X
Skip to content

Best Players in Football Cardinals History

Throughout their history, the Chicago/St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals have not been a very successful franchise in the NFL. Nevertheless, since established as one of the charter teams in the league back in 1920, there have been players worthy of platitudes. Some 22 Hall of Famers has worn the jersey, while the franchise has advanced to the postseason 10 times.

Here’s a list of the best Birds in the history of the franchise

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a reception against the San Francisco 49ers
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a reception against the San Francisco 49ers // Christian Petersen - AFP

Aeneas Williams (1991-2000)

Williams didn’t miss a game during his 10 seasons with the Cardinals, one of the premier cornerbacks in the game. An interception in his first two games as a rookie, he had a total of 46 interceptions (franchise-leading six touchdowns) and 14 fumble recoveries (two touchdowns). Nine interceptions in 1994 led the NFL. He is also tied with the longest fumble return in NFL history (104 yards in 2000). Williams’ two interceptions in a 20-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in a playoff game in 1998 was a rare postseason franchise highlight. He was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Cards (1994-97), and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Cornerback Williams celebrates his fourth quarter interception of a pass intended for Freddie Mitchell of the Eagles in their NFC Championship game, 27 January 2002 // Scott Rovak – AFP

Charley Trippi (1947-1955)

Trippi did it all on both sides of the ball, described as a quintuple threat while one of the first stars of the franchise. He was crucial to the team’s first championship, part of the “Million-Dollar Backfield” that propelled the Chicago Cardinals to both the 1947 NFL championship and ‘48 title game. In the ‘47 win over the Philadelphia Eagles (28-21), he had 104 total yards and two touchdowns. There was also a 75-yard punt return. Primarily a running back, Trippi was also adept as a quarterback, punter, return man and defender. He ended with more than 3,500 rush yards (23 touchdowns), 11 receiving touchdowns and 16 touchdown passes. Add in 40.3 yards per punt, as well as four pass interceptions. He was a Hall of Fame enshrinee in 1968.

Dan Dierdorf (1971-1983)

Dierdorf, a preeminent offensive tackle of his era, anchored the line during one of the best three-season runs (1975-76) in the history of the franchise. Dierdorf didn’t miss a start, helping the St Louis Cardinals win at least 10 games each of those seasons, with two appearances in the playoffs. They finished in the top 10 in scoring and yardage in each of those seasons, also surrendering (unofficially) the fewest sacks. Earning a nod to six Pro Bowls between 1974-80, Dierdorf was entrenched on the line, starting each game (1972-76), then 1980 through 1982. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2000.

Larry Fitzgerald (2004-2020)

Discussion ends as to the greatest player in the history of this franchise. Fitzgerald, a former fourth-round choice in the draft, became the wide-receiver standard across the NFL. He was a key contributor to Arizona’s lone trip to the Super Bowl (XLIII in 2009). having missed only nine games in 17 years. In each of his first 16 seasons, he was targeted at least 100 times. Starting in Week 8 of his rookie season until his final game Dec. 26th, 2020 (span of 256 games), he had a catch in each game. That’s second to Jerry Rice’s record of 274. Fitzgerald also comes in second to Rice with 1,432 career receptions and 17,492 receiving yards (121 touchdowns). In nine postseason games, 57 catches (942 yards, 10 touchdowns). Selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times, there’s a Canton bust of him in the not-too-distant future.

 

Larry Wilson (1960-1972)

Recognized as the best defensive player in franchise history, Wilson’s tenure with the Birds coincided with the franchise’s arrival in Missouri. He was known as a hard-hitting, ballhawking safety who blitzed with abandon, throwing his body at the offensive player who either had the ball or was in Wilson’s way to find the ball. He ended with a franchise-best 52 interceptions (five touchdowns), 14 fumble recoveries (two touchdowns) and an unofficial 21 sacks, He was an eight-time Pro Bowl choice who spent an additional 30 years in the front office with the team. Making the Hall of Fame as a first-time eligible in 1978.

Let’s check the latest NFL news, stats, injury reports, and NFL picks

 

Did you find this article interesting?

Comments (0)