The Arizona Cardinals are one of the oldest professional football teams in the United States, with a rich history that spans nearly a century. Founded in 1898 as the Chicago Cardinals, the team has undergone several name changes and relocations throughout its existence. The franchise was originally based in Chicago, Illinois, and was a charter member of the National Football League (NFL) when it was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which later became the NFL.
In 1960, the team moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and became known as the St. Louis Cardinals. The team remained in St. Louis for nearly three decades before relocating to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1988. The franchise was renamed the Phoenix Cardinals and later became the Arizona Cardinals in 1994.
Early Years in Chicago (1898-1959)
The Chicago Cardinals were a dominant force in the early years of professional football. The team was founded by Chris O’Brien, a Chicago businessman who assembled a group of players from the University of Chicago and other local colleges. The Cardinals played their home games at Comiskey Park, which was also the home stadium of the Chicago White Sox baseball team.
| Season | Record | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| 1925 | 11-2-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1947 | 9-3 | NFL Champions |
The Cardinals’ success during this period was not limited to their on-field performance. The team also played a significant role in shaping the NFL into the league it is today. In 1920, the Cardinals were one of the founding members of the APFA, which later became the NFL.
St. Louis Era (1960-1987)
The Cardinals moved to St. Louis in 1960 and became known as the St. Louis Cardinals. The team’s time in St. Louis was marked by periods of success and failure. The Cardinals won several division titles during the 1970s, but failed to advance to the Super Bowl.
Arizona Era (1988-Present)
The Cardinals moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1988 and became known as the Phoenix Cardinals. The team changed its name to the Arizona Cardinals in 1994. Since relocating to Arizona, the Cardinals have experienced periods of success, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2008.
- Notable players in Arizona Cardinals history include:
- Larry Fitzgerald, a wide receiver who played for the team from 2004 to 2020
- Kurt Warner, a quarterback who played for the team from 2005 to 2009
- Chandler Jones, a defensive end who played for the team from 2016 to 2021
The Cardinals have also undergone significant changes to their stadium and facilities. In 2006, the team moved into State Farm Stadium (previously known as University of Phoenix Stadium), a state-of-the-art facility that has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Super Bowl.
Notable Players
The Arizona Cardinals have had many notable players throughout their history. Some of the most notable include:
- Charles “Paddy” Driscoll, a Hall of Fame quarterback and punter who played for the team from 1920 to 1925
- Charley Johnson, a quarterback who played for the team from 1966 to 1975
- Larry Fitzgerald, a wide receiver who played for the team from 2004 to 2020
- Kurt Warner, a quarterback who played for the team from 2005 to 2009
- Chandler Jones, a defensive end who played for the team from 2016 to 2021
When did the Arizona Cardinals originally get established?
+The Arizona Cardinals were originally established in 1898 as the Chicago Cardinals.
How many NFL championships have the Cardinals won?
+The Cardinals have won two NFL championships, in 1925 and 1947.
Who is the most notable player in Cardinals history?
+While opinions may vary, Larry Fitzgerald is often considered one of the most notable players in Cardinals history, having played for the team from 2004 to 2020.
What is the name of the Cardinals' current stadium?
+The Cardinals currently play their home games at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The Arizona Cardinals have a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. From their early days as the Chicago Cardinals to their current status as a competitive NFL team, the Cardinals have experienced periods of success and failure. As the team continues to evolve and grow, their legacy as one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the NFL remains unchanged.
