The 2009 Arizona Cardinals season was the franchise’s 90th season overall, the 72nd in the National Football League (NFL), and the fourth under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. The Cardinals finished the regular season with a 10–6 record, securing first place in the NFC West division—their first division title since the 1975 season when the team was based in St. Louis.
Regular season
- Record: 10 wins, 6 losses (division champion).
- Home stadium: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona.
- Key victories included a 28–21 win over the New England Patriots (Week 3) and a 31–24 victory against the San Diego Chargers (Week 16).
- The team’s three‑game losing streak (Weeks 9–11) was followed by a five‑game winning streak to close the regular season.
Coaching and personnel
- Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt (4th year).
- Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Fisher.
- Defensive Coordinator: Ray Harris.
- Starting quarterback: Kurt Warner started 12 games before a season‑ending thumb injury; backup quarterback Matt Leinart started the remaining games and the postseason.
Statistical leaders
- Passing: Kurt Warner – 3,739 yards, 27 touchdowns, 16 interceptions.
- Rushing: Tim Hightower – 575 yards, 7 touchdowns.
- Receiving: Larry Fitzgerald – 1,167 yards, 9 touchdowns.
Playoffs
The Cardinals earned a first‑round bye as the No. 3 seed in the NFC. In the NFC Divisional Round (January 10, 2010), they were defeated by the New Orleans Saints, 45–14, ending their postseason run.
Notable events
- The season marked the first time the Cardinals reached the playoffs since 1998 (as the Phoenix Cardinals).
- It was the final NFL season for quarterback Kurt Warner with the franchise; he retired after the 2010 season.
Overall, the 2009 campaign represented a significant improvement over the prior year’s 9–7 record, highlighted by a division championship and a playoff appearance.
