What Is 1950 Los Angeles Rams season

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1950 Los Angeles Rams season marked the team's first year in Los Angeles after relocating from Cleveland. They finished with a 6–6 record, placing third in the NFL National Conference.

Key Facts

The Rams moved from Cleveland to Los Angeles in 1946, but the 1950 season was notable for full integration of star players.
They finished the 1950 season with a 6–6 win-loss record.
The team played home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Quarterback Bob Waterfield led the offense, throwing for 1,048 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Rams were part of the NFL's National Conference, finishing third behind the Rams and Giants.

Overview

The 1950 Los Angeles Rams season was a pivotal year in the early history of the franchise following its relocation from Cleveland to Los Angeles in 1946. As one of the first NFL teams on the West Coast, the Rams helped popularize professional football in California and set the stage for future expansion.

Despite a modest 6–6 record, the season was significant for showcasing a high-powered offense and integrating star talent. The Rams played all home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, drawing large crowds and maintaining their status as a marquee NFL franchise.

Record: The team finished the 1950 season with a 6–6 win-loss record, failing to make the playoffs but showing competitive balance throughout the year.
Head Coach:Joe Stydahar led the team, guiding the Rams through a transitional phase in the postwar NFL landscape.
Stadium: All home games were played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which had a seating capacity of over 90,000 and became a symbol of the NFL’s westward expansion.
Quarterback:Bob Waterfield threw for 1,048 yards and 10 touchdowns, anchoring the offense with his dual-threat capabilities.
Key Player: Running back Tom Fears emerged as a top receiver, recording 566 receiving yards and helping redefine the passing game in the NFL.

How It Worked on the Field

The 1950 Rams relied on a pass-heavy offensive strategy, uncommon for the era, which distinguished them from more run-oriented teams. Their approach showcased the evolution of the modern NFL offense and emphasized speed and aerial attacks.

Offensive Scheme: The Rams employed a pro-style passing attack led by quarterback Bob Waterfield, who threw for over 1,000 yards in an era when most teams prioritized the run.
Defensive Alignment: The defense used a 5–2 formation, with an emphasis on pressuring quarterbacks and disrupting short passes, typical of early 1950s NFL tactics.
Integration Milestone: The Rams were the first NFL team to sign African American players in 1946, including Kenny Washington and Woody Strode, setting a precedent for league-wide integration.
Game Schedule: The 12-game season included matchups against all NFL teams of the era, such as the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, in a 10-team league.
Attendance: The Rams drew an average of over 50,000 fans per game, demonstrating strong public interest in professional football on the West Coast.
Media Coverage: The season was broadcast locally on radio, with KFAC serving as the flagship station, helping grow the team’s regional fanbase.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1950 Rams compared closely with other top teams in the NFL, particularly in offensive output. Here’s how they stacked up:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Head Coach
Los Angeles Rams	6–6	301	273	Joe Stydahar
Cleveland Browns	10–2	381	231	Paul Brown
New York Giants	8–4	291	218	Steve Owen
San Francisco 49ers	3–9	242	310	Frankie Albert
Chicago Bears	5–7	277	299	George Halas

The Rams ranked third in points scored and had a better offensive output than teams like the Bears and 49ers. However, their inconsistent defense and lack of playoff qualification highlighted areas for improvement in future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 1950 season was a building block for the Rams’ legacy in Los Angeles and the NFL at large. It demonstrated the viability of professional football on the West Coast and helped shape the league’s national identity.

West Coast Expansion: The Rams’ presence in L.A. proved that NFL teams could succeed outside the traditional Midwest and East Coast markets.
Racial Integration: By signing Kenny Washington in 1946, the Rams broke the NFL’s color barrier, influencing future league diversity.
Television Pioneer: The Rams were among the first teams to experiment with televised games, increasing national exposure.
Star Power: Players like Tom Fears and Bruce Perry helped elevate the profile of the NFL through dynamic performances.
Stadium Legacy: Playing at the Coliseum set a precedent for large-scale NFL venues and influenced future stadium designs.
Foundation for Success: Though they didn’t win a title in 1950, the season laid the groundwork for their 1951 NFL Championship appearance.

The 1950 Los Angeles Rams season may not have ended in a championship, but it was instrumental in shaping the modern NFL’s geographic and cultural footprint.