Karlos Dansby Will Make One Last Run with the Arizona Cardinals
By Jeremy Meek
Linebacker Karlos Dansby is back in Arizona, where it all started
Rookies don’t always come in ready to be big time players. Second round picks are even less often impact guys right away. Karlos Dansby wasn’t like most other players.
In his first year as a professional, with the Arizona Cardinals in 2004, Dansby started 11 games, and proved he belonged. He amassed nearly 70 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 passes defensed, 3 fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and an interception. His talent was evident, and his drive to succeed was easy to see.
In six seasons, he proved to be one of the greatest linebackers in Cardinals history. He did it whatever was necessary to win football games. In 2005, he intercepted three passes, returning two of them for touchdowns. The following season, he registered eight sacks. From 2004 to 2009, he averaged four sacks, two picks, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
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In 2010, Dansby signed a free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins, cashing in on his great play. However, after three seasons, he was released, and made his way back to the desert on a one year deal. Once back at home, he thrived. His 2013 season resulted in 6 1/2 sacks, a career high 4 interceptions, and 2 more touchdowns.
This time, it was the Browns who snapped him up in free agency, signing him to a four year contract. After two seasons, he was released and moved to the southern half of Ohio, and joined the Bengals for a single season.
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Now, he’s back in Arizona for his third stint with the Cardinals, on another one year deal. His season in Cincinnati didn’t go well, and at 35, many think he’s past the age of effectiveness. Maybe he is. Once before, he rediscovered his greatness out west. Maybe he’s over the hill. But maybe a trip back home is all he needs.