Arizona Cardinals: Team captains announced

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals (right) celebrates with teammate defensive end
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals (right) celebrates with teammate defensive end

The Arizona Cardinals have named their team captains for the 2017 NFL season

The Arizona Cardinals have Super Bowl aspirations in 2017.  In order to help make that happen, veteran leadership is needed all around.

With that being said, the Cardinals have announced their five team captains for the upcoming season. Most should come as no shock.

Larry Fitzgerald, now in his 14th NFL season, will be a team captain this year.  He lead the NFL in receptions with 107 in 2016.

Fitz spent a month deciding whether to return or not for 2017.  In February he made the decision to come back.  He also did not disclose his plans beyond this year.

Carson Palmer, now in his 15th season, also decided just days before Fitz to return for another run at the Super Bowl.  He threw 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2016.

Palmer has not decided what the future will hold for him.  It is not automatic that he will retire, Super Bowl win or not this season.

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Phil Dawson, now in his 18th season, is new to the team.  He signed a free-agent contract in March.

Dawson, at the age of 42, is the oldest player on the team.  However with the most experience, his leadership will be invaluable to the younger players.

Patrick Peterson, now in his seventh NFL season, is a no-brainer choice here.  He has become one of the best shutdown corners in the league.

Peterson had three interceptions and recovered one fumble last season.  He has an ability to connect with people on and off the field.

Frostee Rucker is now in his 12th NFL season, 5th with the Cardinals.  Rucker, who some thought at one point might be done, is back for more.

He played in 13 games last year but started just one after starting 13 games in 2015.  He did not register a sack last season but had three in 2015 and five in 2014.

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