Arizona Cardinals’ Karlos Dansby on verge of history

The inside linebacker is set to join an elite group of defensive players during his third stint with the Arizona Cardinals

There’s a good chance that Arizona Cardinals’ fans will get to witness something special this upcoming season. The newly re-acquired Karlos Dansby is just one interception away from carving out a significant place in NFL history.

It’s a group called the 40-20 club. It consists of players who have accumulated 40 sacks and 20 interceptions for their career. If he’s able to accomplish the feat, he’d be just the fifth player in league history to do so.

Arizona’s former second-round draft pick is back with the organization for the third time. Not only is he still making plays at 35-years old, he’s also been brought aboard for his leadership abilities. He’s more than likely replacing Kevin Minter, who appears not to be coming back to the nest.

Dansby is already at 42 sacks, but with 19 career picks, he’s just one short of the goal. Amazingly, two of the other four who’ve gotten it done are former Cards.

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Seth Joyner made his home in the desert from 1994-96. The former Buddy Ryan protégé amassed 52 sacks and 24 interceptions during his 13-year career.

The other former Cardinal in the elite four is another Ryan disciple, Wilber Marshall. Marshall played one season with the Cards in ’94, and was a teammate of Joyner. He recorded 45 sacks and 23 picks in his 12 NFL campaigns.

Rounding out the four are Ray Lewis (41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions) and Brian Urlacher (41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions). Ironically, all four members are linebackers, and Dansby would make five if he finds his way in.

There’s a decent possibility that Dansby achieves the honor this upcoming year. It would be extra-special if he were able to do it at University of Phoenix Stadium, where the home fans could share in the moment. Wherever it occurs, it will be a good indication of how special of a player the 35-year old is and has been throughout his 14-year career.

Welcome home “Los”. We’re pulling for you.