The Arizona Cardinals history, dating back to 1898, is one of the NFL’s oldest. From Chicago origins to Arizona, this franchise has seen legendary players and thrilling moments. Explore the Arizona Cardinals history, their evolution, iconic victories, and passionate fanbase that define them as an NFL powerhouse.
Established
1920
City
Chicago - St. Louis - Phoenix
League History
1920 – Present / National Football League
Team History
1994 - Present / Arizona Cardinals
1988 - 1993 / Phoenix Cardinals
1960 - 1987 / St. Louis Cardinals
1945 - 1959 / Chicago Cardinals
1944 / Card-Pitt
1920 - 1943 / Chicago Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals, with a rich Arizona Cardinals history, began in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago, making them the NFL’s oldest franchise. Their Arizona Cardinals NFL history includes joining the league in 1920 and winning titles in 1925 and 1947. The Arizona Cardinals origin traces back to Chicago, moving to St. Louis in 1960, then Phoenix in 1988, rebranding as the Arizona Cardinals in 1994, with a Super Bowl appearance in 2009.
Nickname
Cardinals - Sports fans nationwide know the Arizona National Football League (NFL) Cardinals. But do you know how they got their nickname? The history behind this iconic team’s name is an interesting one.
Arizona Cardinals Origin
The franchise was founded in 1898 as a semi-professional football team, Morgan Athletic Club, based in Chicago, Illinois. In 1901, it became known as Racine Normals due to its location in Racine, Wisconsin, and then changed its name again to become the Cardinal Athletic Club in 1902 when it moved back to Chicago. It wasn’t until 1922 that they finally settled on “Cardinals” for their official nickname when legendary coach Chris O'Brien purchased used jerseys from the University of Chicago, which were bright red with navy blue trim – resembling a cardinal bird!
In 1960, following decades of success at home and abroad throughout professional football leagues such as the NFL and AFL (American Football League), owner Bill Bidwill moved his beloved Cardinals from St Louis down south into Phoenix, Arizona, where they remain today. Although many things have changed since then, including names, stadiums & ownerships - one thing has remained constant: The proud tradition & spirit embodied by this great organization who proudly wear red & white each Sunday during NFL season!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
NFL Championship 0
1947, 1925
Stadium
2019 - Present / State Farm Stadium
2006 - 2018 / University of Phoenix Stadium
1988 - 2005 / Sun Devil Stadium
*St. Louis*
1966 - 1987 / Busch Memorial Stadium
1960 - 1965 / Busch Stadium
*Chicago*
1959 / Soldier Field & Metropolitan Stadium
1922 - 1925, 1929 - 1958 / Comiskey Park
1920 - 1921, 1926 - 1928 / Normal Park
Owner
2019 - Present / Michael Bidwill
1972 - 2019 / Bill Bidwill
1962 - 1972 / Bill Bidwill and Charles Bidwill, Jr.
1947 - 1962 / Violet Bidwill Wolfner
1933 - 1947 / Charles Bidwill
1929 - 1933 / Dr. David Jones
1898 - 1929 / Chris O'Brien
- 1994
- 1998
- 2006
- 2008
- 2009
- 2014
- 2015
Arizona Cardinals Name Change – A Full History
From City to State: The 1994 Arizona Cardinals Name Change In the broad timeline of NFL history, few identity shifts were as significant for a fan base as the Arizona Cardinals name change. While the team had moved from St. Louis years prior, it wasn’t until March 1994 that owner Bill Bidwill officially rebranded the franchise to represent the entire ...
The 1998 Arizona Cardinals Playoffs – A Historic Upset
Breaking the Drought: The 1998 Arizona Cardinals Playoffs In the long chronicle of NFL history, the 1998 season stands out as a massive turning point for fans of the desert. The 1998 Arizona Cardinals playoffs run represented the franchise’s first postseason appearance since the strike-shortened 1982 season. Led by the gutsy play of quarterback Jake “The Snake” Plummer, the team ...
Arizona Cardinals New Glendale Stadium – 2006 Opening Guide
A New Era of Football: The Arizona Cardinals New Glendale Stadium The year 2006 marked a transformative milestone in NFL history for the desert’s premier NFL franchise. After decades of sharing collegiate facilities, the Arizona Cardinals new Glendale stadium finally opened its doors. This architectural marvel, originally named University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium), provided a permanent home ...-
Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl Run: A Historic Season
The 2008 Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl Run In the annals of NFL history, few stories are as improbable as the 2008 Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl run. After decades of struggling to find their footing, the franchise finally put the pieces together for a magical postseason campaign. Led by veteran quarterback Kurt Warner and superstar receiver Larry Fitzgerald, the team captured ... -
2009 Arizona Cardinals Season: Back-to-Back NFC West Titles
Defending the Crown: The 2009 Arizona Cardinals Season In the long record of NFL history, consistency is often the hardest thing to achieve. However, the 2009 Arizona Cardinals season proved that the team’s previous Super Bowl run was no fluke. By finishing with a 10-6 record, the Cardinals successfully defended their division crown, marking the first time the franchise had ... -
Kurt Warner Elected to Cardinals Ring of Honor: Full Bio
A Legend in the Desert: Kurt Warner Elected to Cardinals Ring of Honor In the storied timeline of NFL history, few players have impacted a franchise as quickly and profoundly as quarterback Kurt Warner. On September 8, 2014, during the season opener against the San Diego Chargers, the organization officially celebrated his legacy. By being elected to the Cardinals Ring ... 
Arizona Cardinals NFC West Title: A Historic 13-3 Season
The Greatest Season Ever: The 2015 Arizona Cardinals NFC West Title In the long and winding road of NFL history, few seasons shine as brightly as the one the desert witnessed nearly a decade ago. The 2015 Arizona Cardinals NFC West title wasn’t just a divisional win; it was a statement to the entire league. Under the fearless leadership of ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Arizona Cardinals Team History: Surprising Facts You Didn't Know!
This video takes you on a journey through the fascinating and often surprising history of the Arizona Cardinals. Discover the team's origins, notable achievements, and the moments that defined their legacy in the NFL. From unexpected victories to legendary players.
Arizona Cardinals History
Arizona Cardinals Achievements
Retired Number
8 / Larry Wilson
40 / Pat Tillman
77 / Stan Mauldin
88 / J. V. Cain
99 / Marshall Goldberg
*Blue is this team’s history
