The Arizona Cardinals are one of the NFL’s oldest and most resilient franchises, carrying a legacy that spans more than a century and stretches across three cities.
Although they now represent the desert landscapes of Arizona, the team’s roots trace back to Chicago and St. Louis, giving them one of the most geographically diverse histories in professional football.
The Cardinals are known for their passionate fanbase, a community that has grown exponentially since the team settled in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Their identity has long been tied to perseverance.
Cardinals fans embrace the franchise not only for its history but for its modern flair. Arizona may not boast the trophy count of long-established powerhouses, but the Cardinals’ journey and the fierce loyalty of their fans create a distinct sense of pride and anticipation every season.
Where Do the Arizona Cardinals Play?
The Cardinals play their home games at State Farm Stadium, located in Glendale, a state-of-the-art venue widely regarded as one of the best stadiums in the NFL. What makes State Farm Stadium particularly unique is its engineering: it features the first fully retractable natural-grass field in North America and a retractable roof designed to combat the intense Arizona heat.
With a capacity of over 63,000 for football games (expandable to more than 70,000 for major events), the stadium stands as both a football fortress and a multipurpose entertainment hub.
State Farm Stadium has hosted multiple Super Bowls, most recently Super Bowl LVII, as well as major college football games, star-studded concerts, and international soccer events.
History of the Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals’ history begins in 1898 with the Morgan Athletic Club of Chicago, making them the oldest continuously run professional football team in the United States. They joined the NFL in 1920 as a charter member and later moved to St. Louis in 1960, where they became known as the “Cardiac Cardinals” for their dramatic finishes.
Despite limited postseason success during those early decades, the team developed a reputation for scrappiness and unpredictability.
In 1988, the franchise relocated to Arizona, where the next several decades were marked by rebuilding and redefinition. The turning point came in the mid-2000s with the arrival of head coach Ken Whisenhunt and veteran quarterback Kurt Warner.
Their magical 2008 season culminated in the Cardinals’ first-ever Super Bowl appearance, a thrilling matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers remembered for Larry Fitzgerald’s iconic 64-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Although Arizona fell short, that playoff run remains one of the most electrifying stretches in franchise history.
The team returned to prominence under Bruce Arians in the mid-2010s, delivering a powerful combination of aggressive play-calling and dynamic talent. Today, the Cardinals continue working toward stability and long-term success behind new coaching philosophies, draft investments, and a renewed organizational direction.
Interesting Facts & Franchise Milestones for the Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have won two NFL championships (1925 and 1947), both earned before the Super Bowl era. They also hold the record for the longest championship drought in American professional sports, a unique footnote that continues to motivate fans and players alike.
The team has produced a long list of Hall of Famers stretching back to its Chicago days, including legendary cornerback Dick “Night Train” Lane and running back Ollie Matson.
One of the franchise’s most beloved traditions is the “Red Sea,” the nickname for its enthusiastic fanbase, which grew substantially after the team’s success in the 2000s and 2010s.
The Cardinals are also known for drafting and developing some of the most iconic wide receivers of the modern era, including Anquan Boldin and the incomparable Larry Fitzgerald, whose highlight-reel catches and impeccable professionalism helped define the franchise for over 15 years.
Notable Arizona Cardinals Players and Coaches
Notable Players
Larry Fitzgerald
Often regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Fitzgerald spent 17 seasons with the Cardinals and rewrote the franchise record books. Known for his sure hands, precise routes, and extraordinary postseason performances, he became the face of the franchise both on and off the field.
Kurt Warner
A Hall of Fame quarterback and the leader of the 2008 Super Bowl run, Warner brought stability and veteran excellence to Arizona’s offense. His late-career resurgence with the Cardinals remains one of the greatest comeback stories in league history.
Patrick Peterson
As one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks throughout the 2010s, Peterson combined athleticism, instincts, and shutdown coverage. He also contributed as a dangerous return specialist early in his career.
Anquan Boldin
A tough, physical receiver with elite hands, Boldin set the tone for Arizona’s offense during his tenure. His record-breaking rookie debut remains one of the best in league history.
Notable Coaches
Bruce Arians
With his “No risk it, no biscuit” philosophy, Arians turned the Cardinals into one of the league’s most exciting teams, leading them to an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2015. His aggressive style and player-friendly approach made him a fan favorite.
Ken Whisenhunt
The architect of the Cardinals’ first Super Bowl appearance, Whisenhunt guided the team to one of the most memorable playoff runs in NFL history. He played a pivotal role in Kurt Warner’s resurgence and the offense’s explosive identity.