Mob Squad (fans)

Last updated

Fans of the Los Angeles Rams pack a 2023 home game at SoFi Stadium RamsFans2023.jpg
Fans of the Los Angeles Rams pack a 2023 home game at SoFi Stadium
Rams' mascot Rampage poses with a fan and the Rams' cheerleaders at training camp in August of 2019 Rampage2019.jpg
Rams' mascot Rampage poses with a fan and the Rams' cheerleaders at training camp in August of 2019

The name for the fans of the National Football League (NFL)'s Los Angeles Rams. It had referred to the team during their final season in St. Louis through the 2019 season following their return to Los Angeles. They also use other lesser-used nicknames for fans include Ramily, Ramilia,The Herd, or simply Rams Nation (primarily by players). [1] [2] The team has only officially used the moniker in official branding and merchandising from 2015 to 2019. [3] [4] Numerous fans have adopted the name to refer to fans of the Rams as a whole, as the term 'Mob' also refers to a group of sheep. [5] [6] [7]

Contents

History

The Original Melonheads

During the 1980s; Rams fan Lance Goldberg sought to create a similar iteration of the famous Cheesehead trend of Green Bay Packers fans wearing a block of cheese, though Wisconsin is famous for its dairy industry while watermelons do not have the same connection to Los Angeles. [8] The Melonheads have been a notable fixture for the Rams through the 1980s, their tenure in St. Louis, and even following their return in 2016. [9]

First Tenure in Los Angeles (1946-1994)

Following the team's relocation from Cleveland in 1946; the team quickly forged a strong connection with many of Hollywood's elite figures during the 1950s. Upon winning the 1951 NFL Championship, the team quickly grew support from local fans, resulting in setting numerous attendance records for the LA Coliseum at the time, topping out at 102,368 during a 1957 game against the arch-rival San Francisco 49ers. [10] Beyond the 1950s, the team maintained a strong presence of support despite their failures to return to the championship game until 1980. The 1960s saw record attendance as the Rams yielded iconic teams of the decade, led by their hall-of-fame defensive line dubbed the Fearsome Foursome. [11] Despite a lone appearance during Super Bowl XIV (in which the Rams lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers), fan support remained strong through the 1970s and early 1980s until the arrival of the Raiders from Oakland in 1982. [12] Due to Georgia Frontiere's controversial ownership of the team, and the Rams' subsequent relocation to Anaheim Stadium in 1980, fan interest found itself being cannibalized by the Raiders as the traditional fanbase was split further following the Raiders' Super Bowl victory two seasons following their arrival in Los Angeles. Even looking beyond conflicting factors, the Rams maintained a diminished, yet strong fanbase as the team remained competitive during the 1980s, despite losing twice in the NFC Championship. Georgia Frontiere's unstable ownership immediately began to deteriorate the team's support in Southern California following the 1989 season in which budgetary issues and lacking on-field performance plagued fan attendance. Frontiere continuously expressed her desire for a new stadium yielded multiple hollow threats of relocation on her behalf. [13] [14] The result of her mismanagement saw fan attendance finishing last in the league from 1993 to 1994, while numerous Rams' home games were frequently blacked out on local Television. Following the 1994 season; Frontiere continued her push for relocation, resulting in her threatening the NFL with a hollow claim of a lawsuit on March 15, 1995; culminating in the NFL owners acquiescing in meeting her demands to relocate the team to St. Louis. [15]

St. Louis era (1995-2015)

The Edward Jones Dome hosted the Rams for 20 seasons in St. Louis Edward Jones Dome (9721837046).jpg
The Edward Jones Dome hosted the Rams for 20 seasons in St. Louis

Upon the team's arrival in St. Louis, fan attendance proved to be modest at best, despite failing to match the lows of the previous two season in Anaheim. [16] Despite this, the team struggled to top 1 million fans per season until 2000, following the team's victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. Regardless of inconsistent fan interest in St. Louis; local rapper Nelly would frequently display his support for the team in numerous music videos. [17] Despite appearing in two super bowls, and winning one in St. Louis; fan interest proved to mediocre at best as the Edward Jones Dome grew quickly outdated despite several attempts at renovations during the late 2000s. [18] [19] The stadium was universally disliked by fans as a cavernous dome with very little to offer for tailgating or fan events. Consequences of the team's declining performance and their outdated stadium contributed to a consistent lackluster turnout of support from St. Louis for most of their tenure. As a result; Rams ranked in the bottom 5 of league attendance from 2008 to their final season in 2015. [20]

