JOHN UNITAS, BALTIMORE, AND HERITAGE POLITICS IN THE NFL

Baltimore lost the Colts in 1984 and acquired the Ravens in 1996. Prior accounts have overlooked how it subsequently tried to both protect Colts heritage and shape the Ravens into a legitimate home team. Landmarks include the failure to regain Colts trademarks, reacquisition of the Super Bowl V trophy, homecomings for Baltimore Colts, Art Modell’s decision to leave the Browns nickname in Cleveland, statue of John Unitas outside the Ravens stadium, and inductions of Baltimore Colts to the Ravens Ring of Honor. Of most importance, public support from Unitas and other Baltimore Colts for the city rewarded fans who believed in their home team. These events added a political dimension to Baltimore’s history as a football town willing, and able, to disrupt the status quo.