Revenge of the Birds - Countdown to kickoff: The history of different uniform numbersAn Arizona Cardinals community -- the best one there ishttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51297/rotb_fav.png2014-09-07T10:00:03-06:00http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/rss/stream/55423612014-09-07T10:00:03-06:002014-09-07T10:00:03-06:00The history of No. 1 (we finished the countdown!)
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>The last day. </p> <p>We have reached the end of our countdown. There is one day left until the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> play, which means we look at No. 1.</p>
<p>However, the Cardinals have almost no history with the number. Since 1950, only two players have ever worn it.</p>
<p>It hasn't been worn since 2009.</p>
<p>Kicker Neil Rackers wore it from 2003-09. He was a very, very good kicker for a while. He had a streak of 31 consecutive field goals without a miss. He was 40/42 on field goals in 2005. Twice while in Arizona he converted on over 90 percent of his field goal attempts. He was allowed to leave in free agency after the 20009 season and he played two more seasons for the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a>. He was tough and loved to tackle guys, too. He was known here, though, for missing kicks in the clutch, including missing badly in the playoff game against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a>. He had a chance to win the game and his kick was terrible. You could argue he was the best kicker the Cardinals have had. He made over 83 percent of his field goals while here.</p>
<p>The only other guy to wear No. 1 was Cedric Ogleby, another kicker. He came in for three games in 2001 to fill in for rookie Bill Gramatica, who tore his ACL when he jumped celebrating a made field goal (as he did with every single made kick). Oglesby was 5/6 on field goals and 7/7 on extra points. He never played in the NFL again.</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/9/7/6116993/the-cardinals-history-of-no-1-1-day-until-the-cardinals-season-beginsJess Root2014-09-06T14:00:03-06:002014-09-06T14:00:03-06:00The history of No. 2 (only 2 more days!)
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<figcaption>Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>It's a very short history. </p> <p>There are only two days until the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> play their season opener. It is fitting that, with such a short time until the big game, the history of No. 2 is not very long for the Cardinals.</p>
<p>A total of four players have worn No. 2 since 1950.</p>
<p>The most recent was quarterback <span>Richard Bartel</span>, 2010 and 2011. He was signed in 2010, where he was a backup in the UFL. Ken Whisenhunt really liked what he had to offer as a third stringer. He was like another coach and great in the meeting room. Too bad he wasn't much of a quarterback. He did throw a touchdown pass to <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span> against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> in 2011.</p>
<p><span>Brian St. Pierre</span> wore No. 2 in 2009. Another third stringer, he only appeared in one game. He threw four passes, completed two, had a touchdown and an interception.</p>
<p>Back in 1994, kicker <span>Todd Peterson</span> wore No. 2 for the Cardinals, but for only two games. He hit two of four field goal attempts, playing in the place of Greg Davis, who was injured. It was Peterson's first year in the NFL. He would go on to play 12 more seasons.</p>
<p>Hall of Famer Charley Trippi wore No. 2 from 1952-55. He was a punter, a quarterback and more.</p>
<p>You can say that the fact that a Hall of Famer wore No. 2 makes it a good number. You would be right. It is a shame no one worth anything has worn it since.</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/9/6/6113957/the-cardinals-history-of-no-2-only-2-days-until-the-season-openerJess Root2014-09-05T17:51:29-06:002014-09-05T17:51:29-06:00The history of No. 3 (3 days left!)
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It is soooo close!</p> <p>You should be excited. There are only three days remaining until the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> kick off their season on Monday Night Football.</p>
<p>So today we look at No. 3 and its history.</p>
<p>It is worn by a man who hopefully is the best of the group -- Carson Palmer. He was acquired after the 2012 season in a trade with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>. It was a swap of picks in 2013 and a seventh rounder this year. He threw for a career high in yards (over 4200) and led the team to a 10-6 season, even while throwing 22 interceptions. There are high hopes for him this season.</p>
<p>In 2011 and 2012, kicker <span>Jay Feely</span> wore it. He wore No. 4 in 2010 and in 2013. Now he doesn't wear any number as he is jobless right now.</p>
<p>In 2010, our favorite quarterback <span>Derek Anderson</span> wore it, and <a href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2012/3/16/2876927/arizona-cardinals-video-of-the-day-derek-andersons-meltdown" target="_blank">he took things seriously.</a> He beat out <span>Matt Leinart</span> for the starting job that season, the first year after Kurt Warner retired. He has found himself a nice job since then, as he was released after the season -- he is Cam Newton's backup.</p>
<p>Kicker Nick Novak was a stand-in kicker in 2005 wearing No. 3 when <span>Neil Rackers</span> was dinged up. He made all three of his field goal attempts.</p>
<p>I don't remember him at all, but kicker Kevin Butler wore it for part of 1996 and 1997. He was the longtime kicker for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> (11 seasons) and then ended his career in Arizona...like it seems so many do.</p>
<p>Quarterback Timm Rosenbach was No. 3 from 1989-92. Unfortunately, he was another failed quarterback attempt. He was taken in the supplemental draft and took every snap in 1990. Injuries and being gun-shy after being sacked and hit a ton ended his NFL career. I <a href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/7/8/5879665/nfl-supplemental-draft-25-years-since-timm-rosenbach" target="_blank">wrote a story about him </a>when the supplemental draft happened (and nothing happened).</p>
<p>Then, you go way back to the 60s:</p>
<p>1963-67 -- Billy Grambell</p>
<p>1961 -- Ralph Guglielme</p>
<p>1960 -- George Izo</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/9/5/6112423/the-cardinals-history-of-no-3-3-days-until-the-season-openerJess Root2014-09-04T16:39:28-06:002014-09-04T16:39:28-06:00The history of No. 4 (4 days until the season!)