Rebirth in Los Angeles (2016-Present)

The Rams host the New Orleans Saints on September 15, 2019 Rams-Saints-2019.jpg
The Rams host the New Orleans Saints on September 15, 2019

Prior to the team's return to Southern California in 2016; various gatherings had begun showing a regrown amount of fan support for the franchise to play in Los Angeles once again. On November 23, 2014; a Rams-Chargers game in San Diego was flooded with Rams fans displaying an abundance of signs in favor of the team's relocation back to Los Angeles. [21] [22] Fan interest continued to regrow as rumors of a return multiplied across local and national media. On August 18, 2015; the Dallas Cowboys hosted the Rams for a joint practice at their facility in Oxnard, California. Unbeknownst to local media, a large gathering of Rams fans ensued, each displaying signs in further support of ongoing relocation rumors. [23] [24] Following the 2015 season; the team announced a return to Southern California after 20 seasons as Rams' new owner Stan Kroenke unveiled plans for a new privately-funded 80,000-seat stadium in Inglewood, California. The night of the announcement on January 12, 2016 saw a large crowd of Rams fans gathering outside the Los Angeles Coliseum in celebration of the return. [25] [26] Immediately following the team's return, the Rams' attendance jumped from dead last in 2015, to seventh in the league in 2016; [27] with the Rams setting the all-time preseason attendance record on August 13, 2016 for their first game in Southern California since 1994. [28] Since returning, the Rams have yielded attendance within the league's top 10 in all but two of their nine seasons following their return. [29] Following the team's victory in Super Bowl LVI, large crowds of Rams fans accumulated around Los Angeles in celebration of the victory before the atmosphere devolved into rioting and looting, as fans damaged multiple cars and set a Metro Bus on fire. [30] [31] [32] On February 16, 2022; an estimated crowd of over 20,000 fans attended the team's victory parade and rally at Exposition Park. [33] [34] Prior to the Rams' appearance in the 2025 Wild Card game against the Minnesota Vikings, the region was consumed by an onslaught of wildfires, ultimately forcing the game to be relocated to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona for January 13. [35] Despite over 40 charter buses being hired to transport fans from SoFi Stadium to Glendale, approximately 50,000 tickets were purchased by Rams fans traveling into Arizona for the game, with 25,000 being sold within the first hour. [36] [37]

Today

The Rams host the Indianapolis Colts on September 28, 2025 Ramscolts2025.jpg
The Rams host the Indianapolis Colts on September 28, 2025

The present Mob Squad boasts support for the Rams across all ages, ranging from elderly fans who supported the team since the 1970's or a new generation of fans won over as a result of the team's success following their return to California. [38] Though the Rams have not officially utilized the Mob Squad moniker since the 2019 season; multiple fans of the team adopted the term 'Mob Squad' in naming of their booster clubs following the team's relocation back to California. [39] [40] A majority of current Rams fans have utilized the term since returning to Los Angeles in 2016. [41] [42] [43] The official chant of the team's fanbase is a call-and-response of between public address announcer Sam Lagana saying"Whose House?" and fans responding "Rams House!".

Celebrities

Actor Ty Burrell attends Rams' training camp at Irvine in 2019 TyBurrell2019.jpg
Actor Ty Burrell attends Rams' training camp at Irvine in 2019

Given Los Angeles' extensive history in both the film and music industries; numerous celebrity fans have displayed support for the team, either during their original tenure in California or since their return in 2016. [44] Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello has been another longtime supporter of the team, even naming his son Roman in honor of former Rams' quarterback Roman Gabriel. [45] Actor Terry Crews is a famous fan of the team, with his connections with the franchise originating from the early 1990s in which he was drafted by the Rams during his brief NFL career. [46] [47] Actor Danny Trejo recalls sneaking through the fence at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to watch numerous Rams games as a child. [48] [49] [50] In addition to Trejo, numerous celebrities such as Kendrick Lamar, Bryan Cranston, or Taran Killam were often spotted at the Rams' training camp in Irvine, California. [51] [52] Most recently; actress Brenda Song has been spotted regularly attending the team's training camp in El Segundo and numerous home games, alongside her husband Macaulay Culkin. [53] [54]

