10 Best Cardinals Players of All Time in the NFL

#10: Pat Tillman (1998 – 2001)

Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 200 lbs

Pat Tillman is remembered not only for his skills on the football field but also for his courage and selflessness off the field. Known for his hard-hitting style and relentless work ethic, Tillman was a standout safety for the Arizona Cardinals before making the ultimate sacrifice by leaving the NFL to join the U.S. Army in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

Tillman was a key player for the Cardinals’ defense, earning All-Pro honors in 2000. His intensity and leadership made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the locker room. In 2002, Tillman tragically lost his life while serving in Afghanistan, and his legacy has since become an enduring symbol of bravery and patriotism.

Although his NFL career was cut short, Tillman’s impact on the Cardinals and the nation continues to be felt. The Cardinals retired his jersey number, 40, in his honor, and the Pat Tillman Foundation was established to support veterans and their families.

#9: Anquan Boldin (2003 – 2009)

Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 220 lbs

Anquan Boldin burst onto the NFL scene with the Arizona Cardinals in 2003, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most physical and reliable wide receivers. Known for his toughness, precise route-running, and ability to make contested catches, Boldin became a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ offense during his time with the team.

In his rookie season, Boldin made an immediate impact, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after recording 101 receptions for 1,377 yards and 8 touchdowns. His impressive debut set the tone for a prolific career with the Cardinals, where he consistently produced big plays and provided leadership on and off the field.

Boldin was a three-time Pro Bowl selection (2003, 2006, 2008) with the Cardinals and played a pivotal role in the team’s run to Super Bowl XLIII in 2008. During his seven seasons in Arizona, he amassed 586 receptions, 7,520 receiving yards, and 44 touchdowns, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

#8: Jim Hart (1966 – 1983)

Position: Quarterback
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 215 lbs

Jim Hart was the face of the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1970s, known for his strong arm and leadership. As the starting quarterback for over a decade, Hart led the Cardinals to some of their most successful seasons in franchise history.

Hart was a four-time Pro Bowl selection (1974-1977) and led the Cardinals to three consecutive 10-win seasons from 1974 to 1976. His ability to guide the offense and make big plays in clutch moments made him one of the most respected quarterbacks of his era. 

Over his career with the Cardinals, Hart threw for 34,639 yards and 209 touchdowns, both of which were franchise records at the time of his retirement.

#7: Ollie Matson (1952 – 1958)

Position: Running Back
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 220 lbs

Ollie Matson was one of the most dynamic and versatile players in NFL history, known for his speed, power, and ability to make plays as both a runner and a receiver. Matson’s athleticism was unmatched, and he quickly became a star for the Chicago Cardinals during the 1950s.

Matson was a six-time Pro Bowl selection (1952, 1954-1958) and a two-time First-Team All-Pro (1955, 1956) during his time with the Cardinals. He was also a prolific kick returner, leading the league in kickoff return yards twice. In 1957, Matson was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player by UPI after leading the league in touchdowns. His versatility and playmaking ability made him one of the most feared players of his era.

During his tenure with the Cardinals, Matson amassed 5,936 total yards and 40 touchdowns, earning him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

#6: Roy Green (1979 – 1990)

Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs

Roy Green was one of the most explosive and versatile wide receivers in the NFL during the 1980s. Known for his speed, hands, and ability to make big plays, Green was a key offensive weapon for the Cardinals throughout his career.

Green was a two-time Pro Bowl selection (1983, 1984) and led the NFL in receiving yards in 1984 with 1,555 yards. His ability to stretch the field and come up with game-changing plays made him a fan favorite. Green also played on both sides of the ball early in his career, contributing as a defensive back and return specialist.

Over his career with the Cardinals, Green recorded 522 receptions, 8,496 receiving yards, and 66 touchdowns. His impact on the franchise is still felt today, as he remains one of the most productive and beloved players in Cardinals history.

