Cardinals take flight – a century of Big Red football in the NFL

Staff | Arizona Republic

Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this article misstated Larry Fitzgerald's 2008 postseason catches and yards receiving.

The Arizona Cardinals are celebrating right along with the NFL as the league plays its 100th season in 2019. The Cardinals franchise is one of two, along with the Chicago Bears, who were there from day one and are still around. (The Green Bay Packers were in existence, but didn't join the NFL until 1921.)

Through all that time, the Cardinals haven't enjoyed a lot of success, but the team has a legacy of great players spanning the Chicago, St. Louis and current Arizona eras.

Arizona Republic sports writers Kent Somers and Bob McManaman put their heads together and came up with this list of the 100 top players in the franchise's history.

Nos. 100-91: What might have been?

For far different reasons, the careers of the men occupying the 99th and 100th spots on our list were defined by that question.

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Daryl Washington, a second-round pick in 2010, developed into one of the NFL’s best inside linebackers. But as he was hitting his prime he was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He missed four games in 2013, then was suspended indefinitely before the 2014 season. The suspension eventually was lifted but Washington never played in the NFL again.

Stan Mauldin, a 7th round pick in 1943, didn’t start his career until 1946, after flying 35 bombing missions in World War II. Mauldin started at tackle on the Cardinals 1947 championship team.

After the first game in 1948, he collapsed into the arms of his line coach, Phil Handler. Efforts to resuscitate Mauldin were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead. Mauldin was 27.

100. Stan Mauldin

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1946-48.

Team: Chicago Cardinals.

Stan Mauldin, selected in the seventh round of the 1943 NFL draft, appeared in 19 games for the Chicago Cardinals, starting 17 of them between 1946 and 1948. He died of a heart attack after a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

99. Daryl Washington

Position: Linebacker. Years: 2010-16.

Team: Arizona Cardinals.

Daryl Washington was a 2012 Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL Top 100 in 2013 and 2014. Washington was drafted with the 47th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. Over four seasons with the Cardinals he had 18 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles.

98. Jimmy Hill

Position: Cornerback. Years: 1955-66.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs.

As a Cardinal, James “Jimmy” Hill Jr. made 19 interceptions in nine seasons between 1955 and 1964, earning Pro Bowl honors in three consecutive years from 1960 to 1962. Hill started 86 out of 104 games for the Cardinals.

97. Cedric Mack

Position: Cornerback. Years: 1983-93.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Phoenix Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs.

After being drafted 44th overall in the 1983 NFL draft, Cedric Mack made 20 interceptions in 78 starts for the Cardinals up until 1990.

96. Rob Moore

Dave Cruz / The Republic

Position: Receiver. Years: 1990-99

New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals.

Rob Moore joined the Cardinals for the 1995 season and proceeded to catch 63 passes for over 900 total yards. In the next two seasons, the two-time Pro Bowler caught 155 passes for 1,600 yards. The 6-foot-3 wideout led the NFL in receiving yards and average receiving yards per game in 1997 and was named First-Team All-Pro. Moore joined Arizona after playing five seasons for the New Jets, where he was selected first overall in the 1990 NFL Supplemental Draft. He is also the older brother of former New York Jet, Brandon Moore.

95. Reggie Wells

Position: Offensive guard. Years: 2003-12

Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers.

Reggie Wells played seven seasons for the Cardinals between 2003 and 2009, starting 88 of 111 games at left guard or tackle. He was selected by Arizona in the 6th round, 177th overall, in the 2003 NFL draft.

94. Chuck Walker

Position: Defensive tackle. Years: 1964-75.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons.

Chuck Walker played nearly nine seasons for the Cardinals, starting in 1964 after being drafted in the 12th round (157th overall). He was selected to his first and only Pro Bowl in 1966 and was named First-Team All-Pro in 1969.

93. Bob Rowe

Position: Defensive tackle. Years: 1967-75.

Team: St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals selected Bob Rowe 67th overall in the 1967 NFL draft. Rowe would earn a Pro Bowl selection in 1968 and as a defensive tackle and defensive end, Rowe made two interceptions in 1969.

92. Kwamie Lassiter

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Position: Safety. Years: 1995-2004.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams.

After joining as an undrafted free agent in 1995, Kwamie Lassiter played eight seasons for the Cardinals. The defensive back earned a starting position in 1998 and led the Cardinals with eight interceptions. His tight coverage continued, making 24 total interceptions with Arizona and a career-high of nine in 2001. He was later named as an alternate Pro Bowl selection that year. Lassiter suddenly passed away in January due to a heart attack after a workout.

91. Jim Otis

Position: Fullback. Years: 1970-78.

Teams: New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals.

After beginning his career with the New Orleans Saints in 1970 and later playing two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Jim Otis was acquired by the Cardinals in 1973, playing six seasons. Otis started 55 of games 80 games, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1975.

Nos. 90-81: A winner under center

Charley Johnson accomplished something rare among Cardinals starting quarterbacks – he won games. From 1960 through 2018, only two regular starting quarterbacks had a winning record with the Cardinals.

Johnson was first, compiling a 36-28-5 record from 1962-66. It didn’t happen again until Carson Palmer came to town. He went 38-21-1 as a starter.

Because some might ask, Kurt Warner was 27-30 as a Cardinals starter.

90. Bill Koman

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1956-67.

