A Flight Through Time: Cardinals’ Storied History

A Flight Through Time: Cardinals’ Storied History

The Arizona Cardinals are the oldest continuously run professional football franchise in the United States, with roots dating all the way back to 1898. Originally founded as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago, they would eventually become the Racine Cardinals and later one of the founding members of the National Football League in 1920. From Chicago to St. Louis to Phoenix and finally Arizona, the team has undergone dramatic transformations over the decades but has never lost its place in the game’s history books.

The Cardinals won their first NFL championship in 1925, though the title came amidst controversy involving the Pottsville Maroons, who had arguably earned the title before being stripped for violating territorial rights. Their only other NFL championship came in 1947, when they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, led by the legendary Charley Trippi and a dominant defense. After that, the team went into a long postseason drought, struggling for decades with only occasional flashes of brilliance. When they moved to St. Louis in 1960, the franchise brought hope to a baseball-centric city but ultimately delivered limited success on the field. Despite strong individual talents like quarterback Jim Hart, running back Ottis Anderson, and wide receiver Mel Gray, playoff wins remained elusive. In 1988, they made the move to the desert, first as the Phoenix Cardinals and then rebranding to the Arizona Cardinals in 1994. Since then, while still facing ups and downs, the team has become more competitive and cultivated a passionate fan base in the Southwest.

The high point of the modern era came in the 2008 season. Led by veteran quarterback Kurt Warner and head coach Ken Whisenhunt, the Cardinals made an improbable playoff run that culminated in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XLIII. That postseason was punctuated by electrifying performances, particularly from Larry Fitzgerald, whose 546 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns across four games remain one of the most dominant playoff runs in NFL history. Despite a valiant effort and a late go-ahead touchdown pass from Warner to Fitzgerald, the Cardinals lost 27–23 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in one of the most thrilling Super Bowls of all time, remembered forever for Santonio Holmes’ tiptoe catch in the back of the end zone with just seconds remaining.

That 2008 season marked their first division title in decades, and the momentum continued into the following year with another playoff appearance, including a wild 51–45 overtime victory against the Green Bay Packers that remains one of the highest-scoring playoff games in NFL history. In total, the team has made the playoffs 11 times, with seven division titles and two NFC Championship Game appearances. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, their competitiveness has steadily grown, especially in the last two decades, with playoff runs in 2008, 2009, and 2015 all offering glimpses of a franchise perpetually on the brink of greatness.

As members of the NFC West division, the Cardinals are locked in some of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL. Their battles with the Seattle Seahawks have become some of the most intense games in the league since the early 2010s, often carrying playoff implications and delivering physical, emotional contests. From Richard Sherman and Carson Palmer jawing at midfield to Russell Wilson’s miracle plays, these clashes have produced memorable moments and bitter finishes. Seattle has had the upper hand recently, but the Cardinals have not backed down, making for must-watch football every season.

Their rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers has historical depth, as both teams have clashed over decades. While the 49ers have had more consistent success, the Cardinals have played spoiler more than once, including a dominant win in early 2025 that showcased Arizona's emerging defense and renewed energy under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Then there are the Los Angeles Rams, a team that shares a parallel history of relocation and division turbulence. The Rams currently hold the series lead and have also defeated the Cardinals in playoff matchups, including a Wild Card rout in 2021. These division games are as much about bragging rights as they are playoff positioning, and in a stacked NFC West, every game is war. It's no coincidence that several NFC West games routinely draw national prime-time slots—the intensity is unmatched.

Arizona Cardinals: Ownership

The Cardinals are owned by Michael Bidwill, who took over day-to-day operations from his father Bill Bidwill in 2007 and became the principal owner following his father’s death in 2019. Under Michael's leadership, the team has made major improvements in facilities, public engagement, and overall competitiveness. He spearheaded the development of State Farm Stadium and has helped modernize the franchise’s football operations, including investments in analytics and sports science. Forbes estimates the franchise’s value in the $3 to $3.5 billion range, which places them solidly in the middle of the pack in terms of overall NFL franchise worth. However, with consistent performance, star power, and ongoing stadium enhancements, the value is trending upward—and the league has taken notice of the Bidwill family's stability and long-term vision.

Watch Arizona Cardinals 

Attending a Cardinals game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale is an experience in itself. With a retractable roof, air conditioning (critical in the Arizona heat), and world-class amenities, it’s one of the more fan-friendly venues in the league. The stadium also has a unique roll-out natural grass field—the first of its kind in North America—which helps maintain pristine playing conditions year-round. Ticket prices for a typical regular season game range from around $65 to $160 depending on the opponent and seat location, with premium games against division rivals or prime-time matchups commanding higher prices on the secondary market. Club seating and suites offer luxury amenities, while the "Red Zone" sections near the end zones offer raucous views for die-hards. Season ticket packages and group experiences are widely available, and the team has done a solid job engaging its fanbase through events, meet-and-greets, and youth football initiatives. The “Red Sea,” as Cardinals fans are proudly known, shows up loud and proud, turning the stadium into a sea of red every Sunday.

