Bears vs. Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry

In their early years, the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cardinals were two of the longest-lived teams in football, but their official records were destroyed by fire. This book uses newly available resources to document their battles, brawls, backroom deals, financial woes, and 40-year rivalry, featuring figures like Al Capone, Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, and Bronko Nagurski.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

In the early days of football, two iconic teams, the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cardinals, embarked on a remarkable journey across the country, often overlooked by the media. Despite their longstanding presence, both teams faced a tragic setback when their official records were destroyed by fire. However, their legacy lives on, albeit shrouded in uncertainty and misinformation. This book aims to shed light on the forgotten history of these two teams by utilizing newly discovered resources. It delves into the intense battles and brawls that took place on and off the field, revealing the intricate backroom deals, financial struggles, and a legendary 40-year rivalry that unfolded while both teams called Chicago their home. The book uncovers the untold stories of figures such as Al Capone, Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, and Bronko Nagurski, who played pivotal roles in shaping the fortunes of these two old adversaries. Their uneasy alliance played a crucial role in the survival and growth of the fledgling NFL, leaving a lasting impact on the sport's history.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476688510