How Many NFL Teams are in California?

California, a state known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, boasts a strong presence in the world of professional sports.

Among the many professional teams based in the Golden State, the National Football League (NFL) holds a particularly significant position, with three franchises calling California home.

This abundance of NFL teams is a testament to the popularity of American football in the state and offers fans ample opportunity to engage with the sport.

The three NFL teams that reside in California are the Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the San Francisco 49ers.

Each of these franchises carries its own storied history and unique identity, contributing to an intense and enthusiastic fan base throughout the state.

With a rich legacy of successes and challenges, these teams continue to have a substantial impact on the NFL landscape and provide residents, as well as football fans worldwide, with thrilling on-field action and memorable moments.

So, just how many NFL teams are in California?

An Overview of California’s NFL Teams

Current Teams

California currently hosts three NFL teams:

• Los Angeles Rams: Established in 1936, the Rams have won two Super Bowls and are known for their “Greatest Show on Turf” and the “Fearsome Foursome.” They have had several notable players and coaches, including Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, Aaron Donald, Eric Dickerson, Mike Martz, Dick Vermeil, Sean McVay, and Chuck Knox.
  
• Los Angeles Chargers: Originally from San Diego, the Chargers moved to Los Angeles in 2017. Throughout their history, they have made it to the Super Bowl just once, during the 1994 season.
  
• San Francisco 49ers: Founded in 1946, the 49ers are one of California’s most successful NFL teams, having won five Super Bowls. Some prolific 49ers players include Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, and Ronnie Lott, and notable coaches include Bill Walsh and George Seifert.

Historical Teams

In addition to the three current teams, California was previously home to the following NFL team:

• Oakland Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders): Established in 1960 in Oakland, California, the Oakland Raiders have won three Super Bowls. In 2020, the team relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, and changed their name to the Las Vegas Raiders. Some famous Oakland Raiders players include Jim Plunkett, Howie Long, Tim Brown, and Ken Stabler.

Californian NFL Teams by Region

Southern California

In Southern California, there are two NFL teams: the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams are based in the city of Los Angeles and have a long-standing history in the NFL.

The Los Angeles Rams, originally established in 1936, have experienced multiple relocations and name changes in their history. The team returned to Los Angeles in 2016 after spending over two decades in St. Louis. Notable players in their history include Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, and Kurt Warner.

The Los Angeles Chargers, originally founded in 1960, spent most of their history in San Diego before relocating to Los Angeles in 2017. The Chargers have a rich history filled with talented players such as Dan Fouts, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Philip Rivers.

Northern California

In Northern California, the San Francisco 49ers represent the region in the NFL.

The team was established in 1946 and has remained in San Francisco throughout their history.

The 49ers are known for their storied past, featuring legendary players such as Joe Montana, Steve Young, and Jerry Rice. The team has a rich history of success, including multiple Super Bowl championships.

Stadiums and Home Cities

Stadia Location

In California, there are currently three NFL teams, each with their respective home stadiums.

• San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers play their home games at Levi’s Stadium, which is located in Santa Clara, California.
• Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers share SoFi Stadium with the Los Angeles Rams, located in Inglewood, California.
• Los Angeles Rams: The Rams also call SoFi Stadium home, sharing the stadium with the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, California.

City Affiliation

The three NFL teams in California have significant ties to their respective cities.

• San Francisco 49ers: As their name suggests, the 49ers are affiliated with the city of San Francisco. They have a storied history and a strong fan base in the Bay Area.
• Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers’ affiliation with the city of Los Angeles was solidified in 2017 when they relocated from San Diego. Since then, they have been working to establish their fan base and presence in the city.
• Los Angeles Rams: The Rams have a long-standing affiliation with Los Angeles, having returned to the city in 2016 after a 21-year absence. The team has a rich history in the city and has been gaining the support of fans since their return.

Fan Following and Rivalries

Popular Teams

California is home to three NFL teams, each with its own dedicated fan base:

• Los Angeles Rams: With a history dating back to 1937, the Rams have had a strong fan following in Los Angeles. They’ve experienced success over the years, most notably by winning Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000.
• Los Angeles Chargers: Originally founded in Los Angeles in 1960, the team moved to San Diego, where they spent more than 50 years. In 2017, they returned to Los Angeles, continuing their tradition of dedicated fans supporting them.
• San Francisco 49ers: Established in 1946, the 49ers have a storied history with five Super Bowl championships under their belt. They enjoy a passionate fan base, commonly referred to as the “Niner Nation.”

Iconic Rivalries

In the spirit of competition, these California-based teams have some iconic rivalries:

• Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers: This rivalry dates back to when both teams were part of the NFL’s Western Conference. Fans on both sides passionately support their teams during their matchups, making this one of the most intense rivalries in the league.
• Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers: While not as historic as the Rams-49ers rivalry, the Chargers and 49ers battles are still fierce, with both teams trying to assert dominance over the state. Known as the “Battle of California,” this rivalry showcases the competitive spirit of both fanbases.

By having multiple NFL teams, California encourages competition not only amongst the players but also between fans, creating a thriving atmosphere and unforgettable experiences for those involved.

Team Achievements

Championships

California is home to three NFL teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers, the Los Angeles Rams, and the San Francisco 49ers. These teams have a history of success and achievements in the league.

• San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, having won a total of five Super Bowl championships (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994). They have also captured 20 division championships and made 7 Super Bowl appearances.
• Los Angeles Rams: The Rams have experienced success throughout their history, winning three NFL Championships (1945, 1951, and 1999) and appearing in the Super Bowl a total of four times, including their most recent appearance in 2018.
• Los Angeles Chargers: Originally based in San Diego, the Chargers have yet to win a Super Bowl but have garnered one AFC Championship (1994) and 15 division championships throughout their history.

Records

In addition to numerous team championships, California’s NFL teams also possess impressive individual and team records:

• San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers hold several key team records, including most points scored in a Super Bowl game (55 points in Super Bowl XXIV) and the NFL record for longest home winning streak during the regular season (18 games from 1988-1990). Legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice, who spent the majority of his career with the 49ers, holds numerous NFL records, including most career receiving yards (22,895) and most career touchdown receptions (197).
• Los Angeles Rams: One of the most notable records for the Rams is the single-season rushing yards record set by Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson in 1984, totaling 2,105 yards. The team also set the record for most sacks in a single season with 72 in 1963, a record that stood for nearly two decades.
• Los Angeles Chargers: Quarterback Dan Fouts, a Charger throughout his entire career, set several NFL passing records during his tenure with the team, including most passing yards in a single season (4,802 in 1981). Additionally, placekicker and Chargers icon LaDainian Tomlinson achieved the record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season (28 in 2006).