The Arizona Cardinals, one of the National Football League’s oldest franchises, has a rich history that stretches back to their establishment in 1898. From their beginnings in Chicago to their current home in Arizona, the team has experienced highs and lows. Here’s a deep dive into their journey, playoff successes, conference wins, and pursuit of the sport’s biggest prize: The Super Bowl.
Arizona Cardinals Early Beginnings
Origins in Chicago
The Arizona Cardinals didn’t start in Arizona; they began their journey as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago, Illinois. They later became the Chicago Cardinals, a name they carried until their move to St. Louis in 1960.
The St. Louis Era
From 1960 to 1987, the Cardinals called St. Louis their home, thus becoming the St. Louis Cardinals. During these years, they enjoyed mixed success but remained an integral part of the NFL fabric.
Heading to the Desert
In 1988, the franchise relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, and was known as the Phoenix Cardinals. It wasn’t until 1994 that they adopted their current name, the Arizona Cardinals.
Performance Metrics
Playoffs: Stats and Results
The Cardinals have made multiple appearances in the playoffs, especially in the recent decades. Key highlights include:
1998: The team’s first playoff victory since 1947.
2008: Arguably their most successful season, where they clinched the NFC Championship and made their way to Super Bowl XLIII for the first time in their history. Led by quarterback Kurt Warner, the Cardinals put up a spirited fight but narrowly lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, with a final score of 27-23 in the concluding moments of the game.
2009: Building on their momentum, the Cardinals recorded a 10–6 season, their first 10-win season in Arizona. They secured their second consecutive NFC West title. However, their playoff journey was cut short by the eventual Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints, who defeated them 45–14 in the divisional playoffs.
2014: The Cardinals returned to the playoffs, this time as a wild card. They registered the best regular-season record in their Arizona history at 11–5. However, their playoff aspirations were halted by the NFC South champions, the Carolina Panthers, despite the latter’s 7–8–1 record
Conference Winnings
The Cardinals have won their division, whether it was the NFC East or NFC West, several times. Their most notable conference win was in 2008 when they claimed the NFC Championship, earning a spot in Super Bowl XLIII.
Pursuit of Championships
Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl Appearances
The Arizona Cardinals’ pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy has seen them reach the Super Bowl only once under the leadership of quarterback Kurt Warner, in 2008. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a thrilling ending game.
Championships
Before the merger of the NFL and the AFL and the establishment of the Super Bowl, the Cardinals won two NFL championships:
1925: A controversial title as the Pottsville Maroons had a better record but were suspended, giving the Cardinals the championship.
1947: The Cardinals secured their second NFL Championship, beating the Philadelphia Eagles.
| ARIZONA CARDINALS | |||
| APPEARANCES | TOTALS | WINS | LOSSES |
| SUPER BOWLS | 1 | 2008 | |
| CONFERENCE | 2 | 2008 | 2015 |
| DIVISION | 6 | 1974/ 1975/ 1998/ 2008/ 2009/ 2015 | |
Arizona Cardinals Rivalries
The Arizona Cardinals, rooted in rich NFL history, boast intense rivalries that have shaped their legacy and forged unforgettable moments in football.
- Los Angeles Rams: Tracing back to 1937, this rivalry began when the Rams resided in Cleveland and the Cardinals in Chicago. In recent times, Sean McVay’s Rams have held the upper hand, particularly during pivotal matchups in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
- Seattle Seahawks: Spawned from the 2002 NFL realignment, the Cardinals-Seahawks tussle rapidly became a marquee contest. Dominance in the 2010s, particularly under the stewardship of QB Russell Wilson and Coach Pete Carroll, saw Seattle slightly edging out in the series.
- San Francisco 49ers: A rivalry punctuated by alternating dominance began in 1951 and intensified post-2002. Both teams have had their winning streaks, but a playoff clash remains elusive.
- Chicago Bears: The Cardinals’ oldest adversaries, the Bears, have clashed since the NFL’s inception in 1920. Known as “The Battle of Chicago,” this rivalry historically leaned towards the Bears, though both franchises have evolved over time.
In summary, the Arizona Cardinals’ story, although not laden with championships, is one of tradition, fierce rivalries, and unwavering hope for future triumphs.
