Arizona Cardinals Jersey Countdown: History of No. 16

The Draft is in the air. You can taste the salty tears as Arizona Cardinals fans hope Josh Rosen stays in the desert, only for Kyler Murray to be selected with the first overall selection.

While that was my weak attempt at humor, I wouldn’t be surprised if the team does make that move. What else wouldn’t surprise me? Another jersey countdown with a number that does not have much history of successful players dawning it. We are talking about the No. 16 today! No. 17 had some successful careers associated with it, what does No. 16 have in store?

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The first time the 16 jersey was worn was by the Cardinals last No. 1 overall pick. King Hill. Hill spent only three seasons with the franchise, going 3-8 with eight touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Hopefully, the next guy does better.

Rich Camarillo would wear No. 16 for his five-year stint with the now Phoenix Cardinals. Camarillo would average 43.7 yards per punt in the desert. He was elected to four Pro Bowls and earned his only First-Team All-Pro with the franchise. Camarillo would go on to Houston and Oakland after the Cardinals, but would not be able to find the same success he had in the desert. Camarillo would be with the Cardinals from 1989-1993.

Next is a fan favorite. Jake the Snake.

Jake Plummer was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 1997 draft out of Arizona State University. Plummer would go on to be with the team for six years, posting one winning seasons and only one season where his touchdowns exceeded his interception totals. Plummer would finish his time with the Cardinals 30-52, posting 17000 yards, 90 touchdowns, and 114 interceptions.

Plummer would leave Arizona to play in Denver. In four seasons with the Broncos, Plummer would accrue nine more wins, and lose only 15 times. By the time he would hang up his cleats, he finished his career 69-67, with 161 touchdowns and 161 interceptions.

Since Plummer, no one of note has worn the jersey. John Navarre wore it for two seasons. Teddy Williams wore it in 2013, as did Jeremy Ross in 2016. Chad Williams wore it for the 2017 season before switching to No. 10 his second season. Currently, Trent Sherfield wears the No. 16.