What Is 1920 Racine Cardinals football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1920 Racine Cardinals were a founding team in the American Professional Football Association, which later became the NFL. They played their first season in 1920 with a record of 6–2–1, finishing third in the league standings.

Key Facts

The 1920 Racine Cardinals were one of 14 charter teams in the American Professional Football Association (APFA), founded on August 20, 1920.
They played home games at Racine Park in Chicago, Illinois, named after the street, not the city of Racine, Wisconsin.
The team finished the 1920 season with a 6–2–1 record, placing third in the inaugural APFA standings.
Paddy Driscoll, a future Hall of Famer, played quarterback and halfback for the Cardinals in 1920.
The team was organized by Chris O'Brien and was originally known as the Morgan Athletic Club before becoming the Racine Cardinals.

Overview

The 1920 Racine Cardinals were a professional football team based in Chicago and one of the original franchises in what would become the National Football League. Formed from a neighborhood athletic club, the team played a pivotal role in the early organization of professional football in the United States.

Known for their maroon jerseys and strong local support, the Cardinals helped establish the legitimacy of professional football during a time when college football dominated public interest. Their participation in the inaugural season of the American Professional Football Association (APFA) laid the foundation for modern NFL competition.

Founded in 1913 as the Morgan Athletic Club, the team adopted the name Racine Cardinals in 1919 after moving to a field on Racine Avenue in Chicago.
On August 20, 1920, team representative Chris O'Brien attended the founding meeting of the APFA in Canton, Ohio, making the Cardinals a charter member.
The team played 9 games in 1920, recording a 6–2–1 win-loss-tie record, one of the best among the league’s founding teams.
Home games were held at Racine Park, a small field with minimal seating, reflecting the grassroots nature of early professional football.
Paddy Driscoll, a multi-talented athlete, served as player-coach and led the team in scoring with 48 total points during the season.

How It Works

The structure of early professional football relied on informal scheduling, regional rivalries, and self-governance among team owners. The 1920 season operated without a formal playoff system or standardized rules, making team performance and standings based on voluntary participation and reported results.

Charter Membership: The APFA was formed by team representatives from Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. The Racine Cardinals were one of 14 teams to join at the founding meeting in Canton.
Scheduling Flexibility: Teams arranged their own games; the Cardinals played regional opponents like the Decatur Staleys and Akron Pros in an unbalanced schedule.
Player Roles: Most athletes were part-time players with other jobs; Driscoll also played minor league baseball during the summer months.
Scoring System: In 1920, touchdowns were worth 5 points and field goals 3 points; Driscoll scored via 7 touchdowns and 5 extra points.
League Governance: There was no commissioner; decisions were made collectively by team owners, often leading to disputes over standings and championships.
Team Identity: The name 'Cardinals' came from the color of their jerseys; the team later became the Chicago Cardinals and eventually the Arizona Cardinals.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1920 Racine Cardinals to other founding APFA teams highlights their competitive strength and organizational stability.

Team	Record (W-L-T)	Points For	Points Against	Final Standing
Akron Pros	8–0–3	164	7	1st (undefeated)
Decatur Staleys	10–1–2	164	53	2nd
Racine Cardinals	6–2–1	137	45	3rd
Canton Bulldogs	7–2–1	119	40	4th
Dayton Triangles	5–2–2	188	65	5th

The Cardinals’ 6–2–1 record placed them among the top teams in the league, though they did not claim a championship. Their defense allowed only 45 points all season, the second-best in the league behind Akron. Unlike some teams that folded mid-season, the Cardinals maintained consistent operations, contributing to their long-term survival in the league.

Why It Matters

The 1920 Racine Cardinals represent a foundational chapter in NFL history, symbolizing the transition from amateur athletic clubs to organized professional sports. Their legacy endures in the modern Arizona Cardinals, the only charter APFA team still active today.

Historical Continuity: The Arizona Cardinals trace their origins directly to the 1920 Racine team, making them the oldest continuously operated professional football team.
League Formation: Their participation helped legitimize the APFA, which reorganized into the NFL in 1922.
Urban Roots: The team reflected Chicago’s working-class communities, drawing players and fans from local neighborhoods.
Player Development: Paddy Driscoll became a Hall of Famer, showcasing the talent emerging in early pro football.
Marketing Innovation: The use of animal nicknames and colored uniforms helped build team identity and fan loyalty.
Evolution of Rules: The 1920 season exposed the need for standardized schedules and officiating, leading to future league reforms.

Understanding the 1920 Racine Cardinals provides insight into the humble beginnings of a multi-billion-dollar industry. Their story underscores how community-based teams helped shape the structure and culture of professional football in America.