Cardinals vs 49ers
A divisional rivalry born from realignment, marked by lopsided streaks and international games.
The 49ers–Cardinals rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals.
Quick Facts
- First meeting
- November 13, 1951
- Notable players involved
- Jim Harbaugh
- Steve Young
- Kurt Warner
Lore & Background
The 49ers and Cardinals first met on November 13, 1951 at Kezar Stadium, with the then-Chicago Cardinals winning 27–21. The Cardinals relocated to St. Louis and then to Phoenix, Arizona in the 1988 season. Following NFL realignment in 2002, the Cardinals joined the NFC West, becoming divisional rivals with the 49ers. The 49ers lead the overall series 35–31. The two teams have not met in the playoffs.
Reader's Guide
The rivalry is closely contested, especially after 2002. Notable moments include the Cardinals' comeback from a 23–0 deficit in the 49ers' first trip to Phoenix, and a 1999 game where Cardinals cornerback Aeneas Williams sacked 49ers quarterback Steve Young, causing a career-ending concussion. In 2005, the teams played the first NFL regular season game outside the U.S. in Mexico City. From 2009 to 2013, the 49ers dominated, winning nine of ten matchups. The Cardinals then won eight straight from 2015 to 2018. In 2022, the teams met again in Mexico for a Monday Night Football game, with the 49ers winning 38–10.
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