When Were the Cardinals Red? (Or, A Brief History of the Arizona Cardinals' Chicago Days)
So, you're wondering when the Cardinals were actually in Chicago, huh? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take a trip down memory lane. A very long memory lane.
From Racine to the Windy City
Believe it or not, the Cardinals weren't always basking in the Arizona sun. They started their gridiron journey as the Racine Street Cardinals in, you guessed it, Chicago. This was way back in 1901, when football was about as complex as a game of tag.
The team name came from, well, the color of their jerseys, which were apparently a faded shade of cardinal red. Talk about a fashion statement! They played their games on a field on Racine Street, hence the name. It's like something out of a black and white movie, isn't it?
Chicago Cardinals: The Golden Years (Kinda)
The team officially became the Chicago Cardinals in 1922. Now, let's be honest, those were simpler times. Helmets were optional, and the forward pass was still a novelty. But hey, they were pioneers!
The Cardinals did manage to win a couple of NFL championships during their Chicago days, in 1925 and 1947. So, they had their moments. But let's not get carried away; the NFL was a much different beast back then.
Bye-Bye, Chicago
After decades of chilly Chicago winters and, let's be honest, probably some pretty lackluster attendance, the Cardinals decided to pack their bags and head to warmer climes. In 1960, they moved to St. Louis, and eventually ended up in Phoenix, where they became the Arizona Cardinals we know and (mostly) love today.
So, there you have it. The Cardinals were a Chicago team for quite a while, but they've since moved on. And while we might miss the occasional snow game, we can't deny that the desert heat is a lot more appealing for football.
How To... Cardinals Trivia
- How to impress your football-loving friends: Drop some knowledge about the Cardinals' Chicago roots.
- How to feel old: Realize that the Cardinals played in Chicago before you were born.
- How to plan a time machine adventure: Set your coordinates for 1925 Chicago to witness a Cardinals championship game.
- How to avoid disappointment: Understand that the glory days of the Chicago Cardinals might be a bit exaggerated.
- How to appreciate the present: Be grateful that the Cardinals play in a climate where you don't need a parka to watch a game.