Veterans hope joining Arizona Cardinals brings them ring
By Jim Koch
Players entering the twilight of their careers are signing with the Arizona Cardinals with hopes of winning a Super Bowl title
Once upon a time, the Arizona Cardinals were a downtrodden franchise. Signing with, or being drafted by the team, gave a player almost no chance of winning a Super Bowl ring.
With the help of Michael Bidwill, Arizona has now become a premium destination. Over the last decade, the team President has transformed the organization into a championship contender. The Cards have made the playoffs four times in the last nine years after getting there just once during their first 20 campaigns in the desert.
Older free agents, who’s careers could be considered on the downside, are flocking to the Cardinals with visions of a Lombardi trophy in their heads. They are viewing the club as a ticket to glory, possibly their last chance at it before they hang up the old cleats.
Which is most likely the reason Karlos Dansby has returned to Big Red for a third time. The 35-year old inside linebacker was part of the 2008 squad that came within a couple of minutes of achieving the ultimate goal. Once Deone Bucannon is healthy and rookie Haason Reddick has proven himself capable, Dansby’s playing time may diminish. Nevertheless, the leadership skills he possesses are priceless.
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Newcomer Antoine Bethea has already been part of a Super Bowl-winning group. The rookie safety exited the field a champion with the 2006 Indianapolis Colts. However, he’s hungry for another title, and Arizona may be able to provide it for him.
Phil Dawson has been an NFL placekicker for 18 seasons without appearing in a Super Bowl. He spent 14 of those with the hapless Cleveland Browns, where playing in such a game wasn’t even a possibility. The 42-year old is looking forward to at least having a chance of doing so in the Valley of the Sun.
Chris Johnson is one of the most accomplished running backs in league history, but a championship has eluded him. The 31-year old has just signed for the third straight year with the Cards, fully aware that he’ll be playing second-fiddle to a workhorse, David Johnson. The former Tennessee Titans’ star has returned again for one thing, that elusive Super Bowl ring.
Finally, many thought Frostee Rucker was in his last year as a Cardinal last year, but he too is back for one thing. He was an afterthought on Arizona’s defense in 2016, racking up just 13 tackles in 13 appearances. But like Chris Johnson, he’s hungry for a Super Bowl title, and this could be his last shot at glory.
A group of veterans, along for a championship ride. They’re banking on Bruce Arians, Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald and others to take them to the promised land. Hopefully, the
Cardinals are the ticket to their dreams.