Chris O'Brien

"That's not maroon, it's cardinal red!"

- Chris O'brien unintentionally naming the Cardinals

Chris O'brien was born around 1881 in Chicago. Chris was a painting and decorating contractor before becoming involved in football. In 1898 he established the Morgan Athletic Club, he and his brother Pat also played on the team. Playing in Normal Park, O'brien decided to change the name of the team to the Normals, but when ordering the maroon colored uniforms he remarked: "That's not maroon, it's cardinal red!" and from that moment on, they were the Cardinals. Chris was one of the founders of the National Football League. Died in 1951.