The Arizona Cardinals play in the NFL's West Division of the National Football Conference (NFC). The Cardinals are the oldest professional football franchise in America, having been established in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club. From 1899-1900, they were known as the Racine Normals, and then in 1901 they were renamed the Racine Cardinals. In 1906, the team disbanded and seven years later they were reformed. This second incarnation of the Racine Cardinals existed from 1913 through 1919.

In 1920, the team moved to Chicago and became the Chicago Cardinals. They stayed in Chicago through 1959, becoming a combined club with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1944 because of a shortage of players due to World War II. In 1945, they were once again the Chicago Cardinals.

The franchise moved to St Louis in 1960 and would be associated with that city until 1987. The club moved to Phoenix, Arizona, becoming the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988. They created their current moniker, the Arizona Cardinals, in 1994.

The Cardinals became associated with the NFL in the league's first year—1920. Of the 11 teams that originally formed the NFL, only two remain today—the Cardinals and the Chicago Bears.

Despite their long history, the Cardinals have won precious few championships, and they have never played in a Super Bowl. In 1925 and 1947, they won the NFL Championship. The Cards have been division champs four times, winning the NFL West in 1947 and 1948 and the NFC East in 1974 and 1975.

They became part of the NFC in 1970. First the franchise played in the NFC East. When they moved to Arizona the club also moved into the NFC West.

Since joining the NFL, the Cardinals have called six different venues home. The team has played in Normal Park (1920-1921 and 1926- 1928), Cominskey Park (1922- 1925 and 1929- 1959), Bush Stadium (1960- 1965), Bush Memorial Stadium (1966- 1987) and Sun Devil Stadium (1988- 2005). In 2006, they moved into the University of Phoenix Stadium, which they presently occupy.

Hall of Famers from the St. Louis era include offensive tackle Dan Dierdorf (1971- 1983), tight end Jackie Smith (1963- 1977 with St. Louis and 1978 with Dallas) and corner back Roger Wehrli (1969- 1982). Dierdorf, a six-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, played in 160 games, recovering seven fumbles. Smith, at tight end, was a five-time Pro Bowler and All-Star. He gathered in 480 receptions for 7.918 yards and 40 touchdowns. Wehrli intercepted 40 passes for 898 interception yards and nine touchdowns. He was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in seven of his 14 seasons.

The Arizona Cardinals are presently owned by Bill Bidwell with Rod Graves serving as general manager and Ken Whisenhunt as head coach. The team mascot is Big Red, which is also one of the team's nicknames. They are also known as The Cards and The Birds.