Detroit sent Pat Summerall to the Chicago Cardinals for cash…
Detroit sent Pat Summerall to the Chicago Cardinals for cash in September 1953. Pro Football Archives places the trade on September 22, one day earlier than the old row. Summerall then spent five seasons with Chicago as a kicker and defensive end, becoming a regular starter by 1956. The Cardinals gained durable football value for a cash-only return.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Pat Summerall
Detroit Lions Received
- other cash
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Summerall's Detroit career barely began before a broken arm interrupted his rookie season. The Lions then moved him to the Chicago Cardinals in September 1953. Pro Football Archives records the trade on September 22, while the older row used September 23; the player movement itself is clear, and Cardinals historical material confirms that Chicago obtained him from Detroit. The return was cash rather than another football asset.
What Chicago Cardinals Received
Chicago received a player who immediately became useful in more than one phase. Summerall appeared in every Cardinals game in 1953 and continued with the club through 1957. He kicked field goals and extra points while also playing defensive end, eventually starting regularly on defense. His five Chicago seasons supplied far more on-field value than Detroit had been able to extract from his injury-shortened rookie year.
What Detroit Lions Received
Detroit received cash and no documented player or draft selection. Cash could matter to a 1950s club, but it cannot be credited with downstream football production the way a player or identified choice can. The Lions were strong enough to win championships without Summerall, which softens the practical sting, yet it does not change the value of the asset Chicago acquired.
Final Verdict
Arizona Cardinals Win. Chicago earns an A- for obtaining five seasons of a useful kicker and defensive end at a minimal football cost. Detroit receives a C- because the cash return provided no traceable roster value, even though the Lions remained an elite team. Summerall's durability and expanding role make this a clear Cardinals success without suggesting that the move damaged Detroit's championship core.
Pat Summerall became a five-season Chicago Cardinal and handled both defensive-end and kicking duties, while Detroit received only cash for a player who developed into a durable contributor.