Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. As one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League (NFL), the Cardinals have a rich history that spans over a century. From their humble beginnings in Chicago to their current home in the desert, the Cardinals have left an indelible mark on the sport of football.
The Early Years: Chicago and St. Louis
The Cardinals’ story began in 1898 when the Morgan Athletic Club was formed on the South Side of Chicago. The team was later renamed the Racine Cardinals, after the street where they played their home games. In 1920, the Cardinals became one of the founding members of the American Professional Football Association, which would later become the NFL.
The team found success early on, winning the NFL championship in 1925. However, the following decades were marked by struggles on and off the field. In 1960, the Cardinals moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where they played for 28 seasons.
A New Era in Arizona
In 1988, the Cardinals relocated to Arizona, becoming the Phoenix Cardinals. The team initially played their home games at Sun Devil Stadium, on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe. In 1994, the franchise changed its name to the Arizona Cardinals to reflect its new home state.
The Cardinals’ fortunes began to turn around in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1998, the team made the playoffs for the first time since 1982, led by quarterback Jake Plummer. The Cardinals would make the postseason again in 2008, this time with Kurt Warner at the helm. The team advanced to Super Bowl XLIII, where they lost a thrilling game to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
State Farm Stadium: A Modern Marvel
In 2006, the Cardinals moved into their new home, State Farm Stadium (formerly known as University of Phoenix Stadium), located in Glendale, Arizona. The state-of-the-art facility features a retractable roof and a unique roll-out natural grass playing surface.
State Farm Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and the NCAA Final Four. The stadium’s address is:
State Farm Stadium
1 Cardinals Drive
Glendale, AZ 85305
For more information about State Farm Stadium, visit their official website at https://www.statefarmstadium.com.
Notable Players and Coaches
Throughout their history, the Cardinals have been home to many legendary players and coaches. Some of the most notable include:
Larry Fitzgerald
- Drafted 3rd overall by the Cardinals in 2004 out of the University of Pittsburgh
- Holds numerous Cardinals franchise records, including most receptions (1,378), receiving yards (17,083), and receiving touchdowns (120)
- Named to 11 Pro Bowls (2005, 2007-2013, 2015-2017) and was a First-team All-Pro in 2008
- Won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2016 for his community service and excellence on the field
- Had a memorable 2008 postseason, setting records for most receiving touchdowns (7) and receiving yards (546) in a single postseason
Kurt Warner
- Signed with the Cardinals in 2005 after starting his career with the St. Louis Rams
- Led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in the 2008 season, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-23 despite Warner throwing for 377 yards
- Named NFL MVP in 1999 and 2001 with the Rams, and Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXXIV
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017
Charley Trippi
- Drafted 1st overall by the Cardinals in 1945 out of the University of Georgia
- Played halfback, quarterback, defensive back, punter, and returner during his versatile career
- Helped lead the Cardinals to the 1947 NFL Championship, scoring two touchdowns in a 28-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles
- Inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame (1959) and Pro Football Hall of Fame (1968)
Aeneas Williams
- Drafted in the 3rd round by the Cardinals in 1991 out of Southern University
- Played 10 seasons with the Cardinals from 1991-2000, recording 46 interceptions and 6 defensive touchdowns
- Named to 8 Pro Bowls (1994-1997, 1999, 2001 with the Cardinals; 2003 with the Rams) and was a 3-time First-team All-Pro (1995, 1997, 2001)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014
Don Coryell
- Coached the Cardinals from 1973-1977, compiling a 42-27-1 record
- His innovative “Air Coryell” offense led the NFL in passing yards in 1973 and 1974
- Coached the San Diego Chargers from 1978-1986, where his teams led the NFL in passing yards 6 times and scoring 3 times
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023
The Cardinals in the Community
The Arizona Cardinals are committed to making a positive impact in the communities they serve. Through the Cardinals Community Relations department, the team supports numerous charitable organizations and initiatives across the state of Arizona.
One of the team’s signature programs is “Cardinals Charities,” which focuses on supporting children, women, and minorities in the areas of education, health, and human services. The team also partners with local schools to promote literacy and physical fitness through the “Fuel Up to Play 60” program.
For more information about the Cardinals’ community outreach efforts, visit the team’s official website at https://www.azcardinals.com/community/.
The Future of the Franchise
As the Cardinals look to the future, the team is focused on building a championship-caliber roster and competing for a Super Bowl title. With a talented young quarterback in Kyler Murray and a dynamic head coach in Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals are poised for success in the coming years.
Off the field, the Cardinals are committed to enhancing the gameday experience for their fans and being a positive force in the community. The team continues to invest in State Farm Stadium and the surrounding area, creating a world-class sports and entertainment destination in the heart of the desert.
Connecting with the Cardinals
Fans can stay connected with the Arizona Cardinals through a variety of channels:
- Official Website: https://www.azcardinals.com/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AZCardinals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonacardinals/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azcardinals/
For ticket information, fans can visit the team’s official website or contact the Cardinals’ ticket office at: Arizona Cardinals Ticket Office
P.O. Box 888
Phoenix, AZ 85001-0888
Phone: (602) 379-0102
A Legacy of Perseverance
The Arizona Cardinals’ journey from a neighborhood team in Chicago to a modern NFL franchise in the desert is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. Through more than a century of ups and downs, the Cardinals have remained a beloved institution in the communities they have called home.
As the team continues to write new chapters in its storied history, one thing remains constant: the unwavering support of the Cardinals’ loyal fans. With their passion and dedication, the Cardinals’ future looks bright, both on and off the field.
From their early days on the South Side of Chicago to their current home in Glendale, Arizona, the Cardinals have left an indelible mark on the sport of football. As the team looks to the future, it remains committed to excellence, both on the field and in the community, ensuring that the Cardinals’ legacy will endure for generations to come.
