Football Players who Played for Chargers and Cardinals

There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.

That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals.

And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?

Well, good news, you’re in the right place.

I’ve done some research and have found players who played on both the Chargers and Cardinals.

Jim McMahon

Jim McMahon is best remembered for his time as quarterback for the Chicago Bears during the mid-1980s, particularly for helping the team win Super Bowl XX in 1986. Known for his flamboyant personality and disregard for the NFL’s dress code, he was a key figure in the Bears’ renowned “46 Defense” era.

McMahon was drafted fifth overall by the Bears in the 1982 NFL Draft and spent seven seasons with the team, earning a Pro Bowl spot in 1985. Despite injuries throughout his career, his performance was highlighted by his ability to play at a high level in critical games.

After leaving the Bears, McMahon played for several teams, including the Chargers, Eagles, Vikings, Cardinals, and Packers. His career ended in 1996 with the Packers, earning him a second Super Bowl ring as Brett Favre’s backup.

Antonio Cromartie

Antonio Cromartie was selected by the San Diego Chargers as the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. During his career, he played as a cornerback for several teams including the Chargers, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Indianapolis Colts.

Cromartie was named to four Pro Bowls and was a First-Team All-Pro in 2007. In that remarkable 2007 season, he led the NFL with 10 interceptions. Throughout his 11-year career, he recorded a total of 420 tackles, 31 interceptions, and 115 pass deflections.

Cromartie’s ability to read plays and his agility in coverage made him one of the standout cornerbacks of his generation. His length and athleticism were instrumental in his success at breaking up passes and securing interceptions.

Cromartie Key Stats

1st Team All-Pro (Chargers)
Pro Bowl (Chargers, Jets, Cardinals)

Eric Metcalf

Eric Metcalf was selected as the 13th overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He played in the NFL for 13 seasons, with stints at 7 different teams including the Browns, Falcons, Chargers, Cardinals, Panthers, Redskins, and Packers.

Metcalf was primarily utilized as a return specialist and running back. His versatility and speed made him a significant threat in special teams. Over his career, he recorded almost 8,000 rushing and receiving yards, but his most remarkable achievements came as a return specialist, where he scored 12 return touchdowns.

He was named to three Pro Bowls and earned two 1st Team All-Pro selections. His ability to change games with his special teams play made him one of the most exciting players to watch during his career.

Metcalf Key Stats

1st Team All-Pro (Browns, Chargers)
Pro Bowl (Browns, Chargers)
1000+ Receiving Yard Season (Falcons)

Dwight Freeney

Dwight Freeney had a highly successful career in the NFL, standing out as one of the most feared defensive ends of his time. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts with the 11th overall pick of the 2002 NFL Draft. Freeney spent the majority of his career with the Colts (2002 to 2012), and became a key figure in their defense.

Over the span of his illustrious career, he accumulated 125.5 sacks, 47 forced fumbles, and 350 tackles. Freeney was a force to be reckoned with on the field, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro nods. One of the highlights of his career was winning Super Bowl XLI with the Colts.

After leaving the Colts, Freeney had stints with several other teams including the San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions before retiring in 2017.