2014 NFL countdown: 12 left till kickoff and the history of No. 12

It's a bit late in the day, but here it is. We were at 12 days left until the start of the regular season.

So we look at the history of No. 12.

There is a lot of hope for the near future of number 12. It is now worn by third round receiver John Brown, who has been the darling of the offseason and training camp.

Before Brown, Andre Roberts wore it from 2010-2013. Also drafted in the third round, he didn't quite become what fans wanted. He was a decent player who had his best season in 2012, when his numbers were right there woth Larry Fitzgerald.

In 2007, it was QB Tim Rattay. That was an interesting season because he joined the team after Matt Leinart went down with an injury and Kurt Warner hurt his elbow. He played in four games and spelled Warner in goalline situations. Rattay is a guy I rooted for. I went to high school with him at Mesa High. He started there, went to Phoenix Christian when his dad, Jim Rattay, went to coach there. He transferred back to Mesa to graduate.

QB Josh McCown wore 12 from 2002-2005. He was a Cardinals third round pick. He started on and off, but was the main starter in 2004. He was inexplicably yanked by Denny Green. He was okay. He was the talk of the NFL last season when he stepped iin and played very well in place of Jay Cutler for the Bears. He had been out of football for two years, signed as a backup and then played well enough in relief to get a starting job and a new contract in Tampa Bay.

More guys:

2001 -- P Chad Stanley

1985 -- QB Scott Brunner

1978-80 -- K Steve Little

1977 -- P Duane Carrell

1973 -- QB Gary Keithley

1961-69 -- QB Charley Johnson (He was good one)

1956-60 -- QB/DB John Roach

1957 -- Paul Larson

1953-54 -- Steve Romanik