New York Football Conference (1977-1978)
Mid-East Football Conference (1979-1984)
Tombstone
Born: 1977 – The New York Rams relocate to Bergen County, New Jersey
Folded: 1985
First Game: September 10, 1977 (L 22-6 vs. Brooklyn Mariners)
Last Game: November 11, 1984 (L 19-17 @ Scranton Eagles)
New York Football Conference Champions: 1978
Mid-East Football Conference Champions: 1979, 1981, 1983 & 1984
Stadia
1977-1980: County Park
1978 & 1981-1982: Overpeck Park
1983-1984: Sprague Field
Branding
Team Colors:
Ownership
Owners:
- 1977-1983: Lou Policastro, Jr.
- 1984: Jon Moore & Lou Policastro, Jr.
Background
The New Jersey Rams were one of the nation’s top semi-pro football teams during the early 1980’s. The former New York Rams moved to Bergen County, New Jersey ahead of the 1977 New York Football Conference season, initially setting up shop at County Park in Lyndhurst. The team would bounce between various home stadia in Bergen and Essex counties over the next eight seasons.
Ed O’Reilly served as the Rams’ head coach for the club’s entire run.
In Competition
During the 1980’s, the Rams were virtually unbeatable in competition against their Mid-East Football Conference foes, primarily other New York City and northern Jersey clubs. The Rams won the MEFC title in 1981, 1983 and 1984 while losing closely fought championship games to the Brooklyn Kings in 1980 and 1982.
The nation’s top semi-pro clubs of the era were also put into a national ranking by the Minor Pro Football Association. Beginning in 1980, the MPFA also organized national playoff competitions that saw the top-rated teams scrape together funds to travel outside their regions. In November 1983, the Rams advanced to the MPFA national championship game in Wisconsin, losing to the Racine Gladiators 30-13 before an estimated crowd of 3,000 fans.1ASSOCIATED PRESS. “N.J. Rams fall in title game”. The Record (Hackensack, NJ). November 20, 1983
The following season, 1984, an undefeated Rams squad held the MPFA’s #1 national ranking for much of the year. But the team ultimately lost to the Scranton Eagles on the road in an MPFA playoff contest. This proved to be the Rams’ final appearance, as the club disbanded along with the rest of the Mid-East Football Conference the following summer.2Fox, Ron. “Rams fold with league”. The Record (Hackensack, NJ). July 17, 1985
Former Pace University quarterback Doug Woodward (Rams ’81) was a team success story. Woodward would go on the play three years in the United States Football League as the back-up quarterback for the Boston-New Orleans-Portland Breakers franchise from 1983 to 1985, earning himself his very own Topps football card in the process.
Linebacker John Joyce (Rams ’82) also enjoyed three USFL seasons with the local New Jersey Generals franchise, playing alongside former Heisman winners Herschel Walker and (later) Doug Flutie from 1983 to 1985.
New Jersey Rams Shop
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Downloads
10-20-1984 Rams vs. Marlboro Shamrocks Roster & Game Notes
10-20-1984 New Jersey Rams vs. Marlboro Shamrocks Roster##
10 Responses
I played for the Jersey Rams from 81 – 1982. I was a college player at Gettysburg. The Rams had some great players, Ron Brown who ended up being an assistant coach at Nebraska and won a Natty Champioship. Phil Theiss who I played against in college and Bob Crimi, All American from Post. Coached by Ed Reilly, this group woulda spanked my college team
I played for the RAMS from ‘79 – ‘82
And when o look at this roster most of those guys were gone before I left. Just wondering if they came back? Thies and the kicker Taskey. Can’t believe they came back.
Does anybody have a copy of to he B parade magazine that featured the RAMS?
Yes I believe I know exactly where it is. Was a Sunday daily news or ny post big article. I may even have two copies. Send me your contact info to [email protected] and I’ll forward you a contact.
I still have a program and your in it.
I played on those NJ Rams including the final season.
I remember the playing the Rams in 1981 Levittown Red devils just renamed the team Long Island Raiders
It was a rainy Night at Mont Clair state college . I think we made the trip with 15 players. It wasn’t a blow out like 1984. We held strong and lost that game. But i remember how well coached that team was and professional. With 15 tough players we held our heads high. That team had major backing and they played the same way. I moved on to the Bronx Crusaders till the end of my Carrer 1986. I have been searching for the old teams from the early 80’s Mid east conference. Never found anything till today . So thank you. Much respect . Anthony LaBarbera L.I. Raiders/Bronx Crusaders.1980-1986 DE #75/#77 HC Arizona football League. (mfln hof 2005)
I remember the Rams we were a new team from Long Island . Levittown Red devils later to be the Long Island Raiders . 1981 at I believe it was at Montclair stadium Big Rain storm. We traveled weak 15 players
It wasn’t a blow out but we got beat. Much respect to that team . Big backing Big players
Anthony A LaBarbera Sr.
#75 Raiders
#77 Bronx Crusaders
1980-1986
HC. AZFL 2000-2018.
MFLN HOF 2005
HC All-star Nationals 2006-2013
My dad, Carmen Pizzuto played for The NJ Rams in 1979 and maybe for a few years as well. Ed was THE BEST GUY and I have fond memories of him, the players and games! I have a team photo of 1979 to share. My dad is the only guy in the pic with my kid brothers next to him. My dad has passed on but before he died, with the help of Ed and other friends/players we were able to have him inducted into the National Semipro Football Hall of Fame. I still love football because of my dad and miss him dearly.
Yes I believe I know exactly where it is. Was a Sunday daily news or ny post big article. I may even have two copies. Send me your contact info to [email protected] and I’ll forward you a copy