The Oldest Team in NFL: A History of Gridiron Glory

The Arizona Cardinals hold the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating professional football team in the National Football League. Founded in 1898, the franchise has competed through multiple leagues, relocations, and rebranding before settling in Arizona.

While other teams have merged, moved, or shuttered, the Cardinals lineage stretches back to the early days of professional gridiron, making their history a living archive of the sport itself.

tr> tr> tr> tr> tr> tbody>

Origins and Early History of the Cardinals

The Cardinals originated as the Morgan Athletic Club in 1898 on Chicago’s South Side. The team spent its earliest years in semi-pro and sandlot competitions, gradually adopting the nickname Racine Normals before evolving into the Cardinals moniker in 1901.

This period cemented their status as the oldest franchise in terms of continuous operation, even as they moved between leagues including the Ohio League, the National Football League, and the American Football League before formalizing their place in the modern NFL.

Team Evolution and Relocations

Over more than a century, the franchise underwent numerous transformations. The team relocated from Chicago to St. Louis in 1960, then to Phoenix in 1988, before finally establishing its headquarters in Glendale, Arizona.

Each move reflected broader trends in professional sports, including stadium development, market expansion, and corporate sponsorship. Despite geographic changes, the Cardinals preserved their original lineage, tracing every season back to that first Chicago incarnation.

Historic Milestones and Achievements

The Cardinals have collected a rich legacy of on-field accomplishments, including multiple division titles, conference championships, and a single Super Bowl victory. Legendary players such as Johnny Blood McNally, Charley Bidwill, and later Kurt Warner have shaped the franchise identity.

These milestones highlight how the team balanced periods of dominance with rebuilding phases, maintaining relevance across eras of NFL strategy, talent development, and media coverage.

Modern Era and Current Operations

Today, the Cardinals compete in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, leveraging modern analytics, sports science, and global scouting. Ownership and front office decisions now emphasize sustained competitiveness, community engagement, and digital fan experiences.

The franchise balances its storied past with forward-looking initiatives, including stadium enhancements, youth programs, and data-driven roster construction designed to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving league.

Key Takeaways for NFL History Enthusiasts

• The Arizona Cardinals trace their origin to 1898 in Chicago.
• They are the oldest continuously operating professional football team in the NFL.
• The franchise survived multiple league evolutions, including the transition from early leagues to the modern NFL.
• Relocations from Chicago to St. Louis to Arizona did not break their historic timeline.
• Legends on and off the field have shaped a century long identity that remains relevant today.

Franchise	Founded	Original City	Current City
Arizona Cardinals	1898	Chicago, IL	Glendale, AZ
Chicago Bears	1898	Chicago, IL	Chicago, IL
Green Bay Packers	1919	Green Bay, WI	Green Bay, WI
New York Giants	1925	New York, NY	East Rutherford, NJ

FAQ

Reader questions

How many years has the Cardinals organization been active in professional football?

The Cardinals organization has been active for over 125 years, dating back to its founding as the Morgan Athletic Club in 1898.

Has the Cardinals franchise played in more than one league before joining the NFL?

Yes, before joining the NFL, the franchise competed in the Ohio League, the American Professional Football Association, and the AFL.

What is the oldest team in the NFL besides the Cardinals?

The Chicago Bears, originally the Decatur Staleys, were founded in 1898 and are the only other team with a comparable claim to continuous operation.

Why is the Cardinals considered the oldest team in the NFL?

The Cardinals are considered the oldest because their franchise lineage has remained unbroken since 1898, despite relocations and name changes.