The story of the Chicago Cardinals is one of the most fascinating and complex narratives in professional sports history. To understand when did the Cardinals leave Chicago, you must first appreciate the deep roots the franchise had in the city, dating back to the very origins of the National Football League. For decades, the Cardinals were a staple of the Chicago sports landscape, providing thrilling football to generations of fans before a series of decisions ultimately led to their departure.
The Early Years and Founding in Chicago
Contrary to what some might assume, the Cardinals were not originally from Chicago. The franchise was founded in 1898 in Chicago as the Morgan Athletic Club, later becoming known as the Racine Cardinals, named after the color of the jerseys they wore, which were reportedly faded brown uniforms purchased from the University of Chicago. They were one of the charter members of the NFL in 1920, solidifying their status as one of the oldest professional football teams in the United States. From the very beginning, they established a identity deeply intertwined with the city of Chicago, playing their home games at various stadiums including Comiskey Park, the home of the American League baseball White Sox.
The Golden Era and Struggles in the 1940s and 50s
For much of the mid-20th century, the Cardinals were a competitive force in the NFL, particularly during the 1940s. They won their only NFL championship in 1947, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in a thrilling game that remains a highlight in franchise history. The team featured legendary players like Paul Christman and Pat Harder, drawing respectable crowds to the aging Comiskey Park. However, as the 1950s progressed, the Cardinals began to struggle on the field, failing to capture another league title. This decline in performance began to test the loyalty of fans, setting the stage for the franchise's eventual move.
The Stadium Situation and Competitive Pressure
By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Cardinals faced significant challenges that made staying in Chicago increasingly difficult. The primary issue was the lack of a modern, dedicated football stadium. Comiskey Park was aging and shared with the White Sox, meaning the football team had to take a backseat to the baseball schedule. Furthermore, the emerging American Football League (AFL) provided a competitive outlet for talent, making the NFL's Cardinals less attractive to top players. The ownership group, seeking a new stadium and a fresh start, began looking at options beyond the city limits.
The Decision to Move: St. Louis and the Final Chapter in Chicago
The turning point came in 1960 when the Cardinals' owner, Violet Bidwill Wolfner, decided to relocate the franchise. The lure of a new stadium and a burgeoning market proved too strong. The team played the 1960 season in Chicago, their last in the city, finishing with a dismal 2-10 record. The following year, in 1961, the franchise officially moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where they would play for nearly three decades at Busch Stadium. This move marked the definitive end of the Chicago Cardinals as a professional football entity in the city.
Legacy and the Modern Connection
Although the Cardinals left Chicago over sixty years ago, their legacy is not forgotten. The city that remained behind eventually got an expansion team in 1967, the Chicago Falcons, which later became the Bears, carrying on the NFL tradition in the city. The modern Arizona Cardinals, while now based in Glendale, Arizona, still trace their lineage directly back to the original Chicago franchise. Artifacts, records, and the history of that original team are preserved in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, reminding fans of the roots of the game in Chicago.
