When discussing professional football in Ohio, the immediate question that arises is, does Ohio have two NFL teams? The short answer is no, but the state’s relationship with the league is far more complex than a simple yes or no. While the modern landscape features a single franchise, the Buckeyes and the state itself have a rich history with two distinct predecessors that once called Ohio home. Understanding this requires looking at the current reality, the historical context, and the specific cities that were once proud hosts.
The Current NFL Landscape in Ohio
As it stands today, Ohio is home to exactly one active National Football League franchise: the Cleveland Browns. Based in Cleveland Stadium, now known as FirstEnergy Stadium, the Browns compete in the AFC North division. This singular representation means that if you are looking to catch a live game in the state, you will be heading to Cleveland. The team’s history is deeply woven into the fabric of the city, having returned to the league in 1999 after a three-year hiatus that saw the original franchise relocate.
Historical Presence: The Cleveland Rams and the Cincinnati Reds
To truly answer whether Ohio has ever hosted two teams, we must look to the past. The most notable instance occurred in the 1930s and 1940s. The Cleveland Rams were an NFL franchise that operated in the city from 1936 until 1945, when they relocated to Los Angeles. During this period, the city of Cincinnati hosted the Cincinnati Reds, an NFL team that played from 1933 to 1934. Therefore, at different points in time, Ohio did indeed have two active NFL franchises within its borders, though never concurrently in the modern era.
Why Doesn’t Ohio Have a Second Team Today?
The absence of a second franchise comes down to the economics and logistics of the modern NFL. The league has strict territorial rights and market-sharing agreements that prevent teams from overlapping in the same region. With Cleveland already holding the rights to the entire state, adding a second team in a city like Cincinnati or Columbus would likely be seen as cannibalizing the existing fanbase rather than expanding it. The financial risks of splitting the market are too high for ownership groups and the league office.
The Role of College Football
While the NFL footprint is limited, Ohio compensates with a fierce passion for college football. The state boasts powerhouse programs like Ohio State, who compete in the Big Ten Conference. In fact, Ohio State often draws larger television audiences and stadium crowds than the NFL’s lone professional team. This deep-rooted college culture helps maintain the state’s overall engagement with the sport, even if the professional level is singular. The Buckeyes provide a level of local pride that rivals any NFL rivalry.
