The 1987 NFL season was like no other for the Los Angeles Rams. It was the year that brought a combination of chaos, disruption, and unexpected turns, creating a narrative worth exploring. The '87 season, played out in the bustling city of Los Angeles, was marked by the impact of a players' strike that changed the face of professional football as we knew it.
For the Rams, the season opened with promise, featuring a solid roster that included the likes of Jim Everett and Eric Dickerson, although the latter was traded mid-season. The Rams' performance initially seemed hopeful, as they attempted to build on the previous year’s successes. However, the strike looming over the league turned those aspirations into a shattered reality.
The players' strike profoundly shook the league in 1987, bringing a sense of upheaval that affected teams, fans, and the game’s integrity. During the walkout, replacement players filled the void, causing a severe disruption to the Rams' continuity. It raised questions about the fairness of using replacement players and whether the system valued profit over the player's rights. These were turbulent times as fans and players alike had mixed feelings about the strike's legitimacy. While some viewed it as a necessary step towards securing fair compensation and benefits for the players, others saw it as an unwelcome interruption.
Amidst the turmoil, the Rams tried to keep their heads above water. Jim Everett emerged as a leading figure, attempting to hold the offense together in a year that promised growth but often fell flat. The Rams' typical flair and energy were muted by the infrequent, disjointed practices and games that the strike caused. This instability had a cascading effect on their performance, leading them to finish the regular season with a disappointing 6-9 record.
The turmoil didn't just extend to the casual play on the field. In a broader sense, the Rams' 1987 season reflected a critical moment in sports history where athlete conditions, labor rights, and organizational structures were placed under rigorous scrutiny. The Rams, like many teams, were caught in a balancing act, trying to satisfy fans, respect player needs, and run a business in a strained economic climate.
Yet, not everything was doom and gloom. Despite the difficulties, the Rams managed to showcase resilience through some truly memorable performances throughout the year. Even under challenging circumstances, players such as Everett demonstrated glimpses of their brilliance that hinted at the team's potential, which they hoped to develop in future seasons.
The Rams' journey through 1987 remains a talking point because it laid bare the complexities and contradictions at the heart of professional sports. While on the surface, it might seem that the Rams’ season was a letdown, in a deeper sense, it illuminated the ongoing dialogue about player empowerment and fair labor practices, which continue to be relevant today.
The 1987 season was more than just a series of wins and losses. It was a watershed moment for both the Rams and the NFL. It forced teams, owners, and the league to rethink how they engaged with players and fans. This season offered a snapshot of a transformative time in sports, where the fabric of the NFL was put to the test amid the broader cultural conversations of worker rights and economic fairness. The Rams' story that year was emblematic of a team stuck between tradition and change, struggling to find its footing in an evolving landscape.
As we reflect on that tumultuous season, it's crucial to understand the lengths players went to in order to ensure better conditions and the challenges teams faced in maintaining fan loyalty and financial viability during turbulent times. For many Gen Z fans, who might see players like Dickerson and Everett as legendary figures, understanding the 1987 season provides essential context for appreciating the complexities of sports beyond mere athletic achievement.
The ripple effect of the strike in 1987 can still be felt today, influencing how player contracts are negotiated and how labor disputes are approached across various professional sports. Teams like the Rams that went through such upheavals often came out with valuable lessons, preparing them better for future challenges both on and off the field.