Former Arizona Cardinals tight end Gedney dies

The former Arizona Cardinals tight end played for the team from 1997-2000

Chris Gedney, who finished off a seven-year career in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, died on Wednesday.  He was 47 years old.

Over his three years in Arizona, he had 517 receiving yards on 45 receptions.  He had five touchdowns in Arizona.  He spent his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears.

Gedney was a tight end on the first Cardinals team to reach the playoffs in 1998.  He had 22 receptions for 271-yards and a touchdown that season.  He also had three receptions for 23-yards in two playoff games that season.

Gedney, who graduated from Syracuse University and recently worked for them in the Athletic Department as an associate athletic director, had his two best NFL seasons in Arizona.  He started nine games while playing in all 16 games each of his first two seasons and 13 in his third and final one in the desert.

Before going back to work for Syracuse he spent time with local media, working for XTRA 910 sports and Fox Sports Arizona.  He also was a commentator for Syracuse football.  He graduated with a degree in speech communication.

Gedney played behind Johnny McWilliams in 1997 and 1998.  He did not play in 1999 but did play for the Cardinals in 2000.  He played behind Terry Hardy in 2000.

Gedney finished his career overall with 83 receptions for 914-yards and eight touchdowns.  He even had one career carry as a rusher.  He had one carry for 15-yards in 1997.  Not a bad career average.

He also contributed on special teams for the Cardinals.  He returned two kicks in 1997 and two more in 1998.

Next: 5 players the Arizona Cardinals should not pursue

It is unfortunate to see a life end at such a young age.  Named as a member of the Syracuse All-Century team, he is certainly going to be remembered for his time in Arizona and Chicago as well.  Our thoughts and condolences go out to his friends and family.