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2014 NFL countdown: The Cardinals history of No. 7 (7 days left till kickoff)

A short and not impressive history.

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

One week from today, the Arizona Cardinals will open their 2014 regular season.

Today we will look at the history of No. 7.

The number hasn't been used for a while. The last player to wear it was quarterback Matt Leinart. Leinart was the team's first round pick in 2006 and was the 10th pick overall in that draft. He was a supposed "gift" according to tehn head coach Denny Green.

He showed promise his rookie season, even setting the NFL record for passing yards in a game by a rookie, but his season was cut short with a shoulder injury. In 2007, he was the starter under new coach Ken Whisenhunt, but would come out in favor of Kurt Warner in no-huddle situations. His season would come to an end early with a broken collarbone.

He then lost the starting job in camp in 2008 to Kurt Warner and the rest was history. Warner took the team to the playoffs twice. Warner retired and Leinart was supposed to be the starter after that, but lost the job in camp to Derek Anderson and Leinart was cut.

He could be considered the biggest bust the team has ever had.

Before Leinart, it was kicker Bill Gramatica, who wore the number between 2001 and 2003. He is most known for blowing out his knee celebrating a made kick, which is did after every made kick.

Boomer Esiason wore No. 7 in 1996. He was one of the many veteran retread QBs since Neil Lomax. He set a team record of 522 yards passing in a game. However, he still holds a grudge against the team. He was benched in favor of Kent Graham after eight starts. Getting another start would have triggered a contract bonus. He felt he was benched to avoid paying him the money, and he was probably right.

QB Steve Beuerlein wore it in 1993 and 1994. He started 14 games in 1993, and he and the offense showed promise. In 1994, he struggled and Buddy Ryan benched him (and stripped away the offensive talent). Beuerlein would bounce around the league for a while and would eventually become a solid player for the Panthers in the late 90s. He made the Pro Bowl in 1999 when he threw for over 4400 yards and 36 touchdowns.

QB Craig Kupp wore it in 1991.

Before that you have to go way back. Jim Hart, the team's leading passer, wore it in 1966 for his rookie year.

The rest?

1960 -- Bobby Towns

1957 -- Ted Marchibroda

1955 -- Dave Leggett

1954 -- Elmer Arterburn

1953 -- Ray Nagel

1950-52 -- Elmer Angsman

What are the odds that two Elmers would wear the same number?