Chicago Cardinals

From Chicago to St. Louis: The enduring legacy of the Arizona Cardinals.

The professional American football team now known as the Arizona Cardinals previously played in Chicago, Illinois, as the Chicago Cardinals from 1920 through 1959 before relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, for the 1960 through 1987 seasons.

Quick Facts

Founded

1898

Ended

1959

City

Chicago, Illinois

Owner

Chris O'Brien (1898–1929)
David Jones (1929–1932)
Charles Bidwill (1932–1947)
Violet Bidwill (1947–1961)

Playoff appearances

NFL: 1947, 1948

Lore & Background

The roots of the Chicago Cardinals can be traced back to 1898, when Chris O'Brien established an amateur Chicago-based athletic team, the Morgan Athletic Club. O'Brien later moved them to Chicago's Normal Park and renamed them the Racine Normals, then adopting the maroon color from the University of Chicago uniforms. In the 1900s, the Cardinals became part of a professional circuit in Chicago. The Racine Cardinals were original charter members of the NFL in 1920, paying the $100 fee to join the league.

The Bears and the Cardinals developed a rivalry during those NFL first years, though their first head-to-head game wasn't until 1921. After some irregular campaigns during the 1950s, the Cardinals were largely overshadowed by the Bears in Chicago and almost fell into bankruptcy. In 1959, a group of investors including Lamar Hunt, Bud Adams, Bob Howsam, and Max Winter formed the American Football League after Hunt was denied an NFL expansion franchise—not specifically because of the Cardinals' financial troubles. The Cardinals would later move to St. Louis, Missouri, beginning with the 1960 season.

Reader's Guide

The original Racine Street Cardinals team disbanded in 1906 mostly for lack of local competition. A professional team under the same name formed in 1913, claiming the previous team as part of their history. In 1920, the team became a charter member of the American Professional Football Association (later renamed the National Football League in 1922), for a franchise fee of $100. The Cardinals and the Chicago Bears are the only charter members of the NFL still in existence.

The team was renamed the 'Chicago Cardinals' in 1922. In 1925, the Cardinals lost to the Pottsville Maroons 21–7. The league sanctioned the Cardinals for using ineligible players, and later awarded the championship to the Cardinals. Owner Chris O'Brien refused to accept the championship title, arguing his team did not deserve it.

It was only after the Bidwill family bought the Cardinals in 1933 that the franchise began to claim the 1925 title as its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Chicago Cardinals in relation to the modern team?

They represent the historical predecessor era of what is now known as the Arizona Cardinals franchise. This period holds the distinction of being part of the oldest continuously operating organization in professional American football.

When and where was the club originally founded?

The organization began in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club located in Racine, Wisconsin, before moving to Chicago. This timeline establishes their roots well before the official creation of the National Football League.

What significance did they hold during the NFL's early years?

They were charter members of the league when it formed in 1920, playing a vital role in defining professional standards. Their presence from the very beginning cements their status as one of the sport's founding pillars.

How successful was the team during their time in Chicago?

The franchise secured three NFL championships during this era, showcasing early dominance within the competition. These titles remain a celebrated part of their legacy despite subsequent relocations and name changes.