Twenty-Five Greatest Players in Cardinals History

Roger Wehrli wasn’t as heralded as others of his day, but he was just as good.

One thing the Cardinals franchise has done well is develop players in the secondary. The franchise has a great history with both cornerbacks and safeties, and this list is littered with them. Though the name Wehrli isn’t as well known as some of the others, he was a tremendous player and all time great.

Wehrli began his career in 1969 after being drafted in the first round that year. He had three interceptions in his first season, six the following year, and amassed 40 in his illustrious career, good for third in team history. Roger Staubach once called him the best cornerback he ever played against, and claims that Wehrli is where the term “shutdown corner” originated.

A number of awards and honors were extended to Wehrli both while he played, and after he retired. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, and was first team All Pro three times. He was named to the 1970’s All Decade team, and elected to the Cardinals Ring of Honor. In 2007, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He may not be as well known as some other Cardinals greats, but he was one of the best in the franchise’s history.