The Cardinals wear their passion on their sleeves—literally. The team colors are cardinal red, white, and black, with a fierce red bird head logo that has been on their helmet since 1998. Over the years, the team’s jerseys have gone through several updates, including sleek alternate black uniforms, color rush versions, and throwback tributes to their Chicago and St. Louis roots. In 2025, they’re participating in the NFL’s new “Rivalries” program in partnership with Nike, which will see them debuting special uniforms inspired by Phoenix culture and Southwest heritage, designed specifically for big matchups against teams like the 49ers and Seahawks. This fusion of style and tradition keeps the Cardinals looking sharp as they chase their next title, and it reflects their growing confidence and marketability.

Arizona Cardinals: This season

The Arizona Cardinals enter their 106th NFL season in 2025, aiming to build on an 8-9 record in 2024 that showed progress under second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon. With general manager Monti Ossenfort retooling the roster, the Cardinals target their first playoff berth since 2021. Facing a balanced schedule, Arizona seeks to compete in a tough NFC West.

Quarterback Kyler Murray leads the offense, throwing for 3,501 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 2024. His 66.3% completion rate and 447 rushing yards fit Drew Petzing’s up-tempo scheme. Veteran Desmond Ridder and rookie Clayton Tune provide depth.

The running game is led by James Conner, who rushed for 1,040 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024. Rookie Trey Benson and Michael Carter add speed. The offensive line, ranked 11th in PFF run-blocking, is anchored by left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and rookie Jonah Williams. Center Hjalte Froholdt and guard Evan Brown face competition, with pass protection (40 sacks allowed) a concern.

The receiving corps features rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. (1,112 yards, 7 touchdowns) and Trey McBride (814 yards). Greg Dortch and rookie Tejhaun Palmer add depth. The offense, 15th in points per game (22.5), targets top-12 status with a 54% red-zone touchdown rate.

The defense, coordinated by Nick Rallis, ranked 19th in points allowed (23.5 per game). Edge rushers Dennis Gardeck (6 sacks) and rookie Xavier Thomas lead the pass rush, with Zaven Collins transitioning to edge. Defensive tackle Roy Lopez anchors the interior.

Linebackers Kyzir White (109 tackles) and Mack Wilson Sr. provide versatility. The secondary, with Budda Baker (5 interceptions) and Sean Murphy-Bunting, is solid. Rookie Max Melton and Jalen Thompson add depth. With 38 sacks and 14 takeaways, the defense aims for a top-15 finish.

The Cardinals face the NFL’s 12th-easiest schedule (.487 opponent win percentage). They open at New Orleans (Week 1, September 7) and face Carolina in Week 2. Divisional games against the Rams (Weeks 4 and 17), 49ers (Weeks 8 and 18), and Seahawks (Weeks 5 and 16) are key, with a 2-4 NFC West record in 2024. Week 9 at Dallas and Week 15 vs. Philadelphia are critical.

Challenges include Murray’s consistency and Conner’s health (missed 4 games in 2024). The defense must stop mobile quarterbacks like Geno Smith. Gannon’s leadership will be key.

Oddsmakers project 7-8 wins with +3500 Super Bowl odds. Fans on X predict 8-10 wins, citing Murray’s dual-threat ability, though defensive depth is a concern. A wild-card berth is possible with a 3-3 NFC West record, and a 9-win season would signal progress.

Trivia: Kyler Murray, the Cardinals’ quarterback, is the only player in NFL history to record at least 3,500 passing yards and 400 rushing yards in each of his first three full seasons as a starter (2019, 2020, 2021), a feat he nearly repeated in 2024 with 3,501 passing yards and 447 rushing yards despite missing two games.

Arizona Cardinals: Key Players to Watch

• Kyler Murray (QB): His dual-threat play drives the offense.

• James Conner (RB): His power fuels the run game.

• Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR): His production sparks the passing attack.

• Budda Baker (S): His playmaking anchors the secondary.

• Kyzir White (LB): His tackling bolsters the defense.

• Trey McBride (TE): His receiving adds offensive versatility.

• Dennis Gardeck (EDGE): His pass-rushing strengthens the front.

Arizona Cardinals: What to Follow

There’s plenty of quirky trivia about the Cardinals to keep even casual fans entertained. They currently hold the unfortunate distinction of having the longest active championship drought in North American professional sports—77 years and counting since their 1947 NFL title. They’ve also racked up the most losses in NFL history, with over 800 regular season defeats. And yet, despite that, the team holds a unique record: they are undefeated at home in playoff games, with a 5–0 record. Not many franchises can boast such an odd combination of futility and invincibility. The Cardinals also have a knack for dramatic games, late-season surges, and iconic individual performances—from Larry Fitzgerald’s legendary playoff run in 2008 to Kyler Murray’s “Hail Murray” touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins in 2020. And who can forget the overtime NFC Championship thriller against the Packers in 2015, capped by a coin toss controversy and a Fitzgerald walk-off touchdown?

From the streets of 19th-century Chicago to the wide-open skies of the Sonoran Desert, the Arizona Cardinals have endured, evolved, and inspired. They may not have the rings, but they’ve got the heart—and in the NFL, that counts for more than people realize.