The Cardinals are the NFL’s oldest continuously run franchise with a colorful and sometimes nomadic history.
Let’s uncover some surprising facts:
- Chicago Roots: The Cardinals were founded in 1898 in Chicago and played under various names before becoming the Chicago Cardinals in 1920.
- More Moves: The franchise then moved to St. Louis in 1960 and finally settled in Arizona in 1988.
- Long Championship Drought: The Cardinals last won an NFL championship in 1947 while still in Chicago, making it one of the longest title droughts in sports.
- Greatest Show on…Dirt?: Before moving into a new stadium in 2006, the Arizona Cardinals played in Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University on a natural grass field.
- Kurt Warner’s Cinderella Story: Quarterback Kurt Warner, who famously went from unknown to NFL MVP with the St. Louis Rams, led the Cardinals to their most recent Super Bowl appearance in 2008.
- Larry Fitzgerald’s Legend: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is beloved in Arizona and considered one of the best receivers ever, with multiple Cardinals receiving records.
- The Boldin Effect: Anquan Boldin was a dynamic and powerful receiver for the Cardinals, forming a formidable duo with Fitzgerald for several years.
- Pat Tillman’s Legacy: Pat Tillman tragically left his NFL career to serve in the Army after the 9/11 attacks and was killed in Afghanistan, becoming a revered figure in Cardinals history.
- “All or Nothing” Series: The Amazon documentary series “All or Nothing” offered an inside look at the Cardinals during their 2015 season.
- The “Desert Swarm” Defense: The Cardinals defense of the mid-to-late 90s earned this nickname due to their fierce and relentless style.
- High-Flying Offense: Current head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s “Air Raid” offensive scheme makes for exciting games and explosive plays.
- Kyler’s Magic: Kyler Murray, the electrifying young quarterback, brings a dynamic dual-threat ability to the Cardinals’ offense.
- Playoff Breakthrough: In 2021 the Cardinals broke a five-year playoff drought, offering hope to long-suffering Cardinals fans.
- A Stadium Marvel: The Cardinals play in the impressive State Farm Stadium, which boasts a retractable roof and a unique roll-out natural grass field.
- Small but Mighty Fanbase: While sometimes overshadowed by other Arizona sports teams, the Cardinals have a devoted and passionate fanbase known as the “Bird Gang.”