Teams: Baltimore Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Cardinals, St. Louis Cardinals

Bill Koman, linebacker for iterations of the team in both Chicago and St. Louis from 1959-1967, started 114 games for the Cardinals. He made two Pro Bowl appearances and is top-100 all-time in recovered fumbles in the NFL with 21 in his career.

89. J.T. Smith

Herb Weitman / US Presswire

Position: Wide receiver. Years: 1978-90.

Teams: Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals.

J.T. Smith played with the team through their move from St. Louis to Phoenix from 1985-1990. The undrafted wide receiver went to the Pro Bowl in 1998, the season after he reached career highs of 91 receptions for 1117 yards.

88. Joe Bostic

Position: Guard/Tackle. Years: 1978-88.

Team: St. Louis Cardinals.

Joe Bostic played for the Cardinals his entire decade-long career, starting 115 games from 1979 to 1988. After one season as a tackle, he spent most of his career as a guard.

87. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Position: Cornerback. Years: 2008-present.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie started his career with the Cardinals after being selected 16th in the 2008 draft; he went to the Pro Bowl his sophomore season. In three years with Arizona, DRC defended 61 passes, totaled 320 reception return yards and threw 134 tackles.

86. Leonard Smith

Position: Defensive back. Years: 1983-91.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Buffalo Bills.

Leonard Smith returned six interceptions for 132 yards in five and a half seasons with the Cardinals. He led the league in non-offensive touchdowns (six) in 1987 and interceptions returned for touchdowns (nine) in 1984.

85. Antrel Rolle

Tim Koors/azcentral sports

Position: Safety. Years: 2005-15.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, Chicago Bears.

An eighth-overall pick in 2005, Antrel Rolle’s best year for the Cardinals came in 2007, when he made five interceptions for 231 yards and threw 62 tackles. In five years with the Cardinals, he totaled 335 tackles, was named Player of the Week three times and went to one Pro Bowl.

84. E.J. Junior

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1981-93.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In eight years with the Cardinals in the 1980s, E.J. Junior totaled 186 reception return yards, made 42 tackles and had 24.5 sacks. He went to the Pro Bowl for two consecutive years and was named to the First-Team All Pro in 1984, the season he had 9.5 sacks.

83. Derek Kennard

George Rose / Getty Images

Position: Guard/Center. Years: 1986-96.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys.

Derek Kennard was drafted by the Cardinals in 1984 and joined them in 1986 after his previous league, the USFL, folded. He became a regular starter at second and was once an alternate Pro Bowl selection; in 73 games, he was tabbed for 40 starts in a row.

82. Irv Goode

Position: Guard. Years: 1962-74.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Dolphins.

Irv Goode, a first-round draft pick in 1962, spent almost a decade as a regular starting guard in St. Louis. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice and started 131 of his 134 career games for the Cardinals.

81. Charley Johnson

Position: Quarterback. Years: 1961-75.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Oilers, Denver Broncos.

Charley Johnson was the Cardinals’ starting quarterback for five years in the 1960s and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1963. The following season, he hit career highs of 223 completed passes and 3,045 yards gained by passing; even after over half a century, he is still in the NFL’s top 100 for his career totals in yards per pass attempt, passing touchdowns, game-winning drives and sack percentage.

Nos. 80-71: Top-10 picks

This group includes two top-10 picks. Linebacker Jamir Miller (10th, 1994) took a while to develop as a Cardinal. Just as he hit his prime, the team allowed him to leave for Cleveland via free agency.

Offensive lineman Leonard Davis (2nd, 2001) began his career as a guard, then moved to tackle. Turns out, he was far better at guard. After six years in Arizona, Davis was signed with Dallas and made the Pro Bowl his first three seasons there, as a guard.

80. Neil Rackers

Position: Kicker. Years: 2000-11.

Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans.

Neil Rackers played three seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals before playing seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Most notably, Rackers led the NFL in field goal attempts and conversion percentage in 2005, earning him a Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selection. He also led the league in conversion percentage in 2009.

79. Jamir Miller

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1994-2001.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns.

Arizona selected Jamir Miller 10th overall in the 1994 NFL draft. In five seasons with the Cardinals, the outside linebacker made 240 solo tackles and averaged 13.5 sacks.

78. David Galloway

Position: Defensive tackle/Defensive end/Nose tackle. Years: 1982-90.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Denver Broncos.

David Galloway played eight seasons with the Cardinals, making 36 sacks, including a career-high of 12 in 1983. The Cardinals selected Galloway with the 38th overall pick in the 1982 NFL draft.

77. Johnny Roland

Position: Running back. Years: 1966-73.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants.

The Cardinals selected Johnny Roland in the fourth round of the 1965 NFL draft and went on to earn Pro Bowl honors in is first two seasons. During that span, Roland rushed 426 times for 1,571 yards, scoring 15 touchdowns. In seven seasons, playing nearly 100 games for Arizona, Roland rushed for more than 3,600 yards and scored 27 touchdowns.

76. Leonard Davis

Emmanuel Lozano / The Republic

Position: Guard/Tackle. Years: 2001-12.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers.

Leonard Davis was drafted by the Cardinals with the second overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft and went on to play his first six seasons as a left tackle and guard. Davis played on both sides of the offensive line and did not miss a start. Davis made the NFL All-Rookie team.

75. Dale Meinert

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1958-67.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, St. Louis Cardinals.

