Arizona Cardinals Jersey Countdown: History of No. 21
We are inching closer to the day that the Arizona Cardinals make their decision as to who they will take with the No. 1 overall draft selection.The 2019 NFL Draft is only the fourth time in franchise history they will hold the first pick, the last being in 1958 when they took Rice quarterback King Hill. The 2019 selection is only 21 days away, so we get to start our countdown with a well known Cardinal.
Currently, Patrick Peterson wears the No. 21 jersey on Sundays. The team’s three-time All-Pro cornerback has worn the number since being drafted with the fifth overall pick back in 2011. Hopefully, Peterson remains an Arizona Cardinal so he can retire in Cardinal red having worn the No. 21 jersey his for the entirety of his career.
Prior to Peterson, Hamza Abdullah wore the No. 21 jersey from 2010-11, after Antrel Rolle had worn it from 2005-09. There were plenty of players to wear the jersey before then, but no one wore it more than two seasons before moving on from the team. You would have to go back to 1963 and 1973 to find two players who wore it for an extended period of time.
Terry Metcalf wore the No. 21 from 1971 to 1977. Metcalf was utilized as a running back and returner during his time with the franchise. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection in 1974, 1975, and 1977, his final season with the team. He is number seven on the franchise’s career rushing leaders.
Finally, Jerry Stovall. Stovall played all eight of his NFL seasons for the Cardinals, from 1963 to 1971. He played defensive back for the team and served as the team’s punter his rookie season. He started in 96 of his 97 career games and recorded 18 interceptions during his tenure.
Stovall was selected to the Pro Bowl three times in 1966, 1967, and 1969. He was selected number two overall by the Cardinals in the NFL draft, and with the third pick in the AFL draft. He ranks 19th amongst the franchise leaders in interceptions.
Next. Kyler Murray odds-on favorite to be top pick. dark
Like Peterson, Stovall played for LSU during his collegiate career.
We will do this until we finally hit the draft day. So stick with Raising Zona as we countdown the days.