The franchise that became the Baltimore Ravens was previously known as the Cleveland Browns. However, the move involved a unique agreement that established the Ravens as a new identity in Baltimore.
The Journey from Cleveland to Baltimore
The team that would eventually become the Baltimore Ravens originated as the Cleveland Browns. In 1995, then-owner Art Modell announced his intention to move the Cleveland Browns franchise to Baltimore, a decision that sparked significant controversy among NFL fans and within the league.
A Unique Relocation Agreement
To mitigate the fallout from the relocation, a groundbreaking agreement was reached between the NFL, the city of Cleveland, and Modell's organization. This agreement stipulated a critical distinction:
- Cleveland Retained History: As part of the arrangement, the city of Cleveland retained the rights to the Cleveland Browns' name, history, and colors. This meant that the rich legacy of the original Browns franchise, including its Super Bowl (NFL Championship) victories and player records, remained in Cleveland.
- Future Cleveland Team: This allowed for a future replacement team in Cleveland to inherit the original Browns' identity, which eventually happened with the re-establishment of the Cleveland Browns in 1999.
The Birth of the Baltimore Ravens
Consequently, when the franchise officially moved to Baltimore in 1996, it adopted a completely new identity. The team was rebranded as the Baltimore Ravens. The moniker "Ravens" was chosen partly as a tribute to Baltimorean Edgar Allan Poe and his famous poem, "The Raven," reflecting a strong local connection.
Due to the agreement that left the Browns' history in Cleveland, the Baltimore Ravens were technically considered an expansion team by the NFL, starting their history and records from scratch in 1996. This is a crucial detail that differentiates their relocation from typical franchise moves where the team's history transfers with it.
Key Aspects of the Transition
| Aspect | Original Cleveland Browns (1946-1995) | Baltimore Ravens (1996-Present) | Re-established Cleveland Browns (1999-Present) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Origin | Established 1946 | Relocated Cleveland Browns franchise | NFL Expansion team (inherited history) |
| Team Name | Cleveland Browns | Baltimore Ravens | Cleveland Browns |
| History & Records | Remained in Cleveland | Started anew in Baltimore | Inherited original Browns' history |
| Colors & Logo | Left in Cleveland | Adopted new purple, black, gold | Inherited original brown, orange |
| Official Status | Relocated | Technically an expansion team | New franchise (carrying original legacy) |
For more detailed information on NFL team relocations and history, you can refer to reputable sources like the National Football League's official website or Wikipedia's historical archives.
