The Arizona Cardinals hold the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating franchise in the National Football League. Founded in 1898, this team has watched the entire professional sports landscape evolve while maintaining a presence in some form across more than a century.
As the league expanded, merged, and modernized, the club that began as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago eventually became a symbol of endurance. Understanding this franchise requires examining its foundational history, key championship moments, rivalries, and its standing among modern teams.
| Franchise | Original Founding | Joined NFL | Current Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 1898 (Morgan Athletic Club) | 1920 | Glendale, Arizona |
| Chicago Bears | 1919 (Decatur Staleys) | 1920 | Chicago, Illinois |
| Green Bay Packers | 1919 | 1921 | Green Bay, Wisconsin |
| New York Giants | 1925 | 1925 | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
Early History and Formation
The Morgan Athletic Club Origins
The roots of the Cardinals trace directly back to 1898 when Chris O'Brien founded the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago. This team initially played with used uniforms, which stained a faded shade of cardinal red, leading to the early nickname Cardinals that stuck for decades.
Transition to the NFL
In 1920, the franchise became a charter member of the American Professional Football Association, which was renamed the National Football League just two years later. This move provided stability and a national platform that smaller clubs could not access, allowing the Cardinals to compete against the strongest talent of the era.
Championship Pedigree and Legacy
Early Dominance in the 1920s
During the 1920s, the team won two league championships in 1925 and 1947, establishing a standard of excellence long before the Super Bowl era. These titles remain a core part of the franchise identity and historical record, reflecting a period of sustained competitiveness.
Modern Era and Relocations
The franchise moved from Chicago to St. Louis in 1960 and eventually settled in Arizona in 1988. Each relocation brought new markets, updated branding, and renewed fan engagement while preserving the core legacy that dates back to the very beginning of professional football.
Rivalries and Competitive History
The 1947 Championship Rematch
The 1947 title game against the Philadelphia Eagles highlighted the competitive nature of the league at the time and reinforced the Cardinals reputation as a formidable opponent capable of performing on the biggest stage when it mattered most.
Interconference Matchups
In the modern era, matchups against division rivals and interconference opponents provide regular narrative opportunities. These games allow newer generations of fans to connect the storied past with the present reality of NFL competition.
Current Standing and Future Outlook
Today, the Cardinals compete in one of the most competitive divisions in the league, balancing veteran leadership with emerging talent. The commitment to developing a winning culture ensures that the historic brand remains relevant for future generations of fans.
- Recognize the 1898 founding date as the official origin of the franchise.
- Track key milestones such as the 1920 entry into the NFL and the 1947 championship.
- Understand how relocations from Chicago to St. Louis to Arizona shaped the modern identity.
- Appreciate the significance of historic rivalries in maintaining fan engagement.
- Follow current performance metrics to see how legacy translates to present success.
FAQ
Reader questions
How long has the Arizona Cardinals organization existed in some form?
Founded in 1898, the franchise has operated for over 125 years, making it the oldest continuously running professional football team in the United States.
What was the original name of the franchise when it was founded?
The team began as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago before adopting the Cardinals nickname due to the color of their faded uniforms.
When did the team first join what would become the NFL?
The franchise became a charter member of the American Professional Football Association in 1920, which was renamed the National Football League in 1922.
Why is the Cardinals franchise considered the oldest despite other teams claiming longer roots?
While some teams operated earlier in amateur or semi-pro formats, the Cardinals have maintained continuous operation and NFL membership since 1920 without an extended hiatus.