Arizona Cardinals Jersey Countdown: History of No. 11

The Arizona Cardinals will have the number 11 in the Hall of Fame someday soon

It’s beginning to look a lot like Draft Day. If you follow the Cardinals reddit thread user MrChipKelly has made his declaration as to who the Arizona Cardinals top selection will be. He says it will be Kyler Murray. There’s only 11 days standing between us and confirming that statement.

Yesterday we examined the moderate success of the individuals who have worn the No. 12 jersey. This time around we look at the most famous number in team history and the most famous player to wear that jersey. There are currently five jerseys to have been retired by the franchise, and No. 11 will be the sixth.

Before we get into him, lets look at some notable names to wear it prior.

Kicker, Neil O’Donoghue, wore the jersey from 1981 to 1985. His six-year stint with the St. Louis Cardinals saw him convert 61% of his field goals, and 96% of his extra point attempts as well as put up 439 points.

Jay Schroeder wore the jersey for one season. Schroder was a quarterback and played during the 1994 season for the Arizona Cardinals, going 5-3 in eight starts with nine appearances. He threw four touchdowns to seven interceptions and 1500 yards.

Kent Graham would dawn the jersey during the 1996 and 1997 season. Graham started 14 games in two seasons for the Cardinals, finishing 5-9, 16 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He threw 3032 yards during that time.

Jeff Blake wore the jersey for his only season in Arizona. He started in 13 games, finishing 3-10, 2247 yards, 13 scores and 15 interceptions.

The Arizona Cardinals would hold the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, and would use it on a certain Wide Receiver from Pittsburgh. You guessed it, Larry Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald leads the Cardinals franchise in all major statistical groups. Considering he’s been in the league for 16-years and has been billed as one of the best to play the game, that is to be expected. He’s been loyal to the franchise and the franchise has been loyal to him. Unfortunately for Fitzgerald and fans the team has not been able to win a super bowl.

Fitzgerald put the team on his back during the teams playoff run in 2008 but ultimately they fell short. Fitz is currently year to year in his career so it’s now or never for the team to provide the future Hall of Famer his only Super Bowl ring.

It’s getting exciting, we’re getting closer. Only one full week and Easter separates us from the draft! So stick with Raising Zona as we continue to count down the days.