6 Football Players who Played for Colts 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 Indianapolis Colts 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 Colts and Cardinals.
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James is a former NFL running back who had an illustrious career with the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle Seahawks. He was selected fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Colts, and he made an immediate impact, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
With the Colts, James formed a prolific offensive trio alongside Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison. A four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time NFL rushing yards leader, he amassed 12,246 rushing yards and 80 touchdowns over his career.
James was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, solidifying his legacy as one of the best running backs of his era.
James Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Colts, Cardinals, Seahawks)
- 1st Team All-Pro (Colts)
- Pro Bowl (Colts)
- 1000+ Yard Rushing Season (Colts, Cardinals)
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.
Freeney Key Stats
- 1st Team All-Pro (Colts)
- Pro Bowl (Colts)
- Super Bowl Champ (Colts)
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)
Chris Chandler
Chris Chandler had a lengthy and diverse career as a quarterback in the NFL, playing for eight teams over 17 seasons from 1988 to 2004.
His career stats include 28,484 passing yards, 170 touchdown passes, and a completion rate of 58.1%. Chandler’s pinnacle was the 1998 season when he led the Atlanta Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII, earning Pro Bowl honors along the way. His QB rating of 100.9 that season was a career-high.
Despite moving frequently, Chandler had a knack for stepping in and providing reliable quarterback play, a valuable asset in the league
Chandler Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Falcons)
- 3000+ Passing Yard Season (Falcons)
Ricky Proehl
Ricky Proehl was selected by the Phoenix Cardinals in the third round, 58th overall, in the 1990 NFL Draft. During his lengthy 17-year career, he played for several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts.
Proehl’s most productive seasons came with the Rams, where he was part of the “Greatest Show on Turf” and won Super Bowl XXXIV. He also played a crucial role in the Panthers’ run to Super Bowl XXXVIII. Known for his reliable hands and precise route-running, Proehl was often a go-to target in clutch situations.
By the time he retired, he had accumulated 669 receptions for 8,878 yards and 54 touchdowns. His consistent performance and leadership on and off the field made him a respected figure in the league.
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.