#5: Roger Wehrli (1969 – 1982)

Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs

Roger Wehrli was one of the premier cornerbacks of his era, known for his exceptional coverage skills, intelligence, and ability to make plays on the ball. As a mainstay of the St. Louis Cardinals’ defense, Wehrli was a lockdown corner who consistently shut down opposing receivers.

Wehrli was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection (1970, 1971, 1974-1977, 1979) and a five-time First-Team All-Pro (1970, 1974-1977). His ability to read offenses and make key interceptions made him a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ defense. 

Over his career, Wehrli recorded 40 interceptions and recovered 19 fumbles, establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in franchise history. Wehrli’s contributions were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play the game.

#4: Kurt Warner (2005 – 2009)

Position: Quarterback
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 214 lbs

Kurt Warner revived his career and cemented his Hall of Fame legacy during his time with the Arizona Cardinals. Known for his quick release, accuracy, and leadership, Warner transformed the Cardinals into a formidable team and led them to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Warner was a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Cardinals (2008, 2009) and was named the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2008. His most iconic moment with the Cardinals came during the 2008 season, when he led the team to Super Bowl XLIII, throwing for 377 yards and three touchdowns in a narrow loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Warner’s leadership and ability to perform in high-pressure situations were pivotal in the Cardinals’ success during his tenure. During his time with the Cardinals, Warner threw for 15,843 yards and 100 touchdowns, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise and earning a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

#3: Aeneas Williams (1991 – 2000)

Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 200 lbs

Aeneas Williams was one of the most dominant and respected cornerbacks of his era. Known for his excellent coverage skills, physicality, and ability to make big plays, Williams was a shutdown corner who consistently took on the opposition’s best receivers and won.

Williams was a six-time Pro Bowl selection with the Cardinals (1994-1999) and a four-time First-Team All-Pro (1995-1997, 1999). He led the NFL in interceptions in 1994 and was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. One of his most memorable moments came in the 1998 playoffs when he intercepted Troy Aikman and returned it for a touchdown, helping the Cardinals secure their first postseason victory in over 50 years.

During his time with the Cardinals, Williams recorded 46 interceptions, returning six for touchdowns. His leadership on the field and consistent excellence earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

#2: Dan Dierdorf (1971 – 1983)

Position: Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 275 lbs

Dan Dierdorf was one of the most dominant offensive linemen of his time, known for his strength, technique, and leadership. As a key part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ offensive line, Dierdorf anchored the line that protected quarterback Jim Hart and opened holes for the running game.

Dierdorf was a six-time Pro Bowl selection (1974-1978, 1980) and a five-time First-Team All-Pro (1975-1978, 1980). He was named the NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year three times and was selected to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. Dierdorf’s ability to dominate his opponents and lead the offensive line made him one of the best tackles in NFL history.

Dierdorf’s contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. His legacy as one of the greatest Cardinals players of all time is solidified by his impact on the franchise and his role as a leader on and off the field.

#1: Larry Fitzgerald (2004 – 2020)

Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 218 lbs

Larry Fitzgerald is not only the greatest player in Arizona Cardinals history but also one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Known for his exceptional hands, precise route-running, and ability to make clutch plays, Fitzgerald became the face of the Cardinals franchise during his illustrious 17-year career.

Fitzgerald was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection (2005, 2007-2013, 2015-2017) and a First-Team All-Pro in 2008. He led the NFL in receptions twice (2005, 2016) and in receiving touchdowns twice (2008, 2009). One of his most iconic moments came in the 2008 playoffs, where he set records for the most receiving yards (546) and touchdowns (7) in a single postseason, leading the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance.

Over his career, Fitzgerald amassed 1,432 receptions, 17,492 receiving yards, and 121 touchdowns, ranking among the top three in NFL history for both receptions and receiving yards. His professionalism, consistency, and ability to deliver in the biggest moments have made him a legendary figure in the NFL and the undisputed greatest player in Cardinals history.