Quote:I do find it interesting how the league has transformed over the past decade or so.

 

There was a time not that long ago when the NFL would have scoffed at the notion of going into Las Vegas.  Goodell has moved the NFL into a world where everything is coin operated.

The league has changed, but I don't think the relocations are an indicia of how much things have changed.

 

Stadiums have always driven the franchise relocations.

 

In the 1980s, the Rams moved to Anaheim, the Raiders moved to Los Angeles, the Colts moved to Indy, and the Cardinals moved to Arizona all due to stadium issues.  In the 1990s, the Raiders moved back to Oakland, Cleveland moved to Baltimore, the Rams moved to St. Louis, and the Oilers moved to Tennessee all due to stadium issues.

 

The Raiders, Chargers, and Rams all relocated now due to stadium issues.  Now the Raiders and Chargers had two of the oldest and most decrepit stadiums in the league, and they couldn't get a deal on new stadiums.  The Rams, at least compared to the Raiders and Chargers, had a relatively brand new stadium.  But compared to the rest of the league, their stadium became antiquated.  Despite having a provision in their lease guaranteeing the Rams would have a top stadium, St. Louis did not provide it in time to stop Kroenke from exploring the Los Angeles market.

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