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 Phoenix Cardinals are one of the most iconic teams in NFL history, and their nickname has a long and exciting origin story. The team was originally founded as the Chicago Cardinals in 1898, making them one of the oldest franchises in American professional sports. In 1960, they moved to St Louis, where they were known as the St Louis Football Cardinals until 1987 when they relocated again - this time to Arizona - becoming known as simply “the Cards” or sometimes “Big Red” due to their red uniforms.
Phoenix Cardinals Origin
In 1994 however, with new ownership came a name change: from then on out, it would be known officially (and unofficially) by its current moniker; The Phoenix Cardinals! This was an homage to Arizona's state bird – found on their logo – and because of how much fire had been put into getting back up after being uprooted twice. It symbolized rebirth for this franchise and showed fans that there was still hope for success despite all odds stacked against them throughout history.
As you can see then, it took almost 100 years before we got what we know today — The Phoenix Cards — but since that fateful day back in 1994, these two words have become synonymous with great football moments over decades gone by, and many more yet come! So next time you hear someone mention those two words together, remember why: Because no matter how hard life might get... There's always something worth fighting for!
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
- 1988
- 1990
- 1991
- 1993
-
Cardinals Relocate to Phoenix
Not long after the 1987 season, Bidwill agreed to move to the Phoenix area on a handshake deal with state and local officials, and the team became the Phoenix Cardinals. They planned to play at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on a temporary basis while a new stadium was being built. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the savings ... -
The Cardinals hire Joe Bugel as their new head coach
In 1990: The Cardinals hire Joe Bugel as their new head coach. They draft safety Aeneas Williams in the third round and linebacker Eric Hill in the first round. They regress to a 5-11 record and rank last in the league in scoring offense. -
Eric Swann – first player from a semi-pro league to be drafted in the NFL
In 1991: The Cardinals draft defensive end Eric Swann in the first round, making him the first player from a semi-pro league to be drafted in the NFL. They also sign free-agent quarterback Chris Chandler. They finish with a 4-12 record and rank last in the league in total defense. -
The Cardinals change their name from the Phoenix Cardinals to the Arizona Cardinals
In 1993: The Cardinals change their name from the Phoenix Cardinals to the Arizona Cardinals, representing the entire state rather than just the city. They draft running back Garrison Hearst in the first round and wide receiver Ricky Proehl in the third round. They also sign free agent quarterback Steve Bono from the San Francisco 49ers. They finish with a ...
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.
Phoenix Cardinals History
The Phoenix Cardinals history begins long before the team arrived in Arizona. Originally founded in 1920 as the Racine Cardinals, they were a charter member of the APFA, which later became the NFL. In 1922, they became the Chicago Cardinals, and in 1960, the team moved to St. Louis. By 1988, they relocated again and took on the name Phoenix Cardinals NFL.
During their time in Phoenix, the franchise worked to establish itself in a growing sports market. Although wins were not always consistent, the Phoenix Cardinals history is remembered for setting the foundation for today’s Arizona Cardinals. In 1994, the team officially rebranded as the Arizona Cardinals, strengthening their identity in the desert and continuing their role in NFL history.
Phoenix Cardinals Achievements
One of the most significant highlights in Phoenix Cardinals history came during the 1998 season when the team secured its first playoff victory in Arizona. Led by quarterback Jake Plummer, the win gave fans hope for a stronger future. Later, in 2008, the Cardinals reached the NFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl XLIII, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level of football.
The franchise has seen legendary players such as Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson, and Chandler Jones leave their mark on the Phoenix Cardinals NFL era. With Hall of Famers from earlier years and stars from more recent decades, the team’s journey remains a vital part of NFL teams history.
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