Unveiling the Storied Lineage of Arizona Cardinals Quarterbacks: A Comprehensive Chronicle

The Arizona Cardinals franchise, established in 1898 as the Racine Normals, has witnessed a succession of talented and influential quarterbacks throughout its storied history. From the early days of the National Football League (NFL) to the present era, the Cardinals have fielded a diverse and accomplished group of signal-callers who have left an indelible mark on the game.

The Pioneering Era: From Skimbo to Hank

The Cardinals' quarterbacking history began with Dutch Sternaman, who led the team to a 6-3-1 record in 1920, the franchise's inaugural NFL season. Sternaman, known for his mobility and passing prowess, paved the way for a series of capable quarterbacks, including Jim Thorpe, Paddy Driscoll, and Ernie Nevers.

However, it was Marshall "Skimbo" Ashworth who emerged as the first standout quarterback for the Cardinals. Ashworth, a standout athlete in college, joined the Cardinals in 1929 and quickly established himself as a formidable passer. In 1930, he led the team to its first NFL Western Division championship, earning the first of his four Pro Bowl selections.

Another Cardinals quarterback who made a significant impact during this era was Harry "The Hat" Geiselman. Geiselman joined the team in 1932 and quickly became known for his strong arm and quick release. In 1934, he led the Cardinals to their second NFL Western Division championship, earning All-NFL honors.

The Post-War Era: The Rise of Charley Trippi and Bobby Layne

Following World War II, the Cardinals underwent a period of significant transition. In 1947, the team drafted Charley Trippi, a versatile athlete who played both quarterback and running back. Trippi quickly became a fan favorite, leading the Cardinals to two NFL Western Division championships in 1947 and 1948.

In 1958, the Cardinals acquired Bobby Layne, a veteran quarterback who had previously played for the Detroit Lions. Layne, known for his fiery personality and strong leadership, led the Cardinals to their first NFL Championship Game appearance in 1958. Although the Cardinals lost the game to the Baltimore Colts, Layne's impact on the team was undeniable.

The Modern Era: From Jim Hart to Kyler Murray

The Cardinals entered the modern era with a series of talented quarterbacks, including Jim Hart, Neil Lomax, and Kerry Collins. Hart, drafted in 1976, led the Cardinals to their first playoff appearance since 1948 in 1982. Lomax, acquired in 1981, established several team passing records and earned three Pro Bowl selections. Collins, signed in 1998, led the Cardinals to their first playoff win since 1947 in 2008.

In 2019, the Cardinals selected Kyler Murray with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Murray, a dynamic playmaker with exceptional mobility and passing ability, has quickly become one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league. He led the Cardinals to their first division title since 2015 in 2021 and earned Pro Bowl honors in his sophomore season.

Notable Arizona Cardinals Quarterbacks

Interesting Stories from Cardinals Quarterback History

Skimbo Ashworth's Honorary All-NFL Team

In 1930, following the Cardinals' NFL Western Division championship victory, Ashworth was named to the NFL's All-NFL team. However, Ashworth declined the honor, instead nominating his backup, Kelly "Red" Mehrtens, in his place. Mehrtens, who had played sparingly during the season, was humbled by the gesture and vowed to never let his mentor down.

Bobby Layne's Team-Building Techniques

Bobby Layne was known for his fiery leadership style and unorthodox methods of motivating his teammates. On one occasion, after a particularly disappointing loss, Layne gathered the team and challenged them to a game of "chicken." The players lined up their cars and drove towards each other, with the winner being the last one to swerve. Layne's intent was to instill fearlessness and determination in his team, and although no one was injured, the story became a legend in Cardinals lore.

Jim Hart's Retirement Announcement

In 1987, following a 2-14 season, Hart announced his retirement in a memorable press conference. When asked about his reasons for leaving, Hart simply stated, "I'm tired of losing." The Cardinals had endured a dismal seven-game losing streak to end the season, and Hart felt that he could no longer lead the team to success. His honest and heartfelt statement resonated with fans and players alike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Discussing Cardinals Quarterbacks

• Confusing Charley Trippi and Johnny Unitas: Both players were outstanding quarterbacks during their respective eras, but they did not play for the Cardinals at the same time. Trippi played from 1947-1955, while Unitas joined the Cardinals in 1958.
• Assuming that Bobby Layne was the Cardinals' first great quarterback: While Layne was a valuable contributor during his time in Arizona, he was not the first quarterback to lead the team to success. Skimbo Ashworth and Harry Geiselman were both exceptional quarterbacks before Layne's arrival.
• Overrating the Cardinals' quarterback history: The Cardinals have had several talented quarterbacks throughout their history, but they have not consistently fielded a top-tier quarterback for an extended period. As a result, the team has not achieved consistent success in the NFL.

FAQs About Arizona Cardinals Quarterbacks

1. Who is the Cardinals' all-time leading passer?

Jim Hart holds the Cardinals' all-time passing records, with 19,894 passing yards.

2. Which Cardinals quarterback has won the most Pro Bowl selections?

Neil Lomax and Kyler Murray have both been selected to the Pro Bowl three times.

3. Which Cardinals quarterback led the team to their only NFL championship game appearance?

Bobby Layne led the Cardinals to the NFL Championship Game in 1958.

4. Which Cardinals quarterback was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Bobby Layne is the only Cardinals quarterback to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

5. Which Cardinals quarterback holds the team record for most passing touchdowns in a single season?

Kyler Murray holds the Cardinals' single-season passing touchdown record with 37, set in 2020.

Conclusion

The Arizona Cardinals' quarterback history is a rich and storied one, filled with numerous talented signal-callers who have made significant contributions to the franchise. From the legendary Skimbo Ashworth to the dynamic Kyler Murray, the Cardinals have fielded a diverse and accomplished group of quarterbacks who have left their mark on the game. While the Cardinals have yet to find sustained success in the NFL, their history is filled with memorable moments and the hope that one day, they will find a quarterback who can lead them to the promised land.