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We're sooooo close!</p> <p>Today we look at the short history of No. 4 for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. It is the Arizona Cardinals only because since 1950, the number has only been worn in Arizona.</p>
<p>Why do we look at No. 4? Because there are only four days left until the Cardinals start their regular season.</p>
<p>Let's look back!</p>
<p>The last guy to wear it was recently cut -- kicker Jay Feely. He wore the number in 2010 and then again in 2013, up until he was released after the team's third preseason game. He also wore No. 3 in 2011 and 2012 so that quarterback <span>Kevin Kolb</span> could have No. 4. Feely made over 84 percent of his field goals in four years.</p>
<p>Kolb wore it in 2011 and 2012. He was probably the biggest disappointment the Cards have ever had. Arizona made the big move to trade for Kolb after the lockout of 2011. They sent <span>Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie</span> and a second round pick for a guy they hoped would be their franchise guy. He wasn't. He played behind a bad offensive line, showed flashes, but between injuries and running away from real (and sometimes only perceived) pressure, he did not finish either season. He had concussions and turf toe in 2011 and broken ribs in 2012. He was released in the subsequent offseason. He was signed by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> and then suffered another concussion in the preseason.</p>
<p>Kicker Mike Nugent wore it in 2009. He played two games in place of an injured Neil Rackers. He made a pair of field goals and eight PATs.</p>
<p>Tim Hasselbeck wore it for one game in 2007 when both <span>Matt Leinart</span> and Kurt Warner were injured. He was brought in along with Tim Rattay. He did come in a game and did kneeldown.</p>
<p>Quarterback Shaun King wore No. 4 in 2004. He was part of the revolving door at the position that season, which involved <span>Josh McCown</span> and also John Navarre. Yuck.</p>
<p>The first guy to wear it was running back Chuck Levy. Another yuck running back in high rounds of the draft. He was drafted in the second round out of Arizona. He was gone after one year. He had (and has had recently) drug problems.</p>
<p>That's it.</p>
<p>Four days left.</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/9/4/6107989/2014-nfl-countdown-the-cardinals-history-of-no-4-4-days-left-untilJess Root2014-09-03T19:50:12-06:002014-09-03T19:50:12-06:00History of No. 5 (5 days left until MNF)
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>Another number without much history </p> <p>We now have only five days until the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> play their season opener. Today is the day we go over the history of No. 5.</p>
<p>It has a short history.</p>
<p>It was never used before Arizona.</p>
<p>It is now worn by backup quarterback Drew Stanton. He hasn't thrown a regular season pass since 2010. He was signed to a three-year free agent contract two offseasons ago and was briefly considered to be the likely starting QB. He might not ever get that chance here. He has Bruce Arians' absolute trust, He knows the offense, is great in the locker room and in the meeting room. We don't know exactly what he has to offer as a starter, but he believes he will get his shot someday.</p>
<p>Punter Ben Graham wore No. 5. He punted from 2008-2011, although in 2011, he was only here because <span>Dave Zastudil</span> was banged up. He was great at pinning teams deep in their own territory, but wasn't much at flipping field position.</p>
<p>Another punter, <span>Mike Barr</span>, was the guy to wear No. 5 in 2007. He punted for 11 games before Ken Whisenhunt replaced him, opening the door for Graham the next season.</p>
<p>Way back from 1991-96, it was kicker Greg Davis who wore it. He was previously with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>. He was tough, having played ball at the Citadel. He had one absolutely terrible year for the Cards. In 1992 he missed 13 field goals, including four within 30 yards. Overall he was solid for the time. He hit 70 percent of his field goals while a Cardinal. His career percentage was just under 69 percent.</p>
<p>The first guy to wear No. 5 was quarterback Gary Hogeboom. I remember in 1989, his only season in Arizona, when he started 13 games. It was the Cards' first attempt of replacing Neil Lomax. A backup for his whole career, getting only spot starts, he joined Arizona for his final NFL season at age 31. As a starter, he threw for 14 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, completing 56 percent of his passes for just under 2600 yards. He was 5-8 as a starter.</p>
<p>Who was the best? Probably Greg Davis overall.</p>
<p>Not inspiring, but we are just days away form the start of the season.</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/9/3/6104255/2014-nfl-countdown-the-cardinals-history-of-no-5-5-days-until-theJess Root2014-09-02T13:00:03-06:002014-09-02T13:00:03-06:00The history of No. 6 (6 days till Cards play)
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<figcaption>Donald Miralle</figcaption>
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<p>Only 6 days until the Cardinals play!</p> <p>Today is the number six. There are six days remaining until the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> kick off their season on Monday Night Football.</p>
