How Many NFL Teams Are in Ohio?
Ohio’s football legacy is legendary, but when it comes to the National Football League, the answer is surprisingly simple: only one NFL franchise calls Ohio home—the Cleveland Browns. From historic franchises that have moved, to passionate fan bases spread across the Buckeye State, Ohio’s relationship with the NFL is a tapestry of triumphs, heartbreaks, and enduring loyalty. Yet the state’s connection to professional football runs much deeper than a single team. This article explores not only the current count of NFL teams in Ohio but also the rich history, cultural impact, and future prospects that shape the state’s football landscape.
Introduction: Ohio’s Place in the NFL Ecosystem
Ohio is often referred to as the “Cradle of Football,” a title earned through its early adoption of the sport, the invention of the forward pass by Ohio State alumnus Knute Rockne, and the establishment of the first professional football league in 1920—the American Professional Football Association, which later became the NFL. While the state’s college football scene, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes, dominates national headlines, the professional tier tells a different story.
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Understanding why Ohio has only one NFL team involves looking at the league’s expansion history, franchise relocations, and the economic realities of supporting multiple teams in a single state It's one of those things that adds up..
The Sole Representative: The Cleveland Browns
A Brief History
The Cleveland Browns were founded in 1945 by businessman Arthur B. They began in the All‑America Football Conference (AAFC) before joining the NFL in 1950. And mcBride and legendary coach Paul Brown, after whom the team is named. The Browns quickly became a powerhouse, winning four AAFC titles and three NFL championships in the 1950s and early 1960s Nothing fancy..
Modern Era
- Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium (formerly Cleveland Browns Stadium)
- Ownership: The team is owned by Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who purchased the franchise in 2012.
- Recent performance: While the Browns have struggled to maintain consistent playoff success, the 2020 and 2021 seasons saw the team make back‑to‑back playoff appearances for the first time since 2002, reigniting fan enthusiasm.
Fan Culture
Cleveland’s fan base is known for its resilience—often summarized in the phrase “Beliebers” (a nod to the city’s love for the Browns despite long periods of losing). The iconic “Dawg Pound” section of the stadium epitomizes the gritty, vocal support that defines Ohio’s NFL spirit.
Why No Other NFL Teams in Ohio?
Historical Franchise Relocations
- Canton Bulldogs (1920s): One of the NFL’s original teams, the Bulldogs played in Canton, Ohio, before folding in 1927. Their early success helped cement Ohio’s reputation as a football hotbed.
- Cincinnati Bengals (1970s onward): While the Bengals are an NFL team based in Ohio, they are not counted in the “how many NFL teams are in Ohio?” question because the focus is on current franchises within the state’s borders. The Bengals are indeed an Ohio team, bringing the total to two when considered. That said, many readers interpret the question as “how many NFL franchises are headquartered in Ohio?” In that sense, both the Browns and Bengals qualify.
To avoid confusion, let’s clarify:
- Cleveland Browns: Based in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Thus, two NFL teams currently operate in Ohio.
Economic and Market Considerations
The NFL’s expansion model favors large metropolitan markets that can sustain high ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and media contracts. Cleveland and Cincinnati each meet these criteria, but adding a third team would dilute fan bases and corporate support, making it financially risky.
Stadium Infrastructure
Both the Browns and Bengals have modern, NFL‑compliant stadiums—FirstEnergy Stadium (capacity ~67,000) and Paycor Stadium (capacity ~65,000). Building a third stadium would require massive public and private investment, a hurdle that has deterred any serious proposals for a new franchise.
The Cincinnati Bengals: The Second Ohio NFL Team
Origins and Evolution
Founded in 1968 by Paul Brown (yes, the same visionary who created the Browns), the Bengals entered the league as an expansion team in 1970. Despite a rocky start, the franchise achieved notable success in the 1980s, highlighted by two Super Bowl appearances (XVI, XXIII) under quarterback Boomer Esiason and later Ken Anderson It's one of those things that adds up..
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Recent Highlights
- 2021 Super Bowl Run: Led by quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals captured the AFC Championship and reached Super Bowl LVI, reigniting statewide interest.
- Stadium: Paycor Stadium (formerly known as Paul Brown Stadium) offers a riverfront location that enhances Cincinnati’s urban appeal.
Fan Identity
Cincinnati fans proudly wear the “Who Dey” chant, a rallying cry that has become synonymous with the Bengals’ identity. The city’s passionate support complements Cleveland’s fan culture, creating a statewide rivalry that fuels the NFL’s competitive spirit.
Ohio’s College Football Influence on NFL Interest
While the Browns and Bengals dominate the professional scene, college football in Ohio dramatically shapes NFL fandom.
- Ohio State Buckeyes: With a massive national following, the Buckeyes produce a steady pipeline of NFL talent, including Hall of Famers like Jim Brown and contemporary stars such as Nick Bosa.
- University of Cincinnati Bearcats: Recent success, including a College Football Playoff appearance, has boosted the Cincinnati market’s appetite for professional football.
These collegiate programs generate year‑round football enthusiasm, providing a fertile recruiting ground for NFL teams and reinforcing the state’s deep-rooted love for the sport Nothing fancy..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many NFL teams are currently based in Ohio?
A: Two—the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Q2: Did Ohio ever have other NFL franchises?
A: Yes, the Canton Bulldogs (1920s) and the Cleveland Rams (who moved to Los Angeles in 1946) are historic examples Most people skip this — try not to. That alone is useful..
Q3: Could Ohio support a third NFL team?
A: While possible in theory, market saturation, stadium costs, and corporate sponsorship limitations make it unlikely in the near future No workaround needed..
Q4: Which Ohio team has the most Super Bowl appearances?
A: The Cincinnati Bengals have appeared in two Super Bowls (XVI, XXIII), whereas the Browns have never reached the Super Bowl.
Q5: How does college football affect the NFL in Ohio?
A: College programs supply talent, drive fan interest, and create regional rivalries that spill over into NFL support for both the Browns and Bengals.
The Future Outlook: Expansion, Relocation, and Fan Growth
Potential for Expansion
The NFL has hinted at future expansion, but any new franchise would likely target markets outside the current NFL footprint—such as San Antonio, St. Louis, or Portland—rather than adding a third team in Ohio And that's really what it comes down to. Less friction, more output..
Relocation Rumors
Occasionally, speculation arises about the Browns or Bengals moving to larger markets. Still, strong local ownership, dedicated fan bases, and recent stadium investments make relocation improbable.
Grassroots Development
Both franchises are investing in youth programs, community outreach, and stadium upgrades. Initiatives like the Browns’ “Heart of the Community” and the Bengals’ “Community Impact” programs encourage local talent and keep fans engaged beyond the regular season.
Conclusion: Ohio’s Enduring NFL Presence
When you ask, “how many NFL teams are in Ohio?”, the concise answer is two—the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. Here's the thing — yet the story behind that number is far richer than a simple headcount. From the early days of the Canton Bulldogs to the modern rivalry between Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio’s football heritage is woven into the fabric of the NFL itself Small thing, real impact..
The state’s passionate fan bases, historic franchises, and vibrant college football culture confirm that Ohio will remain a cornerstone of professional football for generations to come. Whether you’re cheering in the Dawg Pound or chanting “Who Dey” along the Ohio River, the Buckeye State’s love for the game is unmistakable—and that love continues to shape the narrative of the NFL today That's the part that actually makes a difference..
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