The Oldest NFL Team: How the Arizona Cardinals Hold the Record for Continuous Franchise Survival
The Oldest NFL Team: How the Arizona Cardinals Hold the Record for Continuous Franchise Survival
The oldest active franchise in the National Football League, the Arizona Cardinals, traces its roots back to 1898, making it 125 years older than the Super Bowl trophy itself. While the league has seen countless teams rise and fall, the Cardinals have endured through relocations, name changes, and the evolution of the sport from a casual athletic pursuit to a billion-dollar industry. This article explores the history of the franchise, the criteria for determining "oldest," and the legacy of longevity that defines the Cardinals' unique place in professional sports.
The narrative of the oldest NFL team is not simply about age; it is a story of adaptation and survival in a fiercely competitive league. The franchise's journey from Chicago to St. Louis and finally to Arizona is a microcosm of the NFL's own geographic and cultural expansion. To understand the significance of the Cardinals' status, one must look at the history of the NFL's founding and the complex lineage of its member clubs.
### The Birth of the NFL and the Question of Age
When the National Football League was founded in 1920, it was a loose consortium of regional teams, many of which were short-lived. The league's early years were marked by instability, with franchises folding, moving, or being replaced frequently. This chaotic environment makes the search for the "oldest" team a matter of interpretation, depending on whether one defines "oldest" by the founding date of the organization or by continuous operation as an NFL franchise.
According to the official NFL records, the Arizona Cardinals hold the distinction of being the oldest franchise in the league. The logic is rooted in the continuity of the organization, despite significant changes in location and name. The franchise was originally established as the**Morgan Athletic Club** in Chicago, Illinois, in 1898.
Here are the key milestones in the franchise's early evolution:
* **1898:** The Morgan Athletic Club is founded by David Steward in Chicago. The team is reportedly named the Racquetball Club before becoming the Cardinals, inspired by the color of the jerseys.
* **1920:** The team, then known as the Chicago Cardinals, becomes a charter member of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which is renamed the National Football League later that year.
* **1940s:** The franchise is temporarily merged with other teams due to player shortages during World War II, a common practice that complicates the historical record.
* **1960:** After decades of struggle in Chicago, the franchise relocates to St. Louis, becoming the St. Louis Cardinals.
* **1988:** The team moves once more, this time to Phoenix, Arizona, and is eventually rebranded as the Arizona Cardinals.
This timeline, stretching back to the 19th century, is the foundation of the Cardinals' claim. As team historian **Michael P. McCormack** has noted, the focus is on the unbroken chain of the franchise, regardless of the city it calls home. The organization has maintained its corporate identity through war, depressions, and the merger with the All-America Football Conference (AAFC).
### The Criteria for "Oldest": Continuity vs. Location
Not all NFL fans agree on the definition of "oldest." Some argue that the Green Bay Packers, founded in 1919, are the rightful titleholders. This debate hinges on the specific criteria used to measure a franchise's age.
The argument for the **Green Bay Packers** centers on stability and community ownership. Founded by Earl "Curly" Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun, the Packers have remained in one city and have been owned by a publicly held nonprofit corporation since 1923. This structure is unique in the NFL and speaks to a deep, enduring connection to a single community.
However, the official stance of the NFL, supported by historical documentation, favors the Cardinals. The key distinction is that the NFL recognizes the **Chicago Cardinals** as the predecessor to the modern Arizona franchise. The Packers joined the NFL a year after the Cardinals were already established members. While the Packers have a rich history of success, particularly in the Vince Lombardi era of the 1960s, the Cardinals hold the edge in terms of raw longevity of the organization itself.
### The Evolution of a Franchise
The 125-year history of the Cardinals is a testament to the changing landscape of professional football. In the early 20th century, the game was far more dangerous and less organized. Players often held day jobs, and schedules were informal. The Cardinals of that era were no different, battling other regional teams for fan interest and survival.
The franchise's longevity can be attributed to several factors, including a dedicated fan base in multiple cities and an ownership willing to adapt. The move from Chicago to St. Louis was driven by the desire for a larger market and a more modern stadium. The subsequent move to Arizona was a response to the declining popularity and financial viability in St. Louis.
Throughout these changes, the team has produced memorable players and moments. Perhaps the most famous figure in the franchise's history is **Chuck Bednarik**, known as the "Iron Man." He played for the Cardinals in the 1950s and is remembered as one of the last two-way players in the NFL, excelling on both offense and defense. His toughness exemplifies the gritty early days of the franchise.
In the modern era, the Cardinals have become a competitive force in the NFC West, thanks in large part to the leadership of quarterback **Kyler Murray**. Drafted first overall in 2019, Murray has injected new life into the franchise, providing a dynamic and exciting element that connects the old guard of fans with a new generation.
### The Legacy of Longevity
Being the oldest NFL franchise is more than a trivia fact; it is a badge of honor that speaks to institutional resilience. In an industry where trends change rapidly and franchises can vanish almost overnight, the Cardinals represent a link to the sport's foundational years. They have survived the transition from a working-class pastime to a national spectacle, proving that an organization can adapt without losing its core identity.
The story of the oldest NFL team is ultimately a story of persistence. From the dusty fields of Chicago to the bright lights of Glendale, Arizona, the franchise has continued to play the game it helped to define. As the NFL looks to its centennial and beyond, the Cardinals will remain a living history lesson, a reminder of where the league began and the enduring power of a storied institution.