Although drafted by the Baltimore Colts with the 88th overall pick in the 1955 NFL draft, Dale Meinert was a Cardinals-lifer in the NFL. Between draft day and joining the Cardinals in 1958, Meinert suited up for the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League. As a Cardinal, he not only played middle linebacker, but also as an interior offensive lineman, being selected as a Pro Bowler in 1963, 1965 and 1967.

74. Bob DeMarco

Position: Center. Years: 1961-75.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams

Along with Meinert, Bob DeMarco was named a Pro Bowler in each of the same three seasons, adding First-Team All-Pro honors in 1967 and 1969. The Cardinals drafted DeMarco in the 14th round of the 1960 draft.

73. Rich Camarillo

Position: Punter. Years: 1987-1996.

Teams: New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Phoenix Cardinals, Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders.

After stints with the Patriots and the Rams, Rich Camarillo joined the Cardinals in 1989. In five seasons, he was selected to the Pro Bowl in the last four, leading the NFL in punting net yard average in 1991 and 1992. Camarillo also holds the league playoff record for highest punting average (44.5).

72. Mark Arneson

Herb Weitman / USA TODAY Sports

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1972-80.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals

An Arizona homegrown and Cardinals-lifer, Mark Anderson attended Palo Verde High School in Tucson before attending the University of Arizona. As a Wildcat, Arneson broke into the top 10 in career total tackles and career assisted tackles before being inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame. He was selected 32nd overall in the 1972 NFL draft, where he played nine seasons as a coverage linebacker.

71. Bob Reynolds

Position: Offensive tackle. Years: 1963-73.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, New England Patriots.

Bob Reynolds played ten seasons with the Cardinals after being drafted in the second round of the 1963 NFL draft, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1966, 1968-69. He would play the remainder of his 12 total seasons with the New England Patriots, who selected Reynolds in the 163 AFL draft.

Nos. 70-61: Fulfilling their promise

Pat Tillman would be the first person to say he wasn’t gifted athletically, at least not compared to other NFL players. And had he not enlisted in the Army in 2002, he likely would have lost his starting safety job to Adrian Wilson. But Tillman was a very good NFL player and had an astounding 237 tackles in his final two seasons.

He’s one of several players in this group who fulfilled every ounce of their potential. There is not an underachiever in the bunch.

70. Pat Tillman

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Profile: Pat Tillman

Position: Safety. Years: 1998-2001.

Team: Arizona Cardinals.

Pat Tillman played the entirety of his four-year career with the Cardinals. He started all 16 games his third season in 2000, when he made 145 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In 2002, he left the Cardinals to enlist in the Army. In 2004 Tillman was killed in combat in Afghanistan.

69. Lonnie Young

Position: Defensive back. Years: 1985-96.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers.

Lonnie Young began a 12-year career with the Cardinals; he was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team in 1985 and became a starting free safety in 1986. In six years with the Cardinals, he intercepted eight passes for 42 yards and made 473 tackles.

68. Jay Novacek

Position: Tight end. Years: 1985-95.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys.

In 1985, Jay Novacek started his career as a wide receiver that mainly played on special teams. Although he started only six games of the 63 he played with the Cardinals and struggled with injury throughout his career, he totaled 83 receptions for 1054 yards and eight touchdowns.

67. Tyrann Mathieu

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Photos: Tyrann Mathieu

Position: Safety. Years: 2013-present.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs

After competing when he first joined the team for a starting position as free safety in 2013, Tyrann Mathieu’s breakout season came in 2015, when he made five interceptions for 92 yards, defended 17 passes, made 89 tackles and was named to the First-Team All-Pro.

66. Lyle Sendlein

Position: Center. Years: 2007-15.

Team: Arizona Cardinals.

Undrafted Lyle Sendlein spent all nine seasons of his career with the Cardinals, becoming a starter at center his sophomore year and making 14 career tackles. He started four games in the run to the Cardinals’ 2008 Super Bowl appearance.

65. Lance Smith

Position: Guard. Years: 1985-96.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants.

After being drafted 72nd overall in 1985, Lance Smith spent nine seasons with the Cardinals, taking over as starting right guard his third season in 1987.

64. MacArthur Lane

Position: Running back. Years: 1968-78.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs.

MacArthur Lane began his career in 1968 with four years as a Cardinal. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1970, when he rushed for 977 yards and an NFL-leading 11 touchdowns.

63. Bobby Joe Conrad

Position: Wide receiver. Years: 1958-69.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys.

A rookie starter in 1958, Bobby Joe Conrad played 11 years with the Cardinals. He was named to the Pro and All-Pro Bowl in two consecutive years after he made a career-high 73 receptions for 967 yards in 1963.

62. Michael Bankston

Peter Brouillet / USA TODAY Sports

Position: Defensive end. Years: 1992-2000.

Teams: Phoenix Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals.

After debuting as a nose tackle in 1992, Michael Bankston led the NFL in fumbles recovered with five in 1993 and became a starting defensive end in 1994. In six years with the Cardinals he had 16.5 sacks and 433 tackles.

61. Al "Bubba" Baker

Position: Defensive end. Years: 1978-90.

Teams: Detroit Lions, St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings.

Al "Bubba" Baker made at least ten sacks in three out of his four seasons with the Cardinals. When he first joined the Cardinals in 1983, he made two receptions, recovered two fumbles and made a career-high 13 sacks.

Nos. 60-51: Climbing the rankings

An argument could be made that fullback Ron Wolfley, who made four Pro Bowls, is ranked too low. But that argument could be made for several others in this group as well.