Notable fans

Controversy

As is similarly the case on occasion with Los Angeles Sports fans (particularly the Dodgers), Rams fans have developed a minor notoriety for misconduct and fights since their return in 2016. [124] [125] [126] [127] [128] [129] Though not as notorious for violence as their rival 49ers, [130] [131] their fans have similarly been criticized for rowdy behavior at home games, primarily aimed at division rivals such as the 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. [132]

References

  1. "Thanks for showin' out at SoFi all season!".
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  9. "Lance Goldberg: A popular produce inspires an entire fandom".
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  38. "FAN PHOTOS: Core memories in the making: Youth Day at Rams Training Camp".
  39. "Mob Squad Fan Photos vs. Bills".
  40. "Meet Fiya Mayne".
  41. "A Rams fan holds up a sign for the Mob Squad during an NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams".
  42. "#MobSquad, it's go time: time to Go Metro to the Rams home opener".
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  53. "Rams fans should thank Brenda Song for her perfect free agency take".
  54. "Rams Use Schedule Release to Throw Creative Shade at Opponents".
  55. "Exclusive Photos: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Cheech Marin & more! | Behind the scenes of the Rams 2023 NFL Draft Film".
  56. "Outkast - Driven (Skip to 1:31)".
  57. "Anthony Anderson Reveals His Favorite NFL Team Ahead of 2022 Season (Exclusive)".
  58. "Celebrity Photos: Santa Claus, Caleb Williams, Anthony Anderson, Winston Duke & more spent Christmas Day at SoFi Stadium".
  59. "Anthony Kiedis - Rams vs. Buccaneers (September 26, 2021)".
  60. "Rebel Wilson and Adam Devine at Super Bowl LVI".
  61. "December 11, 2016 - Los Angeles, California, U.S - Bebe Rexha sings at the halftime show during the Atlanta Falcons 42-14 victory over the Los Angeles Rams".
  62. "The Los Angeles Rams get some help from aspiring defensive coordinator Brenda Song to announce their 2025 season schedule".
  63. "Bryan Cranston on how the Rams won him over".
  64. "SB Celebrities repping LA".
  65. "Los Angeles Rams Trolls Chad Smith! (December 04, 2022)".
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  69. "Limp Bizkit - Hot Dog rehearsal 2022".
  70. "DJ Yella on Instagram @DJYellaofNWA".
  71. "Dr. Dre Enjoys Time Off Studio Dancing At Rams Game".
  72. "LA Legend In the Building! @Dr Dre".
  73. "Dr. Dre Has Been 'Manifesting' Rams To Super Bowl LVI All Season".
  74. "The Los Angeles mayor's ridiculous explanation for his maskless photo".
  75. "Flea: Rock's Most Underrated Sports Fanatic".
  76. "Celebrity Rams Fans".
  77. "Rapper the Game Gets into Fight with Teammate at Drew League".
  78. "Celebrity Photos: Gunna, Steven Jackson, India Love & more celebrities in attendance for Rams vs. Seahawks – Who's in the Rams House".
  79. "Druski and Gunna at the Rams game".
  80. "Holly Robinson Peete on Twitter: Rams win Rams win Rams win!! Congratulations to the @Rams and especially to my brother-in-law Skip Peete #Rams running backs coach!!!!".
  81. "Sublime Charms Halftime at Sofi as Rams Clinch 2024 NFC West Title".
  82. "Sublime on Facebook: Whose house? RAMS HOUSE 🐏🤙 Los Angeles Rams".
  83. "Rams team up with Top Dawg Entertainment and Jay Rock for new anthem "Rams That Way"".
  84. "Jay Rock Leads Los Angeles Rams To Field In Game-Winning Home Opener".
  85. "Jessica Alba ditches Wedding ring, spotted at Rams game".
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  89. "Mark Hoppus with the Rams Logo on his guitar!".
  90. "Mark Hoppus Confirms Cancer Diagnosis". June 23, 2021.
  91. "PHOTOS: Paris Hilton, Ty Dolla $ign, Michael Buffer & more visit SoFi Stadium for Sunday Night Football".
