Cardinals Franchise Jersey Countdown: History of No. 19

The Arizona Cardinals again have little history with the number 20

Another lackluster history behind this jersey number. For the Arizona Cardinals franchise, having seen the lack of success year in and year out it makes sense.

Yesterday we looked at the lack of talent to dawn the No. 20 jersey, and labeled Deone Bucannon as the best to wear it for the Cardinals franchise. This history of our next jersey number is less exciting and has less history behind it. In fact, the first time the jersey was worn was in 1967 when Philip Spiller was the teams return man. Spiller was only with the team for one season, and in the league for two.

It would be 11-years before someone would break out number 19 again. That person was Mike Wood. Wood was traded to St. Louis in 1978 after the Vikings took him in the eighth round that season. Wood served as the punter his rookie season, before handling some kicking duties in 1979. He would go 2/7 on his field goal attempts, and 6/7 on extra points. The Cardinals would trade him to San Diego after three games. Wood finished his career below the 60% mark, converting 29/59 possible field goals.

Shawn Halloran would wear No. 19 for the 1987, seeing time in three games, starting two, and finishing with a 1-1 record. He would only complete 42.9% of his passes in those games and throw no touchdowns to one interception.

Tom Tupa would wear it the next season. Tupa would act as the teams quarterback and punter from 1988 to 1991. He had six punts during his time with the Cardinals. He would post a 4-9 record as the quarterback, throwing nine touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

The next notable player to wear the jersey is everyone’s favorite quarterback. John Skelton. Skelton was infamous for being the teams starting quarterback when Kolb went down, and proceeded to go on a winning streak. Skelton finished his career with the Cardinals 8-9, 3707 yards, 15 scores to 25 interceptions. Skelton has not played a game since.

The last three players to wear it have been wide receivers, Tedd Ginn, Chris Hubert, and Carlton Agudosi. Ginn only spent a year in Arizona, and is known for his fumble in the teams Wildcard game against Carolina. Hubert spent time on the teams practice squad, while Agudosi bounced between active and practice squad rosters.

So the history of No. 19 is short and boring. No exciting players. An argument could be made for Skelton as the most exciting because there was the whole Skelton or Kolb debate during the final days of Ken Whisenhunt‘s tenure.

We will keep counting down the days for the Cardinals No. 1 selection this Draft. So stick with Raising Zona as we get closer to Draft Day.