7 Football Players who Played for Lions 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 Detroit Lions 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 Lions and Cardinals.
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 was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 8)
Prater Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Broncos, Lions)
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)
Lomas Brown
Lomas Brown was known as one of the NFL’s top offensive tackles during his career. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round, 6th overall, in the 1985 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, Brown played 11 seasons for the Lions, during which he earned Pro Bowl honors seven times and 1st Team All-Pro once.
In addition to the Lions, Brown also had stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a part of the 2002 Buccaneers team that won the Super Bowl.
Over his 18-year career, Brown was recognized not only for his athleticism but also for his leadership and intelligence on the field. His excellent footwork, combined with his size and strength, made him an effective and durable player, appearing in 263 games in total.
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)
Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. From his debut in 2007 through 2020, Peterson amassed over 14,900 rushing yards and 120 rushing touchdowns.
Selected 7th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson quickly established himself as a force in the league, setting the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards in his rookie season. His 2012 season was particularly noteworthy, as he fell just nine yards short of breaking the single-season rushing record after returning from a severe knee injury.
Peterson has earned numerous accolades over his career, including the NFL MVP award in 2012, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He also played for the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, and Detroit Lions.
Peterson Key Stats
- MVP (Vikings)
- 1st Team All-Pro (Vikings)
- Pro Bowl (Vikings)
- 1000+ Yard Rushing Season (Vikings, Commanders)
Josh McCown
Josh McCown, known for his resilience and adaptability, carved out a noteworthy 17-year career in the NFL – mostly as a reliable backup quarterback.
From his entry into the league with the Arizona Cardinals in 2002, he played for 9 different teams, a few times as the starting QB, but also stepping in and performing effectively whenever called upon when he wasn’t.
He threw for over 17,000 yards and 98 touchdowns, holding a career passer rating of around 80. Particularly impressive stints came with the Chicago Bears in 2013 and the New York Jets in 2017.
Dave Krieg
Dave Krieg was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 1980. He went on to play 19 seasons in the NFL, mainly with the Seahawks but he also had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Oilers (they were still the Oilers for two years before changing the name to Titans).
During his time with the Seahawks, Krieg became one of the most prolific passers in the franchise’s history. He earned three Pro Bowl selections (1984, 1988, 1989) and led the Seahawks to their first playoff appearance in 1983, where they reached the AFC Championship Game.
Krieg’s career statistics include over 38,000 passing yards, 261 touchdown passes, and a passer rating of 81.5. Known for his durability and ability to perform under pressure