:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36816696/20140726_rnb_ak4_126.JPG.0.jpg)
We are now four weeks away from the season opener for the Arizona Cardinals, who will play the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football. 28 days!
So now we look at the history of No. 28.
It is now the number that cornerback Justin Bethel wears. He switched from 31, which he wore for his first two seasons in the league, so that Antonio Cromartie could wear 31. Bethel was a Pro Bowler in 2013 on special teams and has made great strides on defense.
In 2013, running back Rashard Mendenhall wore 28 in his only season in Arizona. He rushed for 687 yards and eight touchdowns. He retired after the season was over.
From 2010-12, it belonged to cornerback Greg Toler. A fourth round pick in 2010, he was set to be a starter in 2011, but tore his ACL in the preseason. He came back in 2012 and battled lingering injuries related to his recovery. He sometimes looked fantastic. He left to the Colts when they offered him a three-year, $15 million contract after the season.
From 2005-08, it was running back J.J. Arrington. Drafted in the second round, he looked like a complete bust to start off his career. In his third year, Ken Whisenhunt started using him differently and he became much more effective. He was, though, a solid kick returner throughout his tenure in Arizona. He left as a free agent to the Broncos, but injuries sidelined him and ended his career.
Cornerback Duane Starks wore 28 in 2004. It was the third year he was in Arizona and was one of the bigger free agent busts the Cards have had. He was a stud in coverage in Baltimore. He was not so much here. Injuries kept him out of 2003, but he was an okay nickel corner in 2004 with three interceptions.
Safety Tommy Bennett wore it from 1996-2000. Originally undrafted, he started at strong safety for two and a half seasons, including the 1998 playoff year.
Cornerback Steve Lofton wore 28 in 1992 and 1993. He also wore 42 in 1991. He was a depth player and special teams guy. He started one game in three seasons.
Running back Tony Jeffery wore it for one season in 1988. He was one of the many highly drafted running back busts. Drafted in the second round, he played only three games and carried the ball thrice. That was it.
Now for the rest:
1978 -- Ted Farmer
1977 -- Robert Giblin
1974 -- Scott Stringer
1972-73 -- Ahmad Rashad (yes, the guy from NBA Inside Stuff)
1971 -- Ted Provost
1970 -- Charlie Pittman
1965-66 -- Ray Ogden
There you go. It is a rather pedestrian number. Well see what Bethel can do.
