Big Red
A historic nickname from the St. Louis era (1960–1987).
Big Red is one of several nicknames used for the Arizona Cardinals during their time in St. Louis from 1960 to 1987, chosen specifically to avoid confusion with the local Major League Baseball team. While the franchise traces its origins to the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago in 1898, the moniker "Big Red" became a common identifier for the team after it moved to St. Louis. Following the relocation to Arizona in 1988, and subsequent name changes to Phoenix Cardinals and then Arizona Cardinals in 1994, the nickname persisted as part of the team's historical lexicon, representing a distinct era before the franchise fully adopted its current state-wide identity.
- Identity
- Nicknamed 'Big Red' during St. Louis tenure (1960–1987)
- Affiliation
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL), NFC West
- Established Era
- Charter member of NFL in 1920; moved to Arizona in 1988
- Status
- Oldest continuously run professional football franchise in the US
- Key Symbolism
- Historical continuity from Chicago through St. Louis to Arizona
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The term "Big Red" emerged in 1960 when the franchise relocated to St. Louis, Missouri. To distinguish themselves from the city's famous baseball team, fans and media began referring to the football squad as the "Football Cardinals," the "Gridbirds," or the "Big Red." During this 28-year tenure, the team advanced to the playoffs only three times (1974, 1975, and 1982) but never hosted a playoff game. Despite their mediocrity on the field, the nickname stuck as a local rallying cry. The era ended when owner Bill Bidwill moved the team to Arizona due to dwindling attendance and an aging stadium. Although the name "Arizona Cardinals" officially replaced "Phoenix Cardinals" in 1994, the legacy of the St. Louis nicknames remains a specific chapter in the franchise's long history as the oldest continuously run professional football team in the United States.
In Their Own Story
In 2008, the Arizona Cardinals experienced their most significant postseason success since moving to the desert, reaching Super Bowl XLIII under head coach Ken Whisenhunt and quarterback Kurt Warner. This run began with a Wild Card victory over the Atlanta Falcons, followed by a win against the Carolina Panthers in the Divisional Round. The team then secured their only NFC Championship Game title since the 1970 AFL–NFL merger by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the season concluded with a narrow 27–23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII. This campaign stands as a high point for the "Big Red" identity in Arizona, marking the first time the franchise reached the Super Bowl in its history and highlighting the resilience of a team that had suffered many losing seasons prior.
Reader's Guide
Supporters of the Arizona Cardinals can trace their team's unique path through three distinct eras: Chicago (1898–1959), St. Louis (1960–1987), and Arizona (1988–present). The current home field is State Farm Stadium in Glendale, a suburb northwest of Phoenix, where the team has played since 2006. Prior to this, they called Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe their home for 18 seasons. For training, the team moved its camp from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff to State Farm Stadium in 2013. Fans should note that while the team won two NFL championships (1925 and 1947) while based in Chicago, they have not secured a title since their move to Arizona. As of 2025, the franchise holds the longest active championship drought in North American sports at 78 seasons.
Did You Know?
- The team was originally established as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago in 1898.
- In St. Louis, the football team was called 'Big Red' to avoid confusion with the MLB Cardinals.
- The franchise holds the longest active championship drought in North American sports at 78 seasons as of 2025.
- Arizona is the only NFL team that has never lost a playoff game at home (5–0 record).
- The team's executive offices and training facility are scheduled to move to north Phoenix in 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Big Red mean to Arizona Cardinals fans?
It represents more than just the team's primary color; it is the living soul and unifying identity of the supporter base. This term encapsulates the spirit of loyalty unique to the franchise since its move to the desert.
When did the Big Red brand identity originate?
Although the team traces its roots to 1898, the distinct Big Red cultural construct emerged following the relocation to Arizona in 1988. It marks the beginning of the modern era for fans in the state.
What values does Big Red symbolize?
The identity embodies resilience, tradition, and an unwavering commitment from the community regardless of wins or losses. Fans celebrate historic breakthroughs and endure near-misses with equal fervor under this banner.
Is Big Red a physical mascot for the team?
No, it is not a character but rather an active cultural symbol that defines the stadium atmosphere and fan experience. It serves as the crimson heartbeat connecting supporters to the organization since 1988.
How does Big Red unify the Cardinals community?
This shared identity creates a bond among fans who have settled in the desert, fostering a sense of belonging through decades of change. It remains a testament to enduring passion and tradition within the NFL franchise.
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