Ken Harvey, Bertrand Berry and Chandler Jones were/are elite pass rushers. Linebacker Ronald McKinnon started 119 games in 9 seasons and missed just three games in 10 NFL seasons.

David Johnson likely will climb in the rankings before he retires. Vai Sikahema was among the best punt returners in the NFL. Paul Christman was the starting quarterback when the Cardinals won a championship.

60. John David Crow

Position: Halfback. Years: 1958-68.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers.

The Cardinals drafted John David Crow second overall in the 1958 draft, which led to three Pro Bowl selections in seven seasons and lead the NFL with the most running yards from scrimmage in 1960.

59. Eric Swann

Position: Defensive tackle. Years: 1991-2000.

Teams: Phoenix Cardinals, Carolina Panthers.

After the Cardinals selected Eric Swann with the sixth overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, Swann plugged the middle of the defensive line, making more than 45 sacks in nine seasons. Swann had a career-high eight sacks in 1995, sparking back-to-back Pro Bowl Selection in 1995 and 1996.

58. Paul Christman

Position: Quarterback. Years: 1945-50.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, Green Bay Packers.

Paul Christman led the 1947 Chicago Cardinals to a championship ring against the Philadelphia Eagles. The play-caller suited up for the Cardinals for five seasons and then played one season for the Green Bay Packers. After his last season in 1950, Christman joined the CBS football broadcasting team, covering the Cardinals in 1958 and 1959 and called Super Bowl I in 1967.He was selected in the 1941 NFL Draft at 13th overall.

57. Vai Sikahema

Position: Special teams/Running back. Years: 1986-93.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles.

Vai Sikahema was the first Tongan to ever play in the NFL and was drafted by the Cardinals in the 10th round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He led the NFL in punt return yards in his first two seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in both and NFL All-Pro honors in 1987. Sikahema attended Mesa High School. His cousin, Deuce Lutui, also played for the Cardinals.

56. David Johnson

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Photos: Cardinals running back David Johnson

Position: Running back. Years: 2015-present.

Team: Arizona Cardinals.

David Johnson is a five-year veteran for the Cardinals after being drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. In 2016, Johnson led the league in touches, yards from scrimmage (2,118) and total touchdowns (20). His performane earned him his first and only Pro Bowl selection as well as NFL First-Team All-Pro honors.

55. Ron Wolfley

Position: Fullback/Special teams. Years: 1985-95.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams.

Drafted in 1985 by the Cardinals, Ron Wolfley went on to earn four straight Pro Bowl selections, starting in 1986. A part of a rotating running back corps, Wolfley was a Pro Bowler despite starting just six games in those four those four years. He played seven seasons for the Cardinals.

54. Ronald McKinnon

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1996-2005.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints.

Ronald McKinnon played his first nine of his total 10 seasons with the Cardinals after being signed by Arizona in 1996. He started 120 of 157 games, mostly as a middle linebacker.

53. Chandler Jones

Position: Linebacker. Years: 2012-present.

Teams: New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals.

Chandler Jones joined Arizona in 2016 and led the league in sacks, in addition to tackles for a loss in 2017. His performance earned him First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection. He’s started every game for the Cardinals.

52. Bertrand Berry

Position: Defensive end. Years: 1997-2009.

Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals.

In his first season with the Cardinals in 2004, Bertrand Berry was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl after making a career-high 14.5 sacks and 39 solo tackles. He played defensive line and outside linebacker, retiring as a Cardinal in 2009.

51. Ken Harvey

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1988-98.

Teams: Phoenix Cardinals, Washington Redskins.

Ken Harvey was the Cardinals’ first pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, where he played his first six seasons. Harvey made 10 sacks in 1990, his second-most in one season.

Nos. 50-41: Defensive standouts

In his five seasons as a Cardinals, Simeon Rice entertained and infuriated Cardinals management and fans. And he also sacked the quarterback a lot, 53.5 times, third most in franchise history. His 12.5 sacks in 1996 set an NFL record for a rookie.

Rice also set an unofficial franchise record for contract squabbles. He signed with Tampa Bay in 2001 and finished his career with 122 sacks.

50. Terry Metcalf

Position: Running back/Special teams. Years: 1973-81.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Redskins.

Terry Metcalf was named to the Pro Bowl three times in five seasons with the Cardinals, where he rushed for 3,438 yards and received for 1,862. He rushed for a touchdown in the 1974 Cardinals playoff run and is 28th in league history with a career 4.6 yards per rushing attempt.

49. Elmer Angsman

Position: Running back. Years: 1946-52.

Team: Chicago Cardinals.

A Cardinal for his entire seven-year career, Elmer Angsman became a starting right halfback in 1948 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1950. He spent three seasons in the Top 10 of the NFL in both rushing yards and yards per touch; he helped carry the Chicago Cardinals to their 1947 championship, putting up 159 yards and two touchdowns in the final game.

48. Larry Stallings

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1963-76.

Team: St. Louis Cardinals.

Larry Stalling played for the Cardinals for over a decade from 1963-1976 and was honored with one Pro Bowl selection in 1970, the year after he returned a fumble for a career-high 62 yards. He started 175 of the 181 games he played in St. Louis.

47. Pat Harder

Position: Fullback/Kicker. Years: 1946-53.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, Detroit Lions.

