Football Franchise Trade In the Most...

The story told of how on July 13, 1972, owners from the LA Rams, Robert Irsay and the Baltimore Colts, Carroll Rosenbloom swapped franchises in a rare NFL owner's trade.

This $19 million deal involved Irsay and partner Willard Keland of Racine, Wisconsin, purchasing the Rams. They then traded the franchise to Rosenbloom, who had multiple financial interests in Southern California, including stock in Warner Brothers.

Rosenbloom, in turn, said he would keep Tommy Prothro as the head coach of his newly acquired LA squad, stating that,” One of the reasons I wanted the Rams was because he’s tied up for five years.” It is interesting that just months later, Prothro was dismissed on January 24, 1973, in favor of Chuck Knox. Less than a year later, Prothro became the head coach of the San Diego Chargers.

Every date on the football calendar carries echoes of pivotal moments, and July 13th is no exception. This particular day in American football history brings to light events that shaped the sport's narrative, from the complex legal proceedings involving one of its biggest stars to the quiet anniversaries of early league developments.

This series will delve into the diverse tapestry of July 13th's gridiron past. We'll explore the intense legal scrutiny surrounding former NFL great O.J. Simpson, as his murder investigation saw critical evidence collection. Beyond the headlines, we'll revisit the origins of foundational league rules and the unsung stories of early pro football's growing pains. Join us as we uncover the historical threads that connect the seemingly disparate events of this mid-summer day.