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The number 49 is the jersey focus of the day, as the Arizona Cardinals are 49 days away from their regular season opener.
The interesting thing is No. 49 is a rarely used number, at least among players who have made the Cardinals roster. Since 1950, only 10 players have ever worn it before this season.
The current No. 49 is undrafted rookie linebacker Andrae Kirk out of Florida Atlantic. He is one of several undrafted rookie inside linebackers the team added to see if any will stick. In OTAs and mini-camp, while I was there, I can honestly say I don't remember a single thing about him.
Starting safety Rashad Johnson wore 49 for a time. His first four seasons in the league it was his number. He changed it to 26 after the 2012 season. Under Ken Whisenhunt, he was 49. Under Bruce Arians, he has been 26.
Before that, Lawrence Hart, Niko Noga, and Dale Hackbart wore it. That covers 30 years.
From 1963-1967, there was one impact player to don No. 49. That was cornerback Jimmy Burson. He had 12 interceptions in five seasons, including five in 1965.
Outside of Johnson a few years back, can you remember any other players to wear it? The list is here.