Arizona Cardinals: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins and More

The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Established in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago, they are the oldest continuously run professional football team in the United States. The Cardinals were a charter member of the National Football League (NFL) when it was formed in 1920. Over the years, the franchise has undergone several relocations, moving from Chicago to St. Louis in 1960 and eventually settling in Arizona in 1988. The team currently plays its home games at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Competing in the NFL's National Football Conference (NFC) West division, the Cardinals have a storied yet often challenging history, with limited postseason success. They have appeared in the Super Bowl once, during the 2008 season, where they narrowly lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a memorable matchup. The team is known for its cardinal red, black, and white colors, and its mascot, Big Red, is a fan favorite.

Owned by Michael Bidwill and coached by Jonathan Gannon as of the 2025 season, the Cardinals are in a phase of rebuilding, with a focus on young talent and long-term development. Despite their struggles, the franchise boasts a loyal fan base and remains a key part of Arizona’s sports identity.

Overview of the Arizona Cardinals

Founded	Founded in 1898
Owner(s)	Michael Bidwill
CEO	Michael Bidwill
General Manager	Monti Ossenfort
Head Coach	Jonathan Gannon
Stadium	State Farm Stadium
Location	Glendale, Arizona
Super Bowl Championships	None
NFL Championships Pre-Super Bowl	1925, 1947
Conference Championships	1 total
NFC Championships	2008
Division Championships	7 total
NFC East Division	1974, 1975
NFC West Division	2008, 2009, 2015
NFC Central	1947, 1948
Official Website	www.azcardinals.com

Historical Background of the Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have one of the most unique and storied histories in the NFL, dating back to 1898 when they were founded as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago. They became known as the Racine Cardinals and later officially joined the NFL as a charter member in 1920. Despite being one of the league’s oldest franchises, the Cardinals have experienced long stretches of underperformance and relocations. After decades in Chicago, the team moved to St. Louis in 1960, where they remained until 1988, before relocating to Arizona. Since then, they have been based in the Phoenix area and currently play in Glendale at State Farm Stadium.

The Cardinals’ playoff history has been sporadic. They have made the postseason only a handful of times, with their most notable success coming during the 2008 season. That year, under head coach Ken Whisenhunt and led by veteran quarterback Kurt Warner, the Cardinals won the NFC Championship and reached their first Super Bowl (Super Bowl XLIII), where they narrowly lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a thrilling game. They returned to the NFC Championship Game in the 2015 season under coach Bruce Arians but fell to the Carolina Panthers. Overall, their playoff appearances have been infrequent, though they've shown flashes of excellence during key seasons.

Throughout their long history, the Cardinals have featured several standout players. Hall of Famers like Larry Fitzgerald, one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, and quarterback Kurt Warner, who revitalized his career in Arizona, have become synonymous with the team’s more successful years. Other notable players include running back Ottis Anderson, cornerback Aeneas Williams, and defensive back Pat Tillman, whose legacy transcends football due to his decision to leave the NFL to serve in the military after 9/11. In recent years, the team has seen emerging talent in quarterback Kyler Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and standout safety Budda Baker, signaling a new era of potential.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• Founded in 1898, making them the oldest continuously operated pro football team in the NFL.
• Originally known as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago before becoming the Chicago Cardinals and later moving to St. Louis, then Arizona.
• Won two NFL Championships before the Super Bowl era—1925 and 1947.
• Made their first Super Bowl appearance in the 2008 season, led by Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald, but lost a heartbreaker to the Pittsburgh Steelers (27-23) in Super Bowl XLIII.
• Pulled off a historic playoff run in 2008, winning the NFC Championship and proving doubters wrong.
• "Hail Murray" play in 2020—Kyler Murray’s insane game-winning 43-yard TD to DeAndre Hopkins against the Bills became one of the most memorable moments in NFL history.
• Larry Fitzgerald became one of the greatest receivers ever, ranking second all-time in career receiving yards and receptions.
• Aeneas Williams, Pat Tillman, and Larry Wilson cemented their legacies as all-time greats.
• Opened State Farm Stadium in 2006, a cutting-edge venue with a retractable roof and a roll-out natural grass field. It has hosted three Super Bowls (XLII, XLIX, LVII).
• Kyler Murray won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and became one of the most exciting dual-threat QBs in the league.
• Budda Baker became a defensive cornerstone, earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
• Had their best regular season in 2015, finishing 13-3 and reaching the NFC Championship Game.
• Multiple NFC West division titles, including back-to-back wins in 2008 and 2009.

