Rookies who excelled for the Arizona Cardinals organization

There have been several players throughout history who have recorded stellar rookie campaigns for the Arizona Cardinals franchise

Throughout their existence, the Arizona Cardinals organization has had it’s fair share of outstanding rookie performers. Some of those youngsters received honors for what they accomplished during their initial pro campaigns, but many others did not. Now, in 2019, there’s another first-year Cardinal who’s playing well enough to be recognized for his efforts.

Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray is one of several candidates vying for Offensive Rookie of the Year accolades. The club’s front office believed they had acquired someone special when they used the first-overall pick of the draft on the athletic signal-caller. Murray’s performance this season has led the Cards to believe that their assessment of the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner was a correct one.

If Murray does end up winning the award, he will not be the first Cardinal in franchise history to do so. In fact, four others have taken home the honor. Three of the Cards who won “Rookie of the Year” in the past were on the offensive side of the ball, while one was on defense.

Back in 1965, Johnny Roland was a fourth-round pick of the team when they resided in St. Louis. In 1966, the 6’2, 220 pound running back accounted for 908 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns, and brought home the “Rookie of the Year” trophy. Roland, who played his college ball at the University of Missouri, went on to make two Pro Bowls during his eight-year professional career.

In 1979, St. Louis selected the sensational Ottis “O.J.” Anderson with the eight-overall pick. The running back took the NFL by storm, rushing for 1,605 yards and eight scores on the ground as a first-year professional. Anderson added 41 receptions for 308 yards and another two touchdowns, helping the former Miami Hurricane to run away with “Offensive Rookie of the Year”

honors.

Simeon Rice, the third-overall selection of the 1996 draft, was the next first-year Cardinal to excel. The University of Illinois product tallied 12.5 sacks and 52 tackles, numbers that helped him become the league’s “Defensive Rookie of the Year”. Rice was voted to three Pro Bowls (one with Arizona) during his time in the pros, and was a member of the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002.

Anquan Boldin exploded onto the scene in 2003, and was virtually unstoppable during his first campaign. The Cards second-round choice notched 103 catches, 1,377 receiving yards and eight scores, and was voted “Offensive Rookie of the Year”. Boldin went on to appear in three Pro Bowls, and was a member of the Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens in 2012.

We”ll all know in a few weeks if Murray will get to be a part of this distinguished group of Cardinals. The winning rookie will be announced on the night before the Super Bowl in February. Murray being awarded the honor would be a nice positive in what has been another losing season for Arizona.