6 Football Players who Played for 49ers and Cardinals
If you’ve stumbled upon this post, chances are you’re engaged in the addicting trivia game known as the Immaculate Grid.
Today’s grid challenge? Identifying players who have suited up for both the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals.
Finding yourself stuck on this specific question? In need of a hint or two? You’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place.
After digging through the archives and stats, I’ve uncovered the answers, revealing players who have played for both the 49ers and Cardinals. I’ve included a mix of well-known superstars and some under-the-radar players that may land you a low rarity score.
Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2nd round, 54th overall, in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played for 14 seasons in the NFL with the Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions. Boldin made an immediate impact as a rookie, being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2003.
Throughout his career, Boldin earned three Pro Bowl selections (2003, 2006, 2008) and was known for his toughness, reliable hands, and ability to make contested catches. He played a pivotal role in the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers following the 2012 season.
Boldin’s career statistics include 1,076 receptions, 13,779 receiving yards, and 82 touchdown catches. His combination of physicality and precision route-running allowed him to thrive as one of the premier wide receivers of his era.
Boldin Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Cardinals)
- Super Bowl Champ (Ravens)
- 1000+ Yard Receiving Season (Cardinals, 49ers)
Colt McCoy
Colt McCoy is a seasoned NFL quarterback, having made his professional debut in 2010. Playing college football at Texas, McCoy was highly decorated and won numerous awards including the 2008 Walter Camp Award.
He started his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, later moving to the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Football Team, and New York Giants. As of the end of the 2022 season, he has thrown for over 7900 yards with a completion percentage over 62% and has thrown for 34 touchdowns.
Despite numerous injuries, McCoy’s ability to step into the starting role when needed has proven invaluable for his teams.
Leonard Davis
Leonard Davis was drafted in the first round, second overall, by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2001 NFL Draft.
A versatile offensive lineman, Davis played with the Cardinals (2001–2006), Dallas Cowboys (2007–2010), and San Francisco 49ers (2011). He primarily played at guard but also spent time at tackle, demonstrating his flexibility and skill on the offensive line.
Throughout his career, Davis earned three Pro Bowl selections (2007–2009) while with the Cowboys (and 2nd-Team All-Pro in 2007), and his size, strength, and blocking ability allowed him to be a vital piece of the offensive lines he played on.
Michael Crabtree
Michael Crabtree played collegiately at Texas Tech University, where he had a stellar career from 2006 to 2008. He won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver in both his freshman and sophomore years.
In the 2009 NFL Draft, Crabtree was selected 10th overall by the San Francisco 49ers. During his time with the 49ers, he became a key target for the team, contributing to their success, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2012 (also had over 1100 receiving yards that year).
Crabtree signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2015 and became one of their primary receivers. He had a productive three-year stint with the Raiders, including a 1,000-yard season in 2016. After his time with the Raiders, Crabtree had brief spells with the Ravens in 2018 and the Cardinals in 2019.
Blaine Gabbert
Blaine Gabbert was drafted in the first round, 10th overall, by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2011 NFL Draft. Gabbert’s time with the Jaguars was short-lived (and largely unsuccessful), and he was traded to the 49ers in 2014. He’s also played for the Cardinals, Buccaneers and Titans.
While Gabbert has not received any major individual awards or Pro Bowl selections, he does have the distinction of being a part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV championship team, serving as the backup to Tom Brady.
Though largely seen as a journeyman backup quarterback, Gabbert has found ways to contribute when called upon and has carved out a lengthy career in that role. His career stats are modest, but he has managed to sustain a long career in the NFL, which is a feat in itself.
Brian Hoyer
Brian Hoyer is a veteran quarterback who has primarily been a backup with multiple NFL teams. He entered the league undrafted in 2009 and signed with the New England Patriots, backing up Tom Brady and earning a Super Bowl ring with the team in Super Bowl XLIX.
Hoyer has also started for several teams, including the Cleveland Browns (his lone 3000+ Yard Passing Season was there), Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers, with career passing stats including over 10,000 yards, 53 touchdowns, and a passer rating in the mid-80s.