Major Rivalries of the Arizona Cardinals

One of the Cardinals’ biggest rivals, the Cardinals vs. 49ers, has been a dominant force in the NFC West for decades. The rivalry intensified in the 2000s and 2010s as both teams fought for division supremacy. Notable moments include Arizona’s Monday Night Football win in 2008, where they stopped San Francisco at the goal line to secure victory, and their 2019 thriller, where Kyler Murray and the Cardinals pushed the eventual NFC Champion 49ers to the limit.

Since the Seahawks joined the NFC West in 2002, the Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks rivalry has grown into one of the most intense in the division. The Legion of Boom era Seahawks often had the upper hand, but Arizona has had some memorable victories, including their 2013 win in Seattle, breaking the Seahawks’ 14-game home winning streak. The teams have also had multiple overtime thrillers, including the 6-6 tie in 2016, one of the most bizarre games in NFL history.

The Cardinals and Rams have been NFC West foes since Arizona moved to the division in 2002. The Rams dominated the series in the early 2000s, but Arizona has had its share of big wins, including a blowout victory in 2021 that snapped an eight-game losing streak against Los Angeles. The rivalry escalated with their 2021 NFC Wild Card matchup, where the Rams eliminated the Cardinals en route to a Super Bowl victory.

Arizona Cardinals vs Chicago Bears is a historic rivalry that dates back to the Cardinals’ days in Chicago, these two franchises were original members of the NFL in 1920. The Bears historically had the upper hand, but the Cardinals’ 2006 "Monday Night Meltdown" is an infamous moment in the rivalry. Arizona blew a 20-point lead, prompting Dennis Green’s legendary postgame rant: "They are who we thought they were!"

The Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys rivalry that grew during the Cardinals’ time in the NFC East (1970–2001), the Cowboys were often Arizona’s biggest roadblock. The 1998 NFC Wild Card game, where the Cardinals stunned the Cowboys 20-7, was one of Arizona’s first major playoff victories. Even after moving divisions, the Cardinals and Cowboys have had heated matchups, including their overtime win in 2021 with Kyler Murray dominating in his hometown of Dallas.

Major Contracts of the Arizona Cardinals in 2025

​As of March 30, 2025, the Arizona Cardinals have several notable contracts impacting their salary cap:​

• Kyler Murray (Quarterback): Signed a 5-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022, including a $29 million signing bonus and $160 million guaranteed. In 2025, Murray is set to earn a base salary of $37 million, with a cap hit of approximately $45.6 million.​
• Budda Baker (Safety): Agreed to a 3-year, $54 million extension in early 2025, with $36 million guaranteed. For the 2025 season, Baker's compensation includes a base salary of $14 million and a roster bonus of $2 million, resulting in a cap hit of $18 million.​
• Ben Stille (Defensive Lineman): Signed a 1-year, $1.1 million contract with the Cardinals in 2025. Stille will earn a base salary of $1.1 million, carrying a cap hit of the same amount. 
• Kelvin Beachum (Offensive Tackle): Signed a 1-year contract with the Cardinals in 2025. Specific financial terms for the 2025 season are not detailed in the available sources.
• Dalvin Tomlinson (Defensive Tackle): Signed a 2-year, $29 million contract in 2025, averaging $14.5 million annually, with a cap hit of $16 million.
• Paris Johnson (Left Tackle): Entering the third year of his 4-year rookie deal signed in 2023, worth $28.05 million fully guaranteed, with an average annual salary of $7.01 million. 
• Sean Bunting (Cornerback): In the second year of a 3-year, $25.5 million contract signed in 2024, averaging $8.5 million per year, with $14.195 million guaranteed and a cap hit of $17.39 million in 2025.
• Bilal Nichols (Defensive Tackle): Also in the second year of his 3-year, $21 million deal from 2024, with an average annual salary of $7 million, $12 million guaranteed, and a $14.39 million cap hit for 2025.
• James Conner (Running Back): Signed a 2-year, $19 million extension in 2024, averaging $9.5 million annually, with $8.25 million guaranteed and a cap hit of $8.25 million in 2025.

