During the month of June, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will construct a Mount Rushmore for each team. For this series, we will only consider players. Today, the Arizona Cardinals are the focus.
Arizona Cardinals Mount Rushmore
Aeneas Williams
Aeneas Williams was a third-round draft pick in 1991 and was one of the few good players on the Arizona Cardinals throughout the 1990s. Williams was an instant starter and is famously known among NFC West teams as the player who ended Steve Young’s career. Williams crushed Young on a blitz and the concussion forced Young away from football.
However, Williams was also a shut down corner. He had 46 career interceptions with Arizona and tied for the league lead his rookie year. Williams is arguably the best defensive player in Cardinals history. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald has been the man in Arizona since 2004. Fitzgerald is an amazing athlete, route runner and receiver. He simply does everything for them. He lines up out wide or in the slot, he blocks or catches passes, and he is still the top threat in Arizona. So far during his 11 years in Arizona, Fitzgerald has 12,151 receiving yards, 89 receiving touchdowns and 909 receptions.
Fitzgerald holds NFL records for most receptions in a postseason (30), most receiving yards in a postseason (546), most touchdowns in a postseason (7) and he is also the youngest player to record 700 catches. He was a significant leader of the 2008 Super Bowl team that ultimately lost to the Steelers in heartbreaking fashion.
Fitzgerald is still thriving and is under contract through 2019. Expect to see more greatness from the man himself as he cements his status on this list.
Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner is known as both a Ram and a Cardinal, but he is remembered in Cardinals history because he led them to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Warner came to Arizona in 2005 and the team had to make significant progress before eventually making the playoffs in 2008 at 9-7. The offense led the team and Warner finished with 4,583 passing yards and 30 touchdowns that season. The Cardinals got hot in the postseason and advanced to the Super Bowl before eventually falling to Pittsburgh 27-23.
Kurt Warner is the best quarterback to ever play for Arizona. Despite his short tenure, he deserves a spot on this list.
Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin was drafted in 2003 by Arizona and he was immediately effective in the NFL. He set the record for most receiving yards (217) by a rookie in his first game. Boldin is also the fastest receiver in NFL history to get 300, 400, and then 500 receptions.
Boldin is known for his physical play and great hands. He always make the tough catch and is very reliable. Boldin racked up 7,523 receiving yards and 44 touchdowns in his time with Arizona. The lethal duo he formed with Larry Fitzgerald will always be remembered.
Honorable Mention: Pat Tillman
Pat Tillman is one of the best stories in NFL history. Tillman was a seventh-round selection out of Arizona State, but his work ethic earned him a starting position and he instantly became a fan favorite. Tillman played for four years in the NFL and earned All-Pro honors in 2000.
However, football was not everything to Tillman. After the 9/11 attack, Tillman opted to enlist in the United States Army instead of signing a three-year, $3.6 million contract with Arizona. Unfortunately, on April 22, 2004, Tillman gave his life for his country in Afghanistan.
Tillman’s number is retired and he will always have the hearts of Arizona fans and NFL fans across the country.
Main Photo:
