1998 NFC West Division Title
The underdog season where Kurt Warner emerged to lead the Cardinals to their first division crown.
The 1998 Arizona Cardinals' capture of the NFC West Division title stands as a monumental milestone in franchise history, marking their first division championship since relocating from St. Louis to the desert in 1988. Under the leadership of head coach Dennis Green and quarterback Kurt Warner, who stepped into the starting role unexpectedly after an injury to Steve McNair's replacement, the team achieved the impossible against a stacked conference.
- Season
- 1998
- Head Coach
- Dennis Green
- Quarterback
- Kurt Warner
- Division
- NFC West
- Regular Season Record
- 11-5
- Playoff Result
- Lost NFC Championship Game
Lore & Background
The division title was secured through sheer grit and resilience, culminating in a dramatic finish to the regular season. The Cardinals finished atop the NFC West with an 11-5 record, breaking a long drought of futility that had plagued the franchise since its move to Arizona. This achievement set the stage for their improbable run to Super Bowl XXXIII, proving that the desert team could compete with the NFL's elite.
In Their Own Story
The air in Sun Devil Stadium was thick with anticipation as the final seconds ticked away on a crisp November evening. Kurt Warner stood in the pocket, eyes locked downfield, having just orchestrated another impossible drive. The crowd roared not just for a win, but for the realization that their team had finally arrived. In that moment, the 1998 Cardinals weren't just playing football; they were rewriting history.
Reader's Guide
The 1998 season is defined by the unexpected ascension of Kurt Warner and the strategic brilliance of Dennis Green. The team finished first in the NFC West with an 11-5 record, a significant jump from previous years. This division title was the catalyst for a historic playoff run that saw them defeat the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round before falling to the Denver Broncos in the NFC Championship. While they did not win the Super Bowl, this season remains the pinnacle of the franchise's modern era. Key records include Warner's MVP-caliber statistics and Edgerrin James leading the league in rushing yards at times during the season. The 1998 squad proved that a team built on resilience could overcome odds to claim divisional supremacy.
Did You Know?
- Kurt Warner was not even signed to an NFL roster before training camp began, having played for the Iowa Barnstormers in the Arena Football League.
- The 1998 Cardinals were the first team from Arizona to win a division title since moving to the state.
- Dennis Green became only the second coach in franchise history to lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance with this squad.
- Edgerrin James rushed for over 1,400 yards that season, anchoring one of the league's most balanced offenses.