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
-
Name Change to Arizona Cardinals
In March 1994, Bill Bidwill renamed the team the Arizona Cardinals due to fan preference, Bidwill had initially resisted the name “Arizona Cardinals” due to the NFL’s tradition of team names that identified home cities, although the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots were longstanding exceptions and the Carolina Panthers were set to start to play the following year. The ... -
The team makes the playoffs as a wild card team
In 1998: The team makes the playoffs for the first time since 1982 as a wild card team, and wins its first postseason game since 1947, upsetting the Dallas Cowboys 20-7 in the first round. The team loses to the Minnesota Vikings 41-21 in the divisional round. -
New Glendale Stadium
In 2000, Maricopa County voters passed a ballot initiative by a margin of 51% to 49%, providing funding for a new Cardinals stadium as well as for improvements to Major League Baseball spring training facilities in the greater Phoenix region; and youth recreation. After some legal obstacles, the Cardinals began construction of their new facility in April 2003, in Glendale, ... -
The team wins its first NFC West title and makes a surprising run to Super Bowl XLIII
In 2008: The team wins its first NFC West title and makes a surprising run to Super Bowl XLIII, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 30-24, the Carolina Panthers 33-13, and the Philadelphia Eagles 32-25 in the playoffs. The team loses to the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-23 in a thrilling Super Bowl that features a game-winning touchdown catch by Santonio Holmes with 35 ... -
The team repeats as NFC West champions
In 2009: The team repeats as NFC West champions and reaches the divisional round of the playoffs, where it loses to the New Orleans Saints 45-14. -
Kurt Warner Elected in Cardinals Ring of Honor
Kurt Warner (Quarterback): Warner was the leader of the most successful era in Cardinals history. He played for the team from 2005 to 2009, making two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team. He led the Cardinals to their first division title, first conference championship, and first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. He threw for a record-tying five touchdowns against ... -
The team wins its second NFC West title
In 2015: The team wins its second NFC West title and advances to the conference championship game for the second time in franchise history, defeating the Green Bay Packers 26-20 in overtime in the divisional round. The team loses to the Carolina Panthers 49-15 in the conference championship game.
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
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
8 / Larry Wilson
40 / Pat Tillman
77 / Stan Mauldin
88 / J. V. Cain
99 / Marshall Goldberg
*Blue is this team’s history