Arizona Cardinals Jersey Countdown: History of No. 5
Five days. That’s all that remains as the Arizona Cardinals continue to narrow down the top draft selection. It feels so close, but still so far away. Only one team truly knows who they’re picking and that’s our Cardinals. Everyone else is dependent on the team or teams ahead of them.
Yesterday’s jersey, No. 6, had a short, ugly history behind it. Only one person has worn the jersey more than two seasons. Chad Kanoff has a chance to become the second player to do so, but depending on a certain first-day selection, he has an uphill climb.
Today’s jersey has equally as little success, but some more notable Cardinals have worn it. We will start with the most recent and work our way back to 1989.
Currently, kicker Zane Gonzalez wears the jersey. Gonzalez joined the Cardinals late last season after being released by the Browns. He finished his 2018 season with a 77.8% conversion rate but did go 7/9, so that number is slightly skewed. He is currently one of two kickers on the roster, the other being Cole Murphy who was a 71.1% collegiate kicker, and was cut by his AAF team before the league folded.
Next is everyone’s favorite backup quarterback, Drew Stanton. Stanton was one of Bruce Arians’ first signings and was the announced starter prior to the Carson Palmer trade. Stanton saw extended time due to a few Palmer injuries, finishing with a 9-4 record during that time. The quarterback currently serves as the Browns backup to Baker Mayfield.
However, Stanton did provide this memorable moment.
Punter Ben Graham wore No. 5 from 2008 to 2011. Graham was a former Aussie rugby star and is now retired after a one-year stint in Detroit.
Kicker Greg Davis wore it as well for both the Phoenix Cardinals and the Arizona Cardinals. Davis spent six-years with the franchise converting 69.9% of his field goals (Gronk approved), higher than his career average of 68.9%.
The first player to wear the jersey in franchise history is Gary Hogeboom. Hogeboom was a fifth-round draft selection for the Dallas Cowboys. He spent his first six years there, before signing with the Colts, and then the Cardinals. Hogeboom joined the team as a backup plan to Neil Lomax, who had an arthritic hip. He played in 13 games for the team, going 5-8 over that span. Hogeboom was cut one year into his three-year deal due to a coaching change.
Some more notable names in this group, but still a lack of consistent success. That’s what you can expect for the franchise with the most losses in history.
Nearly there! Stay with Raising Zona for all your draft needs.