The Arizona Cardinals are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the NFL, with a history that dates all the way back to 1898. Over the years, they’ve seen relocations, name changes, and a series of ups and downs on the field. But through it all, they’ve had a passionate fanbase that’s stuck by them. Let’s dive into the history of the Cardinals, from their beginnings in Chicago to their current home in the Arizona desert.
Early Years: The Chicago Cardinals (1898-1959)
The Cardinals were founded as the Morgan Athletic Club in 1898 in Chicago, making them the oldest team in the NFL. They originally played amateur football before going pro, and it’s said they got the name Cardinals because their red uniforms were donated by the University of Chicago.
They became a charter member of the National Football League in 1920—back when it was known as the American Professional Football Association. The Cardinals weren’t the most successful team early on, but they did manage to win the NFL Championship in 1925. It was a great moment in the franchise’s history, but unfortunately, they couldn’t sustain that success, and the team’s performance fluctuated through the years.
St. Louis Cardinals (1960-1987)
In 1960, the Cardinals moved from Chicago to St. Louis and became known as the St. Louis Cardinals (Yes at one point there were two St. Louis Cardinals in the four major sports!). The team had a better run in St. Louis compared to their time in Chicago. The 1970s were particularly strong, with the team winning the NFC East title in 1974 and making several playoff appearances.
During this time, players like Jim Hart, Ottis Anderson, and Roger Wehrli helped make the Cardinals a competitive force. But despite those strong individual performances, the Cardinals never captured a Super Bowl or NFL Championship during their years in St. Louis. The lack of consistent success and declining fan attendance eventually led the team to consider a move.
The Move to Arizona (1988-Present)
In 1988, the Cardinals made their third and final move, this time to Phoenix, Arizona. They became the Phoenix Cardinals and played at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. This move gave the team a fresh start, but unfortunately, it didn’t bring immediate success. The team went through a lot of rough years, and even though they had players like Aeneas Williams and Kerry Collins, they couldn’t find a way to be consistent.
Rebranding and New Hope: The Arizona Cardinals (1994-Present)
In 1994, the franchise rebranded, changing their name from the Phoenix Cardinals to the Arizona Cardinals to try and gain fans from around the entire state rather than just the city of Phoenix. The name change marked a new chapter for the team, and while the early years of the 1990s weren’t great, things started looking up.
The real turning point came in 2008 when the Cardinals made it to their first-ever Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLIII. Though they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a nail-biting finish, just making it that far was a huge accomplishment for the franchise. This was the team’s best season in history and gave fans hope that they could build a competitive squad for the future.
Building a Competitive Team: 2010s and Beyond
In the 2010s, the Cardinals went from being a team that had one great season to consistently competing at a high level. Under head coach Bruce Arians, the team’s offense, led by Carson Palmer and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (Possibly the best player in team history), became one of the most dangerous in the league. The defense, too, was stacked with talent like Patrick Peterson and Calais Campbell.
The Cardinals were back to making the playoffs regularly, and although they didn’t win a Super Bowl, they were competitive year in and year out. The team’s development under Arians and key players put them back on the map as a legitimate contender.
The Kyler Murray Era: The Future of the Cardinals
The future of the Arizona Cardinals took a huge turn in 2019 when the team selected Kyler Murray as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. As a dual-threat quarterback, Murray brought excitement to the franchise with his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground.
In 2020, his second year, the Cardinals showed serious promise. They finished with an 8-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs but giving fans hope that better things were on the horizon. With weapons like DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk, Murray had the pieces around him to elevate the team.
However, the Cardinals have struggled to break through into the postseason consistently. Despite high expectations in recent years, including a promising start to the 2021 season, they fell short of making the playoffs, signaling that the team was still in the process of figuring things out.
The Struggles and Playoff Drought
Although the Arizona Cardinals have had bright spots, including making the playoffs in 2015, they’ve found it hard to maintain consistent success. The team’s inability to reach the playoffs in recent seasons has frustrated fans who are hungry for a championship.
The 2020s have been particularly challenging, with injuries and inconsistent play hampering their playoff hopes. Despite this, there’s been a silver lining with young stars like Kyler Murray, Budda Baker, and newcomers like Marvin Harrison Jr., who have shown the potential to make this team great again.
A New Era with Stars Like Kyler Murray, Budda Baker, and Marvin Harrison Jr.
As of 2025, the Cardinals are still in the midst of rebuilding, with Kyler Murray leading the charge at quarterback. While Murray’s talent is undeniable, the team’s success hinges on getting the right pieces around him. He’s shown the potential to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks, but the team’s performance has been inconsistent.
On defense, Budda Baker is one of the most dynamic safeties in the league. Known for his hard-hitting style and ability to make plays all over the field, Baker is the heart of the Cardinals’ defense and has been a key player in their defensive schemes.
Looking to the future, the Cardinals are hoping that their recent draft picks will help turn the franchise around. Marvin Harrison Jr., the talented wide receiver from Ohio State, is seen as a potential game-changer. His addition to the offense would provide Murray with another elite weapon, possibly making the offense one of the most potent in the league.
What’s Next for the Arizona Cardinals?
The Arizona Cardinals are still striving for greatness, and while they’ve had some tough years, their recent moves and investments in young talent suggest they’re on the right path. The team has a promising future with a young quarterback in Kyler Murray, a standout safety in Budda Baker, and potential star players like Marvin Harrison Jr. on the horizon. The ultimate goal is to return to the playoffs, but with some key pieces in place, it’s possible the team will finally be able to make that Super Bowl run they’ve been chasing for decades.
The journey of the Arizona Cardinals has been long and filled with twists and turns. From their beginnings in Chicago to their relocation to Arizona, the team has faced its share of challenges, but it’s never stopped striving for success. With the talent they’re building today, the future’s looking brighter than ever for the Arizona Cardinals.
Conclusion
From their early days in Chicago to their rise in Arizona, the Arizona Cardinals have had a storied journey full of highs and lows. With Kyler Murray at the helm and stars like Budda Baker and Marvin Harrison Jr. on the roster, the team’s future is looking promising. It’s been a long wait for the fans, but if the Cardinals can put all the pieces together, they could finally be on track to make a serious playoff run soon and, hopefully, bring a championship to the desert.
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