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Top 100 players in Arizona Cardinals franchise history: No’s 50 to 41

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Calais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals leaps to block the pass of quarterback Kurk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Calais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals leaps to block the pass of quarterback Kurk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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#42 Tom Banks

Banks was drafted in the eighth round of the 1970 NFL Draft.  For a guy that was drafted that late sure had some staying power.  The center spent 10 seasons with the Cardinals in St. Louis.

Banks started all but six of his 110 career games for the Cardinals.  Banks was named to the Pro Bowl four consecutive years from 1975-1978.

The center also had a great number of awards.  Pro Football Weekly named him to 1st Team All-Pro four times from ’75-’78.  Sporting News and UPI also named him to their 1st Team All-Pro in four consecutive years from 1976-1979.

Banks is the kind of center the Cardinals need now.  Someone who has the staying power of a Tom Banks, someone who can stay healthy and produce over a long period of time.

Though he is currently competing with A.Q. Shipley, current second-year player Mason Cole can be this type of player.  Having a franchise center is as important as having a franchise quarterback.

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