GLENDALE, Ariz. — Art Gomez was the perfect person to ask. Not long before the Arizona Cardinals’ home kickoff Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, Gomez walked to his lower-level seats at State Farm Stadium. He wore a red T-shirt that proudly displayed his allegiance.

God first
Family second
Then Cardinals football

Although it rained here a couple weeks ago, these are dry times in the desert. At least in a football sense. The Cardinals, picked this season as a possible breakout team, have resorted to familiar form, eliminated from playoff contention. Many here are allergic to dust. The Cardinals, at times, appear allergic to success.

Historically, Arizona is among the least successful pro franchises. When the Cardinals relocated here in 1988, a local newspaper columnist acknowledged the moment but also presented an awkward question: “Do we really want the Cardinals rather than an expansion team?”

The Cardinals have had pockets of success. In 2015, they went 13-3 and lost to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship Game. In 2008, they went to the Super Bowl and were a Pittsburgh Steelers final drive from winning. But many seasons have brought heartache and frustration. This one ranks high on the list.

In Year 3 under coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals appeared to be positioned for a postseason run, their first since 2021. Instead, they have bottomed out, sinking like the Titanic to the bottom of the NFC West.

It’s so beyond sad to see this stadium like this. I remember a time when this was one of the best home fields in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/psMtrbynaT

— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) December 8, 2025

So the obvious question for Gomez and others like him, united in their support:

What’s it like to be a Cardinals fan?

A fan for nearly three decades and a season-ticket holder for nearly two, Gomez said it took a while — years — to get to where he wouldn’t take the losing so personally. These days, he gets over losses during the 30 minutes it takes to drive home.

“Once I’m home, I’m done,” Gomez said. “And hopefully, next week we’ll win. Every week is a new week.”

On cue, the Cardinals started quickly against the Rams. Jacoby Brissett hit tight end Trey McBride down the middle. McBride kept his legs moving and pulled defenders for a 27-yard pick-up. On the next play, Brissett again connected with McBride for 18 yards. One play later, Brissett found receiver Michael Wilson for a 19-yard touchdown.

Boom! The Cardinals led 7-0.

Then reality hit. Given too much time to operate, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford picked apart the Cardinals. Los Angeles running backs Blake Corum (128 rushing yards, two TDs) and Kyren Williams (84 and one) had running room. The Rams stormed ahead, 24-10.

At halftime, Julie Folden stood near the field. She had grown up in the Midwest, attending Cardinals games with her father when the organization was based in St. Louis. The habit followed here to Arizona. She compared cheering for the Cardinals to cheering for the Chicago Cubs, once baseball’s lovable losers. Like the Cubs, maybe the Cardinals’ time will come one day, too.

Not far away, Rick Cortez was easy to spot. The retired diesel mechanic wore a red Cardinals jersey, No. 69, complete with shoulder pads. He also wore a white Cardinals helmet, which had “Cortez” written in masking tape on the front. As Cortez walked the concourse, fans patted him on the shoulder pads, which he did not mind. Getting slapped on the helmet was a different story.

What’s it like to be a Cardinals fan?

“Well, sometimes it’s depressing, sometimes it’s exciting,” Cortez said. “They don’t call them the Cardiac Cardinals for nothing.”

Cortez grew up in Minnesota, a Vikings fan. When he moved to Arizona, he gained respect for the local team, which then played at Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University. Cortez got hooked and bought season tickets. He remained loyal and optimistic. On Sunday, he expected the Cardinals to rally in the second half.

They did not.

Stafford (281 passing yards, three TDs) showed why he’s a leading MVP candidate. Puka Nacua (167 receiving yards and two TDs) made nearly every difficult catch. The Rams cruised, 45-17, giving the Cardinals their second five-game losing streak of the season. In their last three division games, they’ve been outscored 130-61.

Gannon called the loss unacceptable. In the locker room, outside linebacker Josh Sweat was at a loss for words. Asked what Gannon told the team, Sweat said, “Same s—,  excuse my language.” In other words, back to work trying to find answers that haven’t surfaced. At 3-10, Arizona has four games left.

Earlier Sunday, JW Childers stood on the concourse. A Cardinals fan since the 1990s, he wore a No. 93 Calais Campbell jersey and an Arizona hat. He also had the Cardinals logo tattooed on his right calf muscle, one for each of his four children.

What’s it like to be a Cardinals fan?

“It sucks right now,” Childers said. “I’ve been through a lot of three-win years.”

What keeps him coming back? Childers didn’t hesitate.

“Hope,” he said.