7 Football Players who Played for Falcons 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 Atlanta Falcons 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 Falcons and the Cardinals.
Josh Rosen
Josh Rosen was selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played for the Cardinals during his rookie season before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2019.
Rosen’s career in the NFL has been marked by a series of ups and downs. In his rookie season with the Cardinals, he started 13 games, throwing for 2,278 yards with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. However, his time as a starter was short-lived, and he has since primarily served in a backup role.
Though his career has not yet lived up to the expectations that come with being a first-round draft pick, Rosen continues to be a part of the NFL landscape, seeking opportunities to prove himself as a capable quarterback.
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)
John Abraham
John Abraham was especially known for his skill in rushing the quarterback. He was drafted in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft, being picked 13th overall by the New York Jets. With the Jets, Abraham quickly proved to be a formidable force as a defensive end, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2001.
After spending six seasons with the Jets, Abraham moved to the Atlanta Falcons in 2006, where he would continue to build on his already impressive career, even setting the franchise record for sacks in a single season with 16.5 in 2008.
His career highlights include being selected to the Pro Bowl five times and being named a First-team All-Pro twice. He amassed a remarkable total of 133.5 career sacks, which places him in the top 15 all-time for sacks in the NFL.
Abraham Key Stats
- 1st Team All-Pro (Jets, Falcons)
- Pro Bowl (Jets, Falcons, 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)
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is a placekicker who’s known for his strong leg and accuracy in clutch situations. He went undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft but was later signed by the Detroit Lions, where he didn’t make the final roster.
Prater bounced around a bit early in his career but ultimately found a home with the Denver Broncos, where he spent the first half of his career. In 2013, he set the NFL record for the longest successful field goal, kicking a 64-yarder in a game against the Tennessee Titans.
In 2014, Prater was suspended for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, and the Broncos released him. He was subsequently picked up by the Detroit Lions, where he solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s best kickers.
Prater Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Broncos, Lions)
Jay Feely
Jay Feely had an impressive 14-year career as a placekicker in the NFL. He initially signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2001 but truly started his NFL journey with the New York Giants in 2005.
Feely spent two seasons with the Giants before moving to the Miami Dolphins, where he played for a season. His career then took him to the New York Jets, where he enjoyed two solid seasons, followed by short stints with the Arizona Cardinals and the Chicago Bears.
Throughout his career, Feely demonstrated consistency as a kicker, converting 82.6% of his field goals and a strong leg as well, with a career-long field goal of 61 yards
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)
