Oldest NFL Teams: Cardinals and Bears Since 1920

By Sarah Miller · September 24, 2050

The oldest NFL football teams are the Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears, both founded in 1920 as charter members of the league. These two franchises have the longest continuous history in professional American football.

Origins of the Oldest NFL Teams

The National Football League (NFL) was established in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before rebranding in 1922. Among the original teams, only two have remained in continuous operation with their founding lineage: the Arizona Cardinals and the Chicago Bears.

Founding Year and Original Names

The Arizona Cardinals began as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago in 1898 and joined the APFA in 1920 under the name Chicago Cardinals.
The Chicago Bears were established in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys by the A.E. Staley Company before moving to Chicago in 1921 and becoming the Bears in 1922.
Other early teams like the Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, and Buffalo All-Americans no longer exist or merged out of existence.

Historical Evolution of Longstanding Franchises

While several teams predate the NFL's formation, only the Cardinals and Bears trace uninterrupted franchise membership back to 1920. Over time, these teams underwent relocations, name changes, and ownership transitions while maintaining official NFL continuity.

Key Milestones

The Cardinals moved from Chicago to St. Louis in 1960, then to Phoenix in 1988, becoming the Arizona Cardinals in 1994.
The Bears, under legendary coach George Halas (who also played for the Decatur Staleys), helped shape the NFL’s structure and competitive standards.
Both teams won multiple championships before the Super Bowl era, contributing significantly to the league's growth.

Team	Founded	Original Name	First Season	Current City	Super Bowls Won	Championships Pre-Super Bowl
Arizona Cardinals	1898 (pro: 1920)	Chicago Cardinals	1920	Glendale, AZ	0	2 (1925, 1947, 1948*)
Chicago Bears	1920	Decatur Staleys	1920	Chicago, IL	1 (XX)	8 (including disputed 1920 title)
Green Bay Packers	1919	Green Bay Packers	1921	Green Bay, WI	4 (I, II, XXXI, XLV)	4
New York Giants	1925	New York Giants	1925	East Rutherford, NJ	4 (XXI, XXV, XLII, XLVI)	4
Dallas Cowboys	1960	Dallas Cowboys	1960	Arlington, TX	5 (VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)	0

Table data source:1, 2

The data highlights that while the Green Bay Packers were founded in 1919, they joined the NFL in 1921—making them the third-oldest active franchise. The Cardinals and Bears remain unique in having participated in the inaugural 1920 season. Despite the Cardinals' long history, they have never won a Super Bowl, whereas the Bears captured their sole Super Bowl victory in 1986 (Super Bowl XX).

Legacy and Cultural Impact

These early teams laid the foundation for modern professional football. Their longevity reflects organizational resilience, regional loyalty, and adaptability across generations.

Contributions to the NFL

The Bears, led by George Halas, advocated for standardized rules and league governance.
The Cardinals represent the last surviving team from the pre-NFL professional era.
Both teams have been instrumental in expanding the NFL's geographic reach through relocation and media presence.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Oldest NFL Teams

Which NFL team is the oldest still playing?

The Arizona Cardinals are the oldest continuously operating NFL team, having been part of the league since its founding in 1920. Though now based in Arizona, the franchise originated in Chicago and predates the NFL itself, starting as an amateur club in 1898.

What is the oldest original NFL team?

The Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears are the only two original NFL teams still active. Both were charter members of the American Professional Football Association in 1920, which became the NFL in 1922.

Did any NFL teams from the 1920s survive?

Yes, only the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals from the 1920 founding season still exist today. Other early franchises like the Akron Pros and Canton Bulldogs folded or merged by the mid-20th century.

Why are the Cardinals older than the Bears?

The Cardinals were formed as a club in 1898, eight years before the Bears (1906 as Decatur Staleys). However, both joined the NFL in 1920, making them equally historic in league terms. The Cardinals’ earlier founding gives them seniority in overall existence.

Which old NFL team has never won a Super Bowl?

The Arizona Cardinals have appeared in the Super Bowl once (XLIII) but have never won. They hold the distinction of being the oldest NFL franchise without a Super Bowl victory, despite winning championships in 1925 and 1947.