Notable Coaches and Players

• Don Coryell (1973–1977) – Introduced the "Air Coryell" offensive system, revolutionizing the passing game and laying the groundwork for modern offenses.
• Jim Hanifan (1980–1985) – Led the Cardinals to some of their best seasons in St. Louis, coaching Pro Bowl linemen like Dan Dierdorf.
• Buddy Ryan (1994–1995) – Brought his fiery personality and defensive expertise, but had a short-lived tenure.
• Bruce Arians (2013–2017) – Coached the Cardinals to a 13-3 record in 2015, reaching the NFC Championship Game. Known for his "no risk it, no biscuit" aggressive style.
• Ken Whisenhunt (2007–2012) – The first coach to lead the Cardinals to a Super Bowl in the 2008 season, elevating the franchise to new heights.
• Jake "Curly" Lambeau (1950–1951) – The legendary Packers coach had a brief stint with the Cardinals late in his career.
• Larry Fitzgerald (WR, 2004–2020) – One of the greatest wide receivers of all time, ranking second in career receiving yards. Known for his clutch playoff performances, including an iconic Super Bowl XLIII touchdown.
• Kurt Warner (QB, 2005–2009) – A Hall of Famer who led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance. Revived his career in Arizona after his legendary Rams run.
• Pat Tillman (S, 1998–2001) – Left his NFL career to serve in the U.S. Army after 9/11, tragically losing his life in Afghanistan. His sacrifice remains one of the most inspiring stories in sports.
• Aeneas Williams (CB/S, 1991–2000) – A lockdown corner and Hall of Famer, known for shutting down top receivers and making game-changing plays.
• Darnell Dockett (DT, 2004–2014) – One of the most dominant defensive linemen in Cardinals history, known for his relentless pass-rushing ability.
• Adrian Wilson (S, 2001–2012) – A hard-hitting safety who made multiple Pro Bowls and was one of the best defensive leaders in franchise history.
• Anquan Boldin (WR, 2003–2009) – A tough, physical receiver who set an NFL rookie record with 217 receiving yards in his debut. Key to the Cardinals’ Super Bowl run.
• Carson Palmer (QB, 2013–2017) – Revitalized his career under Bruce Arians, leading the Cardinals to the NFC Championship Game in 2015.
• Larry Wilson (S, 1960–1972) – A pioneer of the safety blitz and a Hall of Famer who redefined the position.
• Ollie Matson (RB, 1952, 1954–1958) – A Hall of Fame running back known for his blazing speed and versatility.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

As of March 30, 2025, the projected starting lineup for the Arizona Cardinals is as follows:

Offense

• Quarterback: Kyler Murray
• Running Back: James Conner
• Wide Receiver 1: Marvin Harrison Jr.
• Wide Receiver 2: Michael Wilson
• Slot Wide Receiver: Zay Jones
• Tight End: Trey McBride
• Left Tackle: Paris Johnson Jr.
• Left Guard: Evan Brown
• Center: Hjalte Froholdt
• Right Guard: Isaiah Adams
• Right Tackle: Jonah Williams

Defense

• Left Defensive End: Justin Jones
• Nose Tackle: Dalvin Tomlinson
• Right Defensive End: Darius Robinson
• Left Outside Linebacker: Baron Browning
• Weakside Linebacker: Akeem Davis-Gaither
• Middle Linebacker: Mack Wilson Sr.
• Right Outside Linebacker: Josh Sweat
• Left Cornerback: Sean Murphy-Bunting
• Strong Safety: Jalen Thompson
• Free Safety: Budda Baker
• Right Cornerback: Max Melton
• Nickelback: Garrett Williams

Special Teams

• Kicker: Chad Ryland
• Punter: Blake Gillikin
• Long Snapper: Aaron Brewer
• Punt Returner: Greg Dortch

The Schedule of the Arizona Cardinals in 2025

​As of March 30, 2025, the NFL has not yet released the full schedule for the Arizona Cardinals' 2025 season. However, based on the NFL's scheduling formula and the Cardinals' 2024 standings, their opponents for the upcoming season have been determined. ​

Home Opponents

• Los Angeles Rams​
• San Francisco 49ers​
• Seattle Seahawks​
• Green Bay Packers​
• Atlanta Falcons​
• Jacksonville Jaguars​
• Carolina Panthers​
• AFC East team (determined by 2024 standings)​

Away Opponents

• Los Angeles Rams​
• San Francisco 49ers​
• Seattle Seahawks​
• Dallas Cowboys​
• New York Giants​
• Cleveland Browns​
• Cincinnati Bengals​
• AFC West team (determined by 2024 standings)​
• NFC North team (determined by 2024 standings)​

These matchups are set following the NFL's rotating schedule format, which ensures that teams face a variety of opponents from different divisions and conferences over a set period. The exact dates and times for these games will be announced when the NFL releases the full schedule, typically in May.