We are now down to 66 days remaining until the Arizona Cardinals start their 2014 season.
Naturally, we will look at the history of jersey No. 66. The modern history (time in Arizona) has been unremarkable.
It is currently worn by nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu. He was picked up off waivers last preseason from the Steelers and was a key contributor, splitting time with Dan Williams and anchoring the middle at the point of attack for the league's number one rushing defense. He is currently rehabbing his knee, as he had his season end last season with an ACL tear.
In 2012, backup center Scott Wedige wore it. He appeared in two games in 2012 after Lyle Sendlein and Rich Ohrnberger both ended up on injured reserve. He was a practice squad player most of the year. He could not make the team out of camp in 2013 and spent time on the Cincinnati Bengals roster.
In 2011, a player named Brad Thorson wore it. He never played and I don't remember him. He was an offensive tackle.
In 2010, it was Alan Faneca. The future Hall of Famer was in the twilight of his career and was honestly a shell of himself playing left guard that season for Ken Whisenhunt. Arizona picked him up after he was cut by the Jets. He played 13 years in the league and was one of the best guards to play.
Before Faneca, you have to go back to 2004, when tackle Alan Reuber wore it. Another player I don't remember, he appeared in three games. He has not been in the league since.
Pete Kendall wore 66 from 2001-2003. He was actually a very productive player, starting three seasons for Arizona -- two at left guard and one at center. He was a veteran leader and was cut by Denny Green to send a message when allegedly Kendall got the Cardinals in trouble with the league for offseason workouts that were too intense. He landed on his feet and played five more years a starter, three of which he was a big contributor on a very good New York Jets offensive line.
in 2000, tackle Ethan Brooks wore it. He was a reserve that appeared in 14 games and even started three. I don't remember him. However, he was not retained after the season because he had missed a lot of practice time. He had a sick wife he was caring for. He would play in the league until 2006.
All the way back to 1995, 66 belonged to backup defensive end Cecil Gray. He played in seven games, starting four. It was his sixth and final year in the NFL.
From 1989-92, it was Jim Wahler's number. Wahler was a fourth round pick by the Cardinals and played defensive tackle. He started three and a half seasons. He was cut five games into the season in 1992 when head coach Joe Bugel was trying to shake things up, and the message was at that point that Wahler was not giving his all. He would only play one more year in the league.
Now for the rest, in St. Louis and Chicago.
1987 -- OL Tom Welter
1984-86 -- G Doug Dawson: He was a starter for one season, but made a name for himself in Houston, being part of the line that protected Warren Moon.
1978-82 -- T George Collins
1973-76 -- G Conrad Dobler: Six-year starter, three-time Pro Bowler. He was part of the really good offensive line
1970 -- G Mike LaHood
1964-69 -- G Rick Sortun
1963 -- OL John Houser
1961 -- DE/DT Ron McDole: He had a fantastic NFL career, but played only his rookie season for the Cards.
1960 -- DE/G/T Tom Redmond
1953-59 -- DE/G/DE/LB Ed Husmann
1952 -- G Ed Listopan
1950-51 -- DE Jerry Hennessy
You would have to think that Dobler was the best with the number. Since the move to Arizona? Wahler? Ta'amu already? Faneca?
Not a great run, but we are a day closer to the start of the season.