Twenty-Five Greatest Players in Cardinals History

Aeneas Williams talked softly, but made the big picks.

There was something special about Williams right from the start. He came from Southern University, and didn’t play football until his Junior season because he wanted to concentrate on school. He wasn’t brash, and didn’t get drafted until round three. On the field, though, he showed how special he really was.

He had six interceptions in his rookie campaign, and 46 total during his time with the Cardinals. This is good for second place in team history. His six returns for a touchdown is a franchise record. He’s also sixth in tackles in Cardinals history. For ten seasons, he blanked opposing teams’ best receiver, and did it well. His instincts and intelligence were on constant display, and his ball skills and tackling ability were evident. Though unassuming, he was one of the league’s best cornerbacks for a number of years.

Williams made six Pro Bowls during his decade in Arizona, and he was first-team All Pro twice. The Cardinals placed him in their Ring of Honor in 2008, and he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2014. He didn’t see a lot of team success in his time with the Cardinals franchise, but his individual play was truly special.