Arizona Cardinals: Top Five Running Backs in History
By Scott Allen
Nov 16, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; A pile of footballs rest on the field prior to the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Denver Broncos at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
3. Michael Pittman
Pittman spent four seasons in Arizona from 1998-2001. He got off to a slow start but had over 1,000 all-purpose yards each of his last two seasons with the Cardinals. He rushed for 719 yards in 1999 and 846 yards in 2000. He had 16 receptions for 196 yards in 1999 and greatly improved that in 2000 with 73 receptions for 579 yards.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft out of Fresno State, Pittman was somewhat of an unknown. His rookie season was mostly spent on the bench. He was a situational runner only, rushing 29 times for 91 yards. The role expanded a bit in 1999 as he carried the ball 64 times for 289 yards. He also scored his first two NFL touchdowns that season.
Pittman went on to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos before calling it an NFL career, a career which was marred somewhat by domestic violence issues in both Arizona and Tampa. More domestic violence popped up recently back in October 2014 for Pittman as well. Unfortunately he may be better known for his actions off the field than for his play on it. Such a shame.
Best Cardinals season: 2000 – rushed for 719 yards, had 579 yards receiving for 1,218 all-purpose yards. He had six total touchdowns
Best Cardinals game: November 14, 1999 vs. Detroit Lions:133 yards rushing, one touchdown. Also had two receptions for 44 yards.