After moving the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore in 1996, the city had to adopt a new team name, with the Colts having moved to Indianapolis in 1984, and the Browns team name staying in Cleveland.
Team owner Art Modell introduced the team on March 29, 1996 as the Baltimore Ravens, 20 years ago from yesterday’s date.
But prior to giving the team the fitting name of Ravens, Modell attempted to bring back the Colts name back to Baltimore. It made sense at the time when you consider the Colts had played in Baltimore for over three decades. Similarly to the Browns keeping their name and franchise history in Cleveland, or the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA (even the Hornets found their way back to Charlotte!).
According to a Baltimore Sun story from 1996, Modell wanted to pay $5 million for the name. Jim Irsay had a different idea when it came to the price for the name. “For $25 to $50 million, I’d listen, but I don’t think we’d do it,” Irsay said.
The article also refers to possible team names as Bombers, Marauders, Mustangs, Ravens, Railers and Americans. I think it’s safe to say they made the perfect choice in choosing Ravens.