Who Owns the Arizona Cardinals? A Deep Dive into the Team's History and Ownership

Hello, Cardinals fans and football enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of the Arizona Cardinals, one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League (NFL). We'll explore who owns the Arizona Cardinals, their rich history, and how they've evolved over the years. So, grab a seat, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who owns arizona cardinals.

The Early Days: The Birth of the Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals, originally known as the Morgan Athletic Club, were established in 1898—yes, you read that right! That makes them one of the oldest professional sports teams in the United States. They started as an independent team, playing against other local clubs in the Chicago area. But who owned the Arizona Cardinals back then? Well, the team was owned by the Morgan Athletic Club, which was founded by Chris O'Brien, a local sports enthusiast.

The First Decades: From Morgan Athletic Club to the Cardinals

In the early 1900s, the team joined the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Association, which later became the Illinois Professional Football League. It was during this time that the team adopted the name "Cardinals," inspired by the red color of the local college team, the University of Chicago Maroons.

The team's ownership changed hands several times during these early decades. In 1920, the team joined the American Professional Football Association (APFA), the precursor to the NFL. It was around this time that the team was owned by Charles W. Bidwill, who also served as the team's first president.

The Mid-Century: The Team's Move and New Ownership

The Cardinals spent the first half of the 20th century in Chicago, but in 1960, the team's ownership decided to relocate to St. Louis, Missouri. The move was spearheaded by new owner, Violet Bidwill Wolfner, who had inherited the team from her father, Charles. The team played in St. Louis for nearly three decades, winning their first and only Super Bowl during this time—Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000.

The Late 1980s: The Team's Move to Arizona

In 1988, the team's ownership, then led by Bill Bidwill, decided to move the team to Phoenix, Arizona. The move was controversial, with many fans in St. Louis feeling betrayed. However, the team's new home in Arizona proved to be a fresh start. The team adopted the Arizona Cardinals name and played their first game in the state at Sun Devil Stadium in 1988.

The Bidwill Family: The Current Owners of the Arizona Cardinals

The Bidwill family has been the primary owner of the Arizona Cardinals for most of the team's history. The current owner, Michael Bidwill, is the son of former owner Bill Bidwill. He took over the team in 2013 after his father's passing. Michael Bidwill has been instrumental in the team's success, both on and off the field. He has overseen the construction of the team's state-of-the-art training facility, the University of Phoenix Stadium, and has been a key figure in the team's community outreach programs.

The Arizona Cardinals Today

Under Michael Bidwill's ownership, the Arizona Cardinals have become a staple in the Arizona community. The team has made several playoff appearances and has consistently fielded competitive teams. The Cardinals' fan base has grown significantly, with the team enjoying some of the highest attendance figures in the NFL.

The Arizona Cardinals are more than just a football team; they are a symbol of resilience and perseverance. From their humble beginnings in Chicago to their current home in Arizona, the Cardinals have weathered many storms and have always emerged stronger. So, the next time you're cheering on the Cardinals, remember that you're part of a rich history that spans over a century.

And there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at who owns the Arizona Cardinals and the team's incredible journey. Whether you're a lifelong Cardinals fan or a newcomer to the world of football, we hope this article has given you a newfound appreciation for the team's history and legacy. Until next time, keep your eyes on the Cardinals, and remember, it's always a great day to be a Cardinal!