With the NFL season fast approaching, most oddsmakers have the Arizona Cardinals slotted as one of the worst teams in the league. It’s gotten to the point that many sites are offering Arizona sportsbook promos to encourage fans to bet on their local team.
It’s a shame as the Cardinals have a long and storied history, dating back to 1898. In that time, they have had some of the greatest players in NFL history.
Here is a list of the ten best Arizona Cardinals players of all time:
1. Larry Fitzgerald
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is the greatest player in Cardinal’s history. He is the franchise leader in receptions (1,749), receiving yards (21,278), and receiving touchdowns (121). He is also a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection. Fitzgerald was instrumental in leading the Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance in 2008.
2. Larry Wilson
Safety Larry Wilson is another Cardinals legend. He is the franchise leader in interceptions (52) and interception return yards (1,047). He was also a nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro selection. Wilson was a key member of the Cardinals’ “Desert Swarm” defense in the 1970s.
3. Patrick Peterson
Cornerback Patrick Peterson is one of the most talented players in recent NFL history. He has been named to the Pro Bowl seven times and has been named an All-Pro four times. Peterson was the cornerstone of the Cardinals’ defense for a long-time and will likely enter the Hall of Fame as a Cardinal.
4. Ollie Matson
Running back Ollie Matson is one of the most versatile players in NFL history. He was a two-time NFL MVP and a nine-time Pro Bowler.
He led the NFL in rushing in 1955 and 1956. Matson also played wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner for the Cardinals.
5. Kurt Warner
Quarterback Kurt Warner is one of the greatest Cinderella stories in NFL history. He was undrafted out of college and spent several years in the Arena Football League before getting a chance to play in the NFL in 2000. Warner led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2008. Unfortunately, Warner only spent a few years in Arizona. Otherwise, he would be higher on this list.
6. Aeneas Williams
Cornerback Aeneas Williams was one of the best defensive backs in the NFL in the 1990s and 2000s. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro selection. Williams led the NFL in interceptions in 1994 and 1998. He is also the Cardinals’ all-time leader in interceptions (46).
7. Dan Dierdorf
Offensive tackle Dan Dierdorf was one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro selection. Dierdorf was a key member of the Cardinals’ offensive line that helped them win the NFC West division title in 1975 and 1976.
8. Anquan Boldin
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin was one of the most productive receivers in the NFL during his time with the Cardinals.
He was NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection. Boldin had 82 catches for 1,041 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Cardinals’ 2008 Super Bowl run.
9. Roger Wehrli
Cornerback Roger Wehrli was one of the best defensive backs in the NFL in the 1970s. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro selection. Wehrli was a key member of the Cardinals’ “Desert Swarm” defense.
10. Jim Bakken
Offensive tackle Jim Bakken was one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL in the 1960s. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection. Bakken was a key member of the Cardinals’ offensive line that helped them win the NFL championship in 1947.
While it looks rough for the Cardinals this year, maybe Kyler Murray or Budda Baker can string a few good seasons together and join this list soon.
