Larry Centers was an Arizona Cardinals great who helped revolutionize the fullback position
In the 1990’s, when the average fan was asked about the fullback position, a certain kind of player came to mind. Fullbacks were basically extensions of the offensive line. They were big, snarling beasts whose responsibilities included blocking and little more. Speed and play-making wasn’t in the job description. Then Larry Centers came along.
Centers was taken in the fifth round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Cardinals, who were still in Phoenix at the time. He played wide receiver when he first came to Stephen F Austin, but took over at running back due to injury. It was a move that worked out pretty well.
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After two seasons where he didn’t play much, Centers’ role got bigger starting in 1992. Listed as the team’s fullback, he began to do things that most guys didn’t do at that spot, mostly as a receiver.
From 1992 to 1998 Centers averaged an astonishing 74 receptions and 623 yards per season. He led the team in receptions several times, and had especially big years in 1995 and 1996. In those two seasons he had 101 and 99 catches respectively, and made the Pro Bowl both times.
Centers totaled 827 receptions, 6,797 yards, and 28 touchdowns over his 14 year career, which included stops in Washington, Buffalo, and New England. His reception total is the most by a running back, and 28th all-time in league history. He also had 2,188 yards and 14 scores rushing. .
In his time with the Cardinals, Centers had 535 catches, which places him third in team history, ahead of franchise greats like Roy Green and Jackie Smith. He was a fan favorite, and a leader for the team while he was there.
Next: Twenty-Five Greatest Players in Cardinals History
Centers is one of the greats of all-time for the Cardinals franchise. He also influenced the way the game was played in general, helping to revolutionize the way fullbacks were used. He showed that fullbacks weren’t just blockers, they could be weapons.