100 Arizona Cardinals Facts: The Ultimate, Unbelievable Guide Every Fan Must Read

100 Arizona Cardinals Facts have shaped one of the oldest and most storied franchises in NFL history. Whether you’re a die-hard Cardinals fan, a trivia enthusiast, or a football lover curious about the roots of this legendary team, this comprehensive and unbelievable guide delivers everything you need to know. From shocking statistics to historical breakthroughs, legendary players, cultural milestones, and surprising behind-the-scenes details, these facts capture the entire spirit of the Arizona Cardinals across generations.

The Arizona Cardinals are more than just a football team—they are a franchise defined by endurance, history, passion, and unforgettable personalities. As one of the oldest continuously operating teams in professional football, the Cardinals have a timeline filled with milestones that no other NFL franchise can claim. Below, you’ll find 100 Arizona Cardinals Facts divided into themes such as history, players, stadium, culture, records, and modern accomplishments.

History & Origin Facts

1. The Arizona Cardinals were founded in 1898, making them the oldest team in the NFL.
2. The team originally began in Chicago, not Arizona.
3. They were first known as the Morgan Athletic Club.
4. The Cardinals’ name comes from the cardinal red jerseys purchased used from the University of Chicago.
5. They became an NFL charter member in 1920.
6. The team moved to St. Louis in 1960.
7. In 1988, the franchise relocated to Arizona, becoming the Phoenix Cardinals.
8. They changed their name to the Arizona Cardinals in 1994.
9. The Cardinals are the only NFL franchise to play in three different cities.
10. They hold the longest continuous operation streak in professional football.

Stadium & Fan Culture Facts

11. The Cardinals play at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
12. It was originally named University of Phoenix Stadium.
13. The stadium features a retractable natural grass field, the first of its kind in the NFL.
14. State Farm Stadium was the site of Super Bowl XLIX.
15. It will host Super Bowl LVII, showcasing the Cardinals’ modern facilities.
16. The Cardinals have one of the most passionate fanbases in the Southwest.
17. Their mascot, Big Red, is one of the tallest mascots in the NFL at 6’4″.
18. Cardinals fans call themselves the “Red Sea”.
19. The “Red Out” games turn the whole stadium into a sea of red shirts.
20. Their home games often feature massive pyrotechnics during player introductions.

Players & Legends Facts

21. The Cardinals have produced legendary Hall of Famers like Larry Fitzgerald.
22. Fitzgerald ranks second in all-time receiving yards.
23. Kurt Warner, who led the team to a Super Bowl, was a two-time MVP.
24. Aeneas Williams is one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.
25. Pat Tillman, one of the most beloved Cardinals, left the NFL to join the U.S. Army.
26. Kyler Murray was drafted first overall in 2019.
27. Murray became the first athlete drafted in the first round of both the NFL and MLB drafts.
28. DeAndre Hopkins, acquired in a blockbuster trade, instantly became a fan favorite.
29. Anquan Boldin set an NFL record with 217 receiving yards in his debut game.
30. David Johnson had a historic 2016 season with over 2,000 total yards.

Big Games & Records Facts

31. The Cardinals appeared in Super Bowl XLIII.
32. Larry Fitzgerald’s postseason run that year was one of the greatest ever.
33. The Cardinals’ 2008 season is considered their most magical run.
34. The famous “Helmet Catch 2.0” by Santonio Holmes denied them a title.
35. Arizona holds several team offensive records from the mid-2010s.
36. Chandler Jones was one of the NFL’s sack leaders.
37. In 2020, Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins created the “Hail Murray” moment.
38. The Cardinals once won an NFL championship in 1947.
39. They hold one of the longest championship droughts in sports.
40. The franchise recorded its 500th win in 2021.

Fun & Surprising Facts

41. The Cardinals are older than Ford Motor Company.
42. They are also older than the state of Arizona itself.
43. The team logo has been redesigned multiple times—today’s version is modern and aggressive.
44. The Cardinals were once called the “Racine Cardinals”, named after their Chicago street.
45. Their uniform colors have remained mostly consistent since the early 1900s.
46. They have one of the mildest winter home game climates in the NFL.
47. The franchise once survived near-bankruptcy in the 1950s.
48. In St. Louis, fans called them the “Big Red” (before the mascot existed).
49. The Cardinals were the first team to have a full-time training facility in Arizona.
50. Their cheerleading squad is known as the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders.

More Historical & Statistical Facts (51–100)

51. The Cardinals played the first indoor NFL game in 1940.
52. They once shared a stadium with the St. Louis baseball Cardinals.
53. Arizona drafted Patrick Peterson in 2011, who became a shutdown corner.
54. Peterson made the Pro Bowl his first eight seasons.
55. The team’s first playoff win in Arizona came in 1998.
56. The Cardinals won their first division title in Arizona in 2008.
57. They have produced multiple Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees.
58. The Cardinals defense in 2015 was one of the NFL’s best.
59. Arizona once held the league’s top offense in yards per game.
60. The Cardinals’ biggest rival is the Seattle Seahawks.
61. Another intense rivalry exists with the San Francisco 49ers.
62. The Cardinals have played over 1,000+ NFL games.
63. The team’s biggest win margin is 46 points.
64. Their worst loss was by 58 points.
65. They have a winning all-time record against the Cowboys.
66. The Cardinals drafted their first Black player in 1947.
67. They were early adopters of west coast training camps.
68. Arizona used to practice at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
69. The Cardinals were one of the first teams to embrace sports science tech.
70. They have several international fan clubs.
71. The Cardinals played in the first-ever NFL overtime playoff game.
72. Their first televised game was in 1939.
73. Arizona has produced numerous Pro Bowl return specialists.
74. Larry Fitzgerald has more tackles than dropped passes.
75. The franchise has one of the NFL’s longest family ownerships.
76. Michael Bidwill currently serves as team owner.
77. The Cardinals’ training facility is in Tempe, Arizona.
78. Their bird head logo is one of the most recognized in sports.
79. Arizona has played multiple international NFL games.
80. They once hosted games in Mexico City.
81. The franchise was originally sold for just $100.
82. The Cardinals were among the first to sign a TV contract.
83. Their 2021 start (7-0) was their best in decades.
84. Kyler Murray is the shortest first-round QB ever drafted.
85. Arizona’s defense once scored 6 touchdowns in a single season.
86. They have one of the biggest social media fan followings among NFC West teams.
87. The Cardinals appear regularly on national TV games.
88. Bidwill Field is known for its innovation in turf technology.
89. The Cardinals’ ring of honor includes over 17 legendary names.
90. The franchise holds some of the oldest NFL photos archived.
91. The Cardinals formed part of the NFL’s original 10 teams.
92. They’ve played over 100 seasons, a rare milestone.
93. Their rookie programs are among the most respected in the NFL.
94. Arizona has one of the most recognizable color schemes.
95. “Bird Gang” is a popular nickname for fans.
96. The team helped pioneer modern passing offenses.
97. The Cardinals have had several MVP candidates.
98. Their community outreach is one of the strongest in the league.
99. Arizona is known for late-season comeback wins.
100. The franchise continues to evolve with new stars and rising young talent.