  92. "Michael Anthony on Instagram @mad_anthony_bassman: Just Fixin' myself up a bit of chili during yesterdays Rams and 49ers game!".
  93. "Nelly: Rams Are 'On Loaner' in L.A. ... Still StL's Team!".
  94. "Niall Horan on twitter: "Congrats @RamsNFL!! A home super bowl in LA. Beautiful"".
  95. "Nikki Sixx on Twitter: Go @RamsNFL".
  96. "Rock Guitarist and LA Rams Super Fan Nita Strauss Earns Championship Ring".
  97. "Why I'm a Fan: O'Shea Jackson, Jr".
  98. "Here For It | Los Angeles Rams 2023 Season with O'Shea Jackson Jr".
  99. "Paris Hilton and 'Forever Teammate' Carter Reum Show L.A. Pride in Matching Rams Jerseys".
  100. "Paris Hilton and fiance Carter Milliken Reum at Los Angeles Rams v Tennessee Titans".
  101. "Perry Farrell on Twitter:Yes, Etty & I are @laRams fans. So this morning at 6am we got up- caught a ride from the Liner family to Atlanta for the SuperBowl. Glad we made it. Now I'll be able to make soundcheck- as our friends from @foofighters, are playing @DirectTV SB Party and asked about #MountainSong".
  102. "Taylor Hawkins, Perry Ferrell and Tom Morello Image. Where was that photo taken? I assume SoFi after their gig at the Doheny (Ohana)".
  103. "Prince Harry joins LA Rams in the locker room after Super Bowl win".
  104. "Rebel Wilson on Her Newest Role: L.A. Rams Super Fan". The Hollywood Reporter. April 28, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
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  106. "Robert Patrick on Twitter: What a great game baby! We are going to the Super Bowl!!!!!@NFL @RamsNFL yes !!!! Way to fight team!!!!! #win #win #win yes! What a great game!!!! Rams baby! Here we come Atlanta!!!!".
  107. "Sean McVay to Ryan Seacrest".
  108. "Ryan Garcia on Facebook: Young money and The New Money 💴 @liltunechi".
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  113. "Tom Morello on Twitter: I remember it well my friend! As a lifelong @RamsNFL fan I was psyched to be at that game in 1999. I sat down in my seat and I'm like right next to... Geezer Butler?!? Right on!! I was there tonight too @geezerbutler! #brilliant".
  114. "Sunday Conversation: Tom Morello, YG, Perry Farrell, Kaskade And More on The Special Bond Between Athletes And Musicians".
  115. "How Oregon Native Ty Burrell Became a Lifelong Rams Fan".
  116. "Xzibit and Warren G Performing at LA Rams Wild Card Game, Rachel Platten Singing National Anthem".
  117. "Rapper Warren G to Raiders: Come back to Los Angeles".
  118. "PHOTOS: Big Boy, Xzibit, Warren G & more visit SoFi Stadium for Rams vs. Cardinals - Who's in the Rams House".
  119. "Rams announce Wild Card game day elements to uplift and represent Los Angeles from Arizona".
  120. "Rap Legend Xzibit Talks Giving Back to 92-Year-Olds and Soccer Moms".
  121. Mendez, Marisa (September 3, 2020). "YG Takes Tour Of New $5B Los Angeles Rams NFL Stadium". HipHopDX. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  122. "The Source |YG Gifts Todd Gurley of the Rams a Diamond '4Hunnid' Chain". November 14, 2018.
  123. "Rapper YG receives touchdown ball from Robert Woods". NFL.com .
  124. "1 hospitalized in shooting at East LA intersection after celebration of Rams' Super Bowl victory".
  125. "Rams fans ordered to leave downtown L.A. as Super Bowl celebrations turn chaotic".
  126. "Violence, Damage In LA After Rams Win Super Bowl".
  127. "Crowds blamed for destruction in downtown Los Angeles after Super Bowl".
  128. "Bears and Rams fans provide first brawl at SoFi Stadium".
  129. "Bears vs. Rams Fans Get in Violent Brawl ... In Bowels Of SoFi Stadium".
  130. "The 49ers have mastered the art of NFL violence".
  131. "Theory: The 49ers Are Terrible Because Their Fans Are The Worst People On Earth".
  132. "Skip Bayless states LA Rams fans are the worst".