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
Nickname
Cardinals - The Chicago Cardinals are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, and their nickname holds a special place in the hearts of many sports fans. But where did this unique moniker come from? Let's look at the origin story behind this beloved team's nickname.
It all started in 1898 when Chris O'Brien founded a professional football team called Morgan Athletic Club, based in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood. The club had several nicknames over its first few years - including "Racine Normals," "Independents," and even “Thistles” - but it wasn't until 1901 that they adopted their now-iconic name: The Racine Cardinals. This name was chosen to honor O'Brien's alma mater, Racine College (now known as the University of Wisconsin–Parkside), whose colors were red and white (which is why today we have red for Arizona).
Chicago Cardinals Origin
In 1920, after over two decades under the same moniker, owner Chris O'Brien moved his franchise northward to join what would become known as National Football League (NFL). He changed his team's name once again. At the same time, dubbing them simply “Cardinals” on the route – since he felt it better represented all cities with teams within league boundaries rather than just one city or college affiliation alone. And thus began an era full of rich history for both organization and its devoted fan base, who proudly call themselves 'Chicago Cardinal Nation.'
Today you can find plenty of evidence throughout Windy City honoring these proud birds, such as giant murals painted around town depicting the cardinal mascot or vintage jerseys worn by players during games long gone by, not mention the plethora of merchandise available online sporting famous logo designs featuring iconic bird perched atop ball field goal posts. No matter if you're a diehard fan rooting from the home stadium sidelines game day Sunday afternoon tailgating before kickoff, there is no denying fact that legendary Cardinals will forever remain the part fabric of the city culture here Chicago land area.
Championship
Super Bowl 0
NFL Championship 2
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
- 1920
- 1925
- 1944
- 1947
- 1959
-
Chicago Cardinals Team Formation
In 1898, Chicago painting and building contractor Chris O’Brien established an amateur Chicago-based athletic club football team named the Morgan Athletic Club. O’Brien later moved them to Chicago’s Normal Park and renamed them the Racine Normals, since Normal Park was located on Racine Avenue in Chicago. In 1901, O’Brien bought used maroon uniforms from the University of Chicago, the colors ... -
1925 NFL Championship Controversy
The 1925 National Football League Championship, claimed by the Chicago Cardinals, has long been the subject of controversy. The controversy centers on the suspension of the Pottsville Maroons by NFL commissioner Joseph Carr, which prevented them from taking the title. The Maroons were one of the dominant teams of the 1925 season, and after defeating the Chicago Cardinals on December ... -
Card-Pitt for One Year
In 1944, owing to player shortages caused by World War II, the Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers merged for one year and were known as the “Card-Pitt”, or derisively as the “Carpets” as they were winless that season. In 1945, the Cardinals snapped their long losing streak (an NFL record 29 games, dating back to the 1942 season and including their ... -
NFL Championship Winner 1947
In 1947, the NFL standardized on a 12-game season. This would be the most celebrated year in Cardinals history as the team went 9-3, beating Philadelphia in the championship game 28–21 with their “Million Dollar Backfield”, which included quarterback Paul Christman, halfback Charley Trippi, halfback Elmer Angsman, and fullback Pat Harder, piling up 282 rushing yards. However, Bidwill was not ... -
Move To St. Louis
With the team almost bankrupt, the Bidwill’s were anxious to move the Cardinals to another city. However, the NFL demanded a hefty relocation fee which the Bidwills were unwilling and/or unable to pay. Needing cash, the Bidwill’s entertained offers from various out-of-town investors, including Lamar Hunt, Bud Adams, Bob Howsam, and Max Winter. However, these negotiations came to nothing, probably ...
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.
Chicago Cardinals History
The Chicago Cardinals history begins in 1898 when the team was founded as the Morgan Athletic Club. They later became known as the Racine Normals before joining the newly formed NFL in 1920. As charter members, the Cardinals stood alongside teams like the Green Bay Packers in shaping the league’s earliest years.
During their Chicago years, the team was called the Chicago Cardinals football club. They played at Comiskey Park and built a strong identity in the city. In 1925, the Cardinals won their first NFL Championship. Their second title came in 1947 when they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. These victories marked the peak of the franchise’s success in Chicago.
The Chicago Cardinals history also included long struggles on the field. Despite moments of success, the team often faced tough competition and financial challenges. After the 1959 season, ownership moved the club to St. Louis, later becoming the Arizona Cardinals. This relocation ended the Chicago era but preserved the franchise’s place in NFL history.
Chicago Cardinals Achievements
Key achievements highlight the importance of the Chicago Cardinals football legacy. They were the first champions of Chicago, winning titles in 1925 and 1947. Notable players such as Charley Trippi and Pat Harder made lasting contributions. The team’s story shows both triumphs and challenges, reflecting the growth of the NFL itself.
For more on their modern era, see the Arizona Cardinals History. To dive deeper into the full historical record, visit the Chicago Cardinals Wikipedia.
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