Pasadena's Pigskin Posse: A Quest for the Elusive NFL Team
Ah, Pasadena, California. Home to sunshine, citrus groves, and... absolutely no NFL team? That's right, folks. Buckle up for a wild ride through the curious case of the Pasadena NFL phantom.
The Stadium That Could (But Didn't): The Rose Bowl Beckons
The majestic Rose Bowl sits nestled in the Pasadena hills, a stadium steeped in tradition. It's the undisputed king of college football's granddaddy of them all – the Rose Bowl game. But whispers of pro glory once swirled around the stadium. The dream of an NFL team calling the Rose Bowl home nearly became a reality in 1996. The Seattle Seahawks, fueled by visions of California sunshine and lucrative endorsements (we can only assume they involved a lot of orange juice), announced their intention to relocate. The Rose Bowl was primed to be their nest. Alas, the NFL, in a move that would make Houdini himself scratch his head, blocked the relocation.
Pasadena's Flirtation with Football Fiasco
Fast forward a decade, and Pasadena dips its toes back into the NFL pool. This time, the city entertains the idea of a temporary team residency. Imagine the scene: die-hard college football fans decked out in UCLA blue forced to cheer on a team sporting... well, whatever colors the mystery team might have chosen. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and Pasadena politely declined the chance to become a temporary NFL pit stop.
So Why No NFL Love for Pasadena?
One theory points to the Rose Bowl's revered status as a college football landmark. The NFL, perhaps wary of disrupting tradition, might have opted to build a new stadium elsewhere in the sprawling Los Angeles area. Another theory involves the city of Pasadena itself. Residents, it seems, weren't exactly thrilled with the idea of a noisy, traffic-generating NFL team as a neighbor.
The Enduring Allure of Pasadena
Pasadena may not have its own NFL team, but that doesn't diminish its charm. It remains a city steeped in sporting history, and who knows, maybe one day the pigskin gods will shine upon Pasadena. Until then, there's always the Rose Bowl game, and let's be honest, who wouldn't want to witness the "Granddaddy of Them All" under the California sun?
Moral of the Story?
Sometimes, the best things in life, like sunshine and perfect oranges, don't come with an NFL franchise. But hey, Pasadena perseveres, a shining example of a city that thrives without the pressure of pro football (and the questionable officiating that sometimes comes with it).
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