No huge surprises for Arizona Cardinals 2021 team captains

The Arizona Cardinals named their team captains on Wednesday. Which players were given the honor this year?

As expected, the Arizona Cardinals named their team captains on Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s season opener at the Tennessee Titans. The team announced a total of nine captains.

Leading the way on the list should be little to no surprise in starting quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray enters his third season in the NFL.

The other captains from the Cardinals‘ offensive side of the ball include the three “H’s” in left tackle D.J. Humphries, center Rodney Hudson, and receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hudson becomes a captain in his first season with the team after the Las Vegas Raiders traded him in March.

Which Arizona Cardinals defenders were named team captains?

As for the defensive side of the ball, defensive end J.J. Watt, safety Budda Baker, and linebackers Chandler Jones, Dennis Gardeck, and Jordan Hicks were named as team captains. Some may argue the addition of Hicks as a surprise, but in reality, it makes all the sense in the world.

Hicks was given some brutal honesty by general manager Steve Keim prior to training camp in telling him there was no way Hicks would be in play as a starter. The starting job was being given to 2021 first-round pick Zaven Collins without Collins playing a single down in the preseason.

Hicks took it like a professional and played well in the preseason. By all accounts, he was strong in practice and conducted himself with the utmost professionalism. That right there is the reason why he was selected.

Leaders aren’t necessarily the best players, but they often are. The way an individual carries himself on and off the field is a huge factor. When it seemed Hicks had one foot out the door, now it seems like he is ready to make a major contribution to the 2021 team.

One name missing from the captain’s list is, of course, Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is still listed officially as a free agent.