The Los Angeles Rams were the first major professional sports franchise to move to California in 1946.
The team's tradition and tenure unceremoniously ended when they were relocated to St. Louis in 1995.
Running back Eric Dickerson, who spent the first five years of his Hall of Fame career with the Rams and has his No. 29 jersey retired by the team, is championing a return for the franchise back to its original roots.
"Honestly, I'm hoping the Rams come back," Dickerson told ESPN. "I do go to St. Louis, they're still the Rams and the team I played for, but a lot of guys feel the same way. They'd like to have them back here in town. We need a team now, and I think the perfect fit would be the Los Angeles Rams ... I believe the Rams belong here [in Los Angeles]."
Momentum for the NFL's return to Los Angeles is at an all-time high ever since the Raiders and Ramsboth jettisoned the nation's second-largest market in 1995.
In February, the Inglewood City Council approved a $2 billion plan to build a football stadium that includes Rams owner Stan Kroenke as a partner. The 80,000 seat, 60-acre stadium would be built on the since-demolished land of the Hollywood Park.
The Raiders and Chargersare in the mix to move to Los Angeles, too.
"If the Rams come, they have a great owner in Stan Kroenke, and it's a different organization than when I played," Dickerson said. "I just think it would be great. I don't think you'll find one person who will say L.A. shouldn't have a team. If they do, they don't like football. I think we do need a team here."
*The latest Around The NFL Podcast features the triumphant return of Dan Hanzus and discusses the biggest mysteries heading into training camp. *
