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10 NFL Franchises That Should NEVER Relocate

Some NFL teams are more than just franchises—they’re cultural institutions. Whether it’s deep-rooted loyalty, iconic traditions, or the fact that fans bleed team colors, specific squads are so tied to their cities that moving them would feel like a crime against football.

While the NFL has seen its fair share of relocations over the years, these ten teams should never even consider packing their bags. Because some teams belong to the city they’re in—no questions asked.

10. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen hands the ball off to Buffalo Bills running back James Cook during the first half of the Buffalo Bills wild card game against the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 12, 2025. The punt return and a team foul put the team on the goal line. Cook ran it out for a first down.
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Buffalo fans treat the Bills like religion, and game day feels more like a family reunion with flaming tables. Move this team, and you’d probably start a revolution in western New York.

9. Chicago Bears

Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Bears are as much a part of Chicago as deep-dish pizza and lake-effect snow. Their gritty history and classic stadium vibes make them inseparable from the Windy City.

8. Cleveland Browns

Jan 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bailey Zappe (2) makes a pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Cleveland hasn’t always had the prettiest football history, but the Dawg Pound still shows up like it’s the Super Bowl every Sunday. This team is pure identity for Northeast Ohio.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Sep 8, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

If you tried to move the Eagles, Philly would form its league out of spite. The city and team thrive on each other’s chaotic, passionate energy.

6. Green Bay Packers

Sep 15, 2019; Green Bay, WI, USA; Fans celebrate an interception by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith (91) in the second quarter during their football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 15, 2019, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The Packers are owned by the fans—literally. Trying to relocate this team would be like evicting someone from their house.

5. New York Giants

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) calls a play in the huddle during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Some teams play in a city; the Giants are the city. Their legacy, fan base, and four Super Bowls scream New York (even if they technically play in Jersey).

4. New Orleans Saints

Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls a play against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

The Saints are more than just a football team to New Orleans—they’re a symbol of resilience and pride. The post-Katrina era proved that the city needs the team as much as the team needs the city.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers huddle before a play in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium
Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh and the Steelers go together like pierogies and Iron City beer. The black-and-gold tradition is baked into the city’s blue-collar DNA.

Read More: MLB Teams That Should Have Never Relocated

2. Dallas Cowboys

Nov 4, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls a play at the line against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Love or love to hate them, the Cowboys are woven into the identity of Texas. Moving “America’s Team” would break too many hearts (and probably some state laws).

Read More: 20 Sports Contracts That Looked Crazy — Until They Paid Off

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Dec 29, 2019; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) celebrates with team mates after his touchdown during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Arrowhead Stadium is one of the loudest places on Earth, and Kansas City lives and breathes Chiefs football. The team is the heartbeat of the Midwest, and that’s precisely where they should stay forever.

Read More: 10 Reasons the Kansas City Chiefs Are the NFL’s Most Hated Team

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