<p>That is something exciting.</p>
<p>Something not very exciting is the history the team has with the number six.</p>
<p>Read on to see why:</p>
<p>Only five players have worn it since 1950, all since the late 90s.</p>
<p>It is now worn by rookie quarterback Logan Thomas, drafted in the fourth round. He looked good and terrible in the preseason, but he is a project. We'll see what he becomes. He has potential. he also could be Ryan Lindley.</p>
<p><span>Brian Hoyer</span>, now the starting quarterback for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> (but only until they can't keep <span>Johnny Manziel</span> out of the lineup) wore No. 6 in 2012, when he was signed late in the year. He appeared in two games and started the season finale. he had one touchdown and two picks. But there was optimism that he could compete for the starting job for 2013.</p>
<p>He didn't get that chance, as he was released by the Cardinals in the offseason after being given a restricted free agent tender. He signed with the Browns, started three games and got hurt.</p>
<p>In 2010 and 2011, <span>Max Hall</span> wore No. 6. He was an undrafted rookie out of BYU that made the team when the Cardinals were a mess at quarterback and <span>Matt Leinart</span> was cut after losing the starting job to Derek Anderson. He started three games, including a win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> in his debut, although he did nothing to really contribute other than fumble the ball to <span>Levi Brown</span>, who scored a touchdown. He threw one TD and six INTs before injuring his shoulder and landing on injured reserve. He would end up on IR in 2011 again before the season began. He was really kind of bad, but he had moxie.</p>
<p>In 2003, a kicker named Tim Duncan wore No. 6. I don't remember him, but it looks like he was a kickoff specialist. He was in all 16 games, but only attempted kicks in five games in the middle of the season. He was 5/6 in PATs and 6/10 on field goals. He missed three kicks in a win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>.</p>
<p>The first guy to wear No. 6 was kicker Joe Nedney. He wore it from 1997-99. He was the kicker until an injury in 1998 when the Cardinals made the playoffs, but it was Chris Jacke that made the big kicks down the stretch. Nedney was waived in 1999, but managed to have himself a long career. He played through 2010. He made over 80 percent of his field goals for his career. For Arizona, though, he made only two thirds.</p>
<p>That's all for No. 6.</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/9/2/6096373/2014-nfl-countdown-the-history-of-no-6-6-days-left-till-kickoffJess Root2014-09-01T12:00:03-06:002014-09-01T12:00:03-06:00The history of No. 7 (7 days till Cards kickoff)
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>A short and not impressive history. </p> <p>One week from today, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> will open their 2014 regular season.</p>
<p>Today we will look at the history of No. 7.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <span>Derek Anderson</span> and Leinart was cut.</p>
<p>He could be considered the biggest bust the team has ever had.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> in the late 90s. He made the Pro Bowl in 1999 when he threw for over 4400 yards and 36 touchdowns.</p>
<p>QB Craig Kupp wore it in 1991.</p>
<p>Before that you have to go way back. Jim Hart, the team's leading passer, wore it in 1966 for his rookie year.</p>
<p>The rest?</p>
<p>1960 -- Bobby Towns</p>
<p>1957 -- Ted Marchibroda</p>
<p>1955 -- Dave Leggett</p>
<p>1954 -- Elmer Arterburn</p>
<p>1953 -- Ray Nagel</p>
<p>1950-52 -- Elmer Angsman</p>
<p>What are the odds that two Elmers would wear the same number?</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/9/1/6092511/2014-nfl-countdown-the-cardinals-history-of-no-7-7-days-left-tillJess Root2014-08-31T13:00:03-06:002014-08-31T13:00:03-06:00The history of No. 8 (8 days till season starts)
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Perhaps the greatest Cardinal ever to play is featured today. </p> <p>Today we focus on a very special number. It is No. 8, which is one of the numbers that the Arizona Cardinals have retired. It is retired because of Larry Wilson.</p>
<p>Two other players wore No. 8 before Wilson. From 1950-52, it was quarterback Frank Tripucka. Then from 1954-58 it belonged to another QB -- Lamar McHan.</p>
<p>Then it was Wilson from 1960-72.</p>
<p>Wilson is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler. He was a five-time All-Pro. He intercepted 52 passes in his career, including 10 in 1966. He scored seven defensive touchdowns and also collected a safety.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2013/10/11/4827146/the-greatest-cardinal-ever-larry-wildcat-wilson">In a very well-written FanPost</a>, BigRedBilly calls Wilson "the greatest Cardinal to ever snap on a chin-strap."</p>
<p>The feature goes into detail as to why he is the greatest ever. It is hard to say otherwise.</p>
<p>Wilson was also general manager after his career from 1977-1993. He was a team vice-president from 1988 until he retired in 2002.</p>
<p>Eight days left until the Cardinals start the regular season. Number eight is a good one.</p>
https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2014/8/31/6089425/2014-nfl-countdown-8-days-till-kickoff-and-the-cardinals-storiedJess Root