Pat Harder joined the Cardinals as the second overall pick in the 1946 draft and became part of their “Million Dollar Backfield”, which helped them to their championship victory. He played for the Cardinals for five seasons, becoming the first player in the NFL to ever top 100 points three seasons in a row and making it to the Pro Bowl in 1950; he rushed for 2371 yards and 25 touchdowns in 550 games in Chicago.

46. Simeon Rice

Dave Crus / The Republic

Position: Defensive end. Years: 1996-2007.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts.

Simeon Rice began his NFL career when the Cardinals selected him third overall in 1996, becoming full-time starter at defensive end in 1998 and getting named to his first Pro Bowl in 1999. In five seasons with Arizona, Rice racked up 220 tackles and 51.5 sacks; by the time his NFL career concluded in 2007, he was 20th in sacks in NFL history with 122.

45. Curtis Greer

Position: Defensive end. Years: 1980-87.

Team: St. Louis Cardinals.

Curtis Greer spent his entire seven-year NFL career in St. Louis, becoming a full-time starter in his third year in 1982. He topped 14 sacks in consecutive years in 1983 and 1984; despite a knee injury which prevented him from playing the entire 1986 season, he returned for a final season with the Cardinals in 1987, where he put up another six sacks to finish out his NFL career.

44. Pat Fischer

Position: Cornerback. Years: 1961-77.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Redskins.

Pat Fischer spent some of the best years of a seventeen-year career in St. Louis in the 1960s. He was named to the First-Team All-Pro in 1965, the year he made 10 interceptions for 164 return yards and two touchdowns; in seven years with the Cardinals, he made 29 interceptions for 529 yards in 72 games.

43. Darnell Dockett

Position: Defensive tackle. Years: 2004-14.

Team: Arizona Cardinals.

In a decade-long career with Arizona, Darnell Dockett was named to the Pro Bowl three times, including consecutive appearances in 2009 and 2010 when he topped five sacks and 50 tackles both seasons. In 2008, Dockett made three sacks and 10 solo tackles en route to the Cardinals’ Super Bowl appearance.

42. Bob Young

Position: Guard. Years: 1966-81.

Teams: Denver Broncos, Houston Oilers, St. Louis Cardinals, New Orleans Saints.

Partially credited for making weightlifting a standard part of NFL training, Bob Young played for the Cardinals from 1972-1979; he was named to consecutive Pro Bowls and made First-Team All-Pro in 1979. In the midst of starting 87 games for the Cardinals, Young competed and placed second in the World’s Strongest Man contest in 1977.

41. Frank Sanders

Position: Wide receiver. Years: 1995-2003.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens.

In eight years with Arizona, Frank Sanders made 493 receptions for 6,579 yards and 24 touchdowns. In 1998, he was second in the NFL with 89 receptions and eighth with 1,145 receiving yards.

Nos. 40-31: Tough guys

That’s how most of the players in this group could be defined. Safety Tim McDonald was smart and physical. No one messed with linebacker Eric Hill. Quarterback Carson Palmer played through injuries that would have sidelined others. Calais Campbell missed only seven games in nine seasons. Dobler treated the rules like they were suggestions but he was a member of the best offensive line in team history.

40. Jake Plummer

Paul F. Gero / The Republic

Position: Quarterback. Years: 1997-2006.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos.

Drafted by the Cardinals in the 1997 NFL Draft, Jake Plummer played his first six seasons in red. In 1998, Plummer led the league in 4th quarter comebacks and game-winning drives. Plummer is third in the franchise’s all-time franchise category.

39. Eric Hill

Position: Linebacker. Years: 1989-99.

Teams: Phoenix Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, San Diego Chargers.

Eric Hill played nine seasons for the Cardinals after being drafted 10th overall in the 1989 NFL Draft. He made nearly 900 tackles in 133 games.

38. Conrad Dobler

Position: Guard. Years: 1972-81.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills.

The three-time Pro Bowler played seasons at guard for the Cardinals, missing just three games. Conrad Dobler quickly built a dynamic partnership with fellow offensive lineman Dan Dierdorf. Dobler was infamously known for his intimidating and gritty style of play.

37. Calais Campbell

Position: Defensive lineman. Years: 2008-18.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars.

Calais Campbell played his first nine seasons with the Cardinals and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2015, the first as a defensive and another as a defensive tackle. He’s ranked in the top 30 active players for most tackles, top 10 for active players with the most sacks and has ranked in the NFL Top 100 each year since 2015. His brother, Jared, was briefly with Arizona as a practice squad player in 2015.

36. Ernie McMillan

Position: Offensive tackle. Years: 1961-75.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers.

All but one of Ernie McMillan’s 16 seaons in the NFL were with the Cardinals, starting in 1961, when he was drafted in the 13th round. He was a Pro Bowler in 1965, 1967 and 1969-70. In 190 games played throughout his career, McMillan started all but five. His son, Erik, also played in the NFL.

35. Sonny Randle

Position: Wide receiver. Years: 1959-68.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys.

Sonny Randle had his best season in 1960, when he was selected to the Pro Bowl and named a First-Team All-Pro wide receiver, catching a career-high 15 touchdowns. The Cardinals drafted Randle in the 19th round in the 1958 round.

34. Tootie Robbins

Herb Weitman / US Presswire

Position: Offensive tackle. Years: 1982-93.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers.

James Robbins, or Tootie, played his 10 first seasons in the NFL with the Cardinals, starting in 1982. Tootie was selected 90th overall in the NFL Draft.

33. Carson Palmer

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Carson Palmer's Career Through Photos

Position: Quarterback. Years: 2004-17.

Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals.

Carson Palmer joined the Cardinals in 2013 and continued the success he had with the Bengals and Raiders, breaking more than 10 single-season and single-game records during his first three campaigns. In 2015, Palmer arguably had his best season, throwing more than 4,600 yards, leading the league in quarterback rating and earning his third career Pro Bowl selection. Palmer led the Cardinals to the 2015 NFC Championship game after winning a franchise-best 13 games. Palmer retired as a Cardinal after the 2017 season, ranking fourth in all-time passing and is a member of the Ring of Honor.

32. Stump Mitchell

US Presswire

Position: Running back. Years: 1981-89.

Teams: St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals.

Lyvonia “Stump” Mitchell was a Cardinal lifer. Drafted in the 9th round of the 1981 NFL Draft, Mitchell rushed for more than 4,600 yards and scored 32 touchdowns. Mitchell’s rookie season was highlighted by his league-leading kick-off returns, running kicks back for more than 1,200 yards.

31. Tim McDonald

US Presswire

Position: Safety. Years: 1987-99.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers.

Drafted in the 2nd round of the 1987 NFL Draft, Tim McDonald played his first six seasons for the Cardinals, where he earned Pro Bowl honors in 1989, 1991-92. Tim is the father of current NFL safety, T.J. McDonald.

Nos. 30-21: Ring of Honor

Safety Adrian Wilson is in the team’s ring of honor. Larry Centers and Jim Bakken should be.

Mel Gray started just six games in his first two years, but when Don Coryell was hired as coach in 1973, he immediately made Gray a big part of the offense.

Dansby was a standout in each of his three stints with the team and should have made the Pro Bowl at least once in his career.

30. Karlos Dansby

Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports

Position: Linebacker. Years: 2004-17.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals.

After starting his NFL career with the Cardinals in 2004, Karlos Dansby left for other teams and then returned twice, coming back for the last time in 2017 to finish out his career in Arizona. He was named to the All-Rookie team in 2004 when he made 60 tackles and five sacks; in 2009, he scored a touchdown in the Cardinals’ postseason run.

29. Neil Lomax

Dennis Cook, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Position: Quarterback. Years: 1981-88.

Teams: St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals.

Neil Lomax played for the Cardinals in the 1980’s, when he was named to two Pro Bowls, including one in 1987 when he led the NFL in passes completed (275) and passing yards (3,387). His career 22,000 passing yards for 136 touchdowns is the second best in franchise history.

28. Mel Gray

Herb Weitman / US Presswire

Position: Wide receiver. Years: 1971-82.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals.

Mel Gray spent his entire career with the Cardinals from 1971-1982 and was named to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1974-1977, including one All-Pro appearance in 1975 when he led the NFL with 11 touchdowns. In his career, he made 351 receptions for 6,644 yards and 45 touchdowns.

27. Freddie Joe Nunn

Peter Brouillet / USA TODAY Sports

Position: Defensive end/Linebacker. Years: 1985-96.

Teams: St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts.

Beginning in his rookie year in 1985, when he made 84 tackles and three sacks, Freddie Joe Nunn started every game for the Cardinals for the first seven seasons he was with the team even as he switched positions from linebacker to defensive end and back again. In nine years with the Cardinals, he totalled 66.5 sacks, 439 tackles and recovered 11 fumbles.

26. Ken Gray

Herb Weitman / US Presswire

Position: Offensive guard. Years: 1958-70.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, Houston Oilers.

Ken Gray spent 12 seasons with the Cardinals starting in 1958, where he was named to six Pro Bowls, two All-Pro selections and the NFL’s All-1960’s team. Starting 143 of the 162 games he played with the Cardinals, Gray spent his rookie year at defensive end before switching to guard for the rest of his career.

25. Tom Banks

Herb Weitman / USA TODAY Sports

Position: Center/Guard. Years: 1971-80.

Team: St. Louis Cardinals.

After a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 1974 season, Tom Banks returned to be named to four consecutive Pro Bowls and one First-Team All-Pro from 1975-1978. He spent his entire 10-season NFL career with the Cardinals, where he started 110 of the 116 games he played for St. Louis.

24. Jim Bakken

Herb Weitman / US Presswire

Position: Kicker. Years: 1962-78.

Team: St. Louis Cardinals.

Jim Bakken spent almost two decades kicking for the Cardinals, getting named to four Pro Bowls; in 1967, he led the NFL in points scored (1170) and field goals made (27). He was money on the extra point, making 96.6% of his attempts through his career. His 534 extra points still sits at 23rd best on the NFL all-time list.

23. Pat Tilley

Herb Weitman / US Presswire

Position: Wide receiver. Years: 1976-86.

Team: St. Louis Cardinals.

Pat Tilley spent a decade with the Cardinals from 1976 to 1986 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1980, when he made 68 receptions for 966 yards and six touchdowns. In his 147 career games in St. Louis, he made 468 receptions for 7,005 yards and 37 touchdowns.

22. Larry Centers

Eric Drotter / Associated Press

Position: Fullback. Years: 1990-2003.

Teams: Phoenix Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots.

Larry Centers was named to the First Team All-Pro in 1996, the year he was fourth in the NFL in receptions (99) and eighth in yards per touch (5.5). He topped 100 receptions in 1995; he made two Pro Bowl appearances and started 67 games in his nine seasons with the Cardinals. He left having caught the most passes of any Cardinal in franchise history.

