 2nd round. The city loved them, the team was playing well, and all was rosy. Except, the owner wanted a new stadium. The city told him to kick rocks in flip flops. So...he did...by moving the team to Baltimore. After a major controversy, the team was allowed to leave, but they couldn't take the name*. They were deemed an expansion team and renamed the Ravens. During the next 3 years, the Browns didn't exist....and in the 3rd year, the Ravens won the Super Bowl. Understandably, Browns fans were pretty bitter. To switch from rooting for the Browns to the Ravens is tantamount to treason.
I have similar debates with people regarding my love of the Packers despite no longer living in Wisconsin. I constantly run into women who say that they've lived in thus-and-so place for so long that they just adopted their new city's team. OR, (worse, in my opinion) they began rooting for their husband's favorite team. Listen chicks. You wouldn't change from vodka to cognac just because you left your hometown or your husband liked it. Don't do it with your football team either. Show a little respect!
*Or the history, stats, or team colors. But they are totally winning on the colors aren't they? Black and purple? Hello, dope.
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