From Browns to Ravens: A Tale of Two Cities (and One Very Poetic Bird)
So, you're wondering what the Baltimore Ravens used to be called, huh? Well, buckle up, because this is a story that's as dramatic as a Poe short story (without the creepy birds, mostly).
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| What Did Baltimore Ravens Used To Be Called |
The Cleveland Connection
Believe it or not, the Baltimore Ravens didn't always soar through the air, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. They were once grounded in the heartland, known as the Cleveland Browns. Yes, you read that right. The same Browns that currently reside in Ohio, sharing their city with a certain Mr. James A. Garfield (RIP).
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
But here's the kicker: In the mid-90s, the Browns' owner, Art Modell, decided he wanted a change of scenery. Maybe he was tired of the cold winters, or perhaps he just really liked the sound of his own name echoing through a stadium. Whatever the reason, he uprooted the entire franchise and moved it to Baltimore.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
A Name is Born
Now, you can't just show up in a new city with the same old name, can you? So, the bigwigs in Baltimore got together and decided it was time for a rebranding. They wanted something that captured the spirit of the city, something that would make fans feel like they were part of something special. And boy, did they deliver.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
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After much deliberation, focus groups, and probably a few too many brainstorming sessions, they settled on the Baltimore Ravens. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's iconic poem, "The Raven," the name was a hit. It was dark, mysterious, and just a touch spooky – perfect for a football team, right?
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
The Aftermath
Needless to say, Cleveland fans were not thrilled with Modell's decision. There were protests, riots (okay, maybe not riots, but definitely some angry shouting), and a general sense of betrayal. But hey, that's football, right? It's a rough sport, both on and off the field.
To make amends (sort of), the NFL allowed Cleveland to keep the Browns' history, colors, and records. So, while the original Browns were technically moved to Baltimore, a new version was born in Cleveland a few years later. It's like a complicated divorce where everyone gets half the stuff but still hates each other.
How to... Raven Facts
- How to become a Ravens fan: Start by watching their games. Then, memorize the words to "The Raven." Finally, get really good at yelling "Ravens Flock!"
- How to pronounce 'Ravens': It's "RAY-venz," not "RAW-venz." Trust us, you don't want to mess this up.
- How to explain the Browns/Ravens situation to a confused friend: Just show them a dramatic reenactment. It's the only way.
- How to appreciate Poe's influence: Read "The Raven," then watch a Ravens game. You'll see the connection.
- How to avoid getting into a heated debate about the Browns vs. Ravens: Change the subject to something less controversial, like politics or religion.
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