21. Adrian Wilson

Matt York / Associated Press

Position: Safety. Years: 2001-12.

Team: Arizona Cardinals.

A third-round draft pick in 2001, Adrian Wilson rose from bench player to prominent starter, getting named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2006 when he recovered two fumbles for 99 yards and made 82 tackles. He went on to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2008-2011, including one All-Pro in 2009; his career 99 passes defended sits as 54th best in NFL history.

Nos. 20-11: Iowa connection

Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of Duke Slater. Not many people have. But for much of the 1920s, he was one of a handful of African Americans playing in the NFL. In 1927 and 1929, he was the only one.

Slater also was a great player and has increasing support for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Slater was from Clinton, Iowa, the hometown of current running back David Johnson. They graduated from Clinton High nearly 100 years apart.

20. Anquan Boldin

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Former Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin retires

Position: Wide receiver. Years: 2003-16.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions.

Less than 100 NFL players have made the Pro Bowl in their rookie season, Anquan Boldin became one of them in 2003 after being drafted by Arizona with the 54th overall pick. That year, Boldin caught more than 100 passes for more than 1,300 yards, third-most in his career. Despite missing the Pro Bowl in 2005 after an averaged 100 yards receiving, Boldin would be selected twice more. Boldin ranks in the top 10 for career receptions. Boldin retired in 2016.

19. Luis Sharpe

George Rose / Getty Images

Position: Offensive tackle. Years: 1982-94.

Teams: St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals.

One of five Cuban-born players to appear for an NFL team, Luis Sharpe was the Cardinals’ first selection in the 1982 NFL Draft. Sharpe started as a right tackle for 189 games, all with the Cardinals.

18. Roy Green

Michael Meister / The Republic

Position: Wide receiver. Years: 1979-92.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles.

Roy Green played his first 12 seasons for the Cardinals after being drafted in the 4th round of the 1979 NFL Draft. His best years were in 1983-84, when he led the league in receiving touchdowns in the first and yards, yards per game in 1984. Green received First-Team All-Pro in both years as well as Pro Bowl selections. Green is second in the franchise’s all-time receiving category.

17. Ottis Anderson

Herb Weitman / USA TODAY Sports

Position: Running back. Years: 1979-92.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants.

In nearly eight seasons with the Cardinals, O.J. Anderson earned Pro Bowl selection in his first two seasons along with First-Team All-Pro honors in the latter. Anderson rushed for at least 1,300 yards his first three years. In total, Anderson rushed more than 2,500 times, earning more than 10,000 yards. He is the Cardinals all-time rushing leader. The Cardinals drafted Anderson 8th overall in the 1979 NFL Draft.

16. Jim Hart

Herb Weitman / US Presswire

Position: Quarterback. Years: 1966-84.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Redskins.

Jim Hart, the Cardinals all-time passing leader played 18 seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in four seasons consecutively, starting in 1974. Hart finished his career after the 1985 campaign, ranking in the top 10 in more than 20 different categories at least once.

15. Patrick Peterson

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Photos: Patrick Peterson through the years

Position: Cornerback. Years: 2011-present.

Team: Arizona Cardinals.

Patrick Peterson broke one single-game record and two other single-season records during his rookie year in 2011. Since being drafted 5th overall, Peterson has made at least two interceptions in all but one season and has made the Pro Bowl every season. He’s been selected to the NFL First-Team All-Pro list in three of them.

14. Kurt Warner

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Profile: Kurt Warner

Position: Quarterback. Years: 1998-2009.

Teams: St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals.

The only Cardinals quarterback to lead the franchise into a Super Bowl, Kurt Warner is a Hall of Famer, as well as a member of the Cardinals Ring of Honor. Warner was also a Pro Bowler in that 2008 season, throwing for more than 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns in the playoffs. Warner retired in 2009.

13. Marshall Goldberg

Associated Press

Position: Halfback/Defensive back. Years: 1939-48.

Teams: 1939-48.

Drafted 12th overall in the 1939 NFL Draft, Marshall Goldberg was an all-purpose tailback, rushing for more than 1,600 yards on 476 attempts and catching 60 passes for 775 yards. Goldberg’s numbers on the field reflect eight seasons as a Cardinal, split due to Goldberg’s service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His jersey number is one of just five players retired by the Cardinals.

12. Paddy Driscoll

Associated Press

Position: Quarterback. Years: 1920-29.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, Chicago Bears.

John “Paddy" Driscoll was one of 12 Cardinals to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Driscoll was named to the First-Team All-Pro list six seasons and won a championship in 1925. In addition to football, Driscoll played third base for the 1917 Chicago Cubs and served in World War I with the U.S. Navy. Driscoll was a captain for the Cardinals and later coaches as an assistant in 1936.

11. Duke Slater

Position: Offensive tackle. Years: 1922-31.

Teams: Milwaukee Badgers, Rhode Island Independents, Chicago Cardinals.

Frederick “Duke” Slater signed for Cardinals in 1926, becoming one of five Black players in the National Football League and the first Black offensive lineman in league history. He became the only Black player by the next season’s end. Slater had athleticism and speed that was well before is time, in addition to being one of the most durable players in the NFL by the end of his career in 1931. Having played 10 total seasons, Slater was named to Frist-Team or Second-Team All-Pro in seven.

Nos. 10-1: Best of the best

You can make a strong case that any of the players ranked 6-10 should be ranked higher. All five are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Aeneas Williams, Roger Wehrli and Dick "Night Train" Lane were among the best cornerbacks of their generations. Ernie Nevers played for the Cardinals just three seasons, he made quite an impact. In a 40-6 victory over the Bears in 1929, Nevers scored every point for the Cardinals. His six touchdowns in that game set an NFL record.

Ollie Matson came to the Cardinals after winning two medals in the 1952 Olympics. He was a sensational halfback but also a threat as a returner. In 1959, the Cardinals traded Matson to the Rams for nine players.

10. Ollie Matson

Paul Cannon / Associated Press

Position: Halfback. Years: 1952-66.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles.

Pro Football Hall of Fame and Cardinals Ring of Honor member Ollie Matson was named to the Pro Bowl in each of the six seasons he played with the Cardinals after being drafted third overall in 1952. One of the most productive running backs of all time, Matson made 130 receptions for 2150 yards and 16 touchdowns with the Cardinals and added another 3331 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground.

9. Dick 'Night Train' Lane

Associated Press

Position: Defensive back. Years: 1952-65.

Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Cardinals, Detroit Lions.

Nicknamed after a Jimmy Forrest record, Dick "Night Train" Lane made 10 interceptions for 181 yards in the first of his six seasons with the Cardinals in the 1950’s, where he was named to the Pro Bowl four times and the First-Team All Pro once. Although over half a century has passed since he hung up his cleats, Lane still sits in the top 10 in NFL history in interception return yards (1,207) and interceptions (68).

8. Roger Wehrli

Herb Weitman / US Presswire

Position: Cornerback. Years: 1969-82.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals.

Having played his entire 14-season career in the NFL in St. Louis, Roger Wehrli was named to seven Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro for his defensive skills. In 193 games with the Cardinals, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Cardinals Ring of Honor member made 40 interceptions for 309 yards and recovered 19 fumbles.

7. Ernie Nevers

Associated Press

Position: Fullback. Years: 1926-31.

Teams: Duluth Eskimos, Chicago Cardinals.

Having played three First-Team All-Pro seasons for the Cardinals from 1929 to 1931, Ernie Nevers rushed for 26 touchdowns in 31 games and was a threat in running, passing and kicking. His career highlight came in 1929, when he scored the most points ever by a single individual in one game, racking up 40 points off of six touchdowns and four extra points against the Chicago Bears.

6. Aeneas Williams

Arizona Republic

Position: Cornerback. Years: 1991-2004.

Teams: Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams.

Aeneas Williams only played two years in college but nevertheless made an instant impact in the NFL when he joined the Cardinals in 1991, finishing second in the NFL in interceptions (6) his rookie year. He went on to play with the Cardinals for a decade, racking up six consecutive Pro Bowl nominations from 1994-1995. He led the league in interceptions in 1994 (9) and fumble return yards in 2000 (104), finishing his Cardinals career with 46 interceptions for 653 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

5. Jackie Smith

Courtesy of Arizona Cardinals

Position: Tight end. Years: 1963-78.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys.

A tenth-round draft selection who got his chance at starter due to injury, Jackie Smith became one of the most prolific receivers in Cardinals history from 1963 to 1977. In the midst of five consecutive Pro Bowl nominations from 1966-1969, he put up a career year of 56 receptions for 1,205 yards in 1967; he finished out his Cardinals career with 480 receptions for 7,918 yards.

4. Charley Trippi

Associated Press

Position: Halfback/Quarterback. Years: 1947-55.

Teams: Chicago Cardinals.

Part of the 1940’s “Million Dollar Backfield”, Charley Trippi was instrumental in the Cardinals’ 1947 NFL championship. In nine seasons with the Cardinals, he was nominated for the Pro Bowl twice and the First Team All-Pro once, rushed for 3,506 yards, passed for 2,547 and received another 1,321. At the time of his retirement, that was the most of any player in NFL history.

3. Dan Dierdorf

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Position: Offensive tackle. Years: 1971-83.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals

Despite breaking his jaw in 1977, Dan Dierdorf was named to the Pro Bowl each season from 1974-1978 and the First-Team All-Pro from 1976-1978. He was named Offensive Lineman of the Year by the NFLPA three consecutive times as he led the Cardinals to give up some of the fewest sacks in the league during his tenure. He didn’t allow the team to give up a single sack between 1976 and 1977 and set a league record in 1975 when they held opponents to just eight sacks in 14 games.

2. Larry Wilson

Herb Weitman / USA TODAY Sports

Position: Safety. Years: 1960-72.

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals.

In 13 seasons with the Cardinals from 1960 to 1973, Larry Wilson was named to eight Pro Bowls and five First-Team All-Pros as he racked up 52 interceptions for 800 yards and recovered 14 fumbles for another 173 yards. His career totals in non-offensive touchdowns (55) and interceptions returned for touchdowns (31) remain in the top ten in NFL history.

1. Larry Fitzgerald

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Photos: Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald

Position: Wide receiver. Years: 2004-present.

Teams: Arizona Cardinals.

Larry Fitzgerald isn’t done with his Cardinals career yet, but he still leads the franchise in receiving yards (16,279), receptions (1,303) and touchdowns (116) — and it isn’t close. He’s been named to the Pro Bowl in 11 of his 15 seasons with the Cardinals so far, and in the team’s four postseason performances since his 2004 debut, he’s dominated the playoffs, including contributing 30 receptions for 546 yards during the Cardinals' 2008 postseason run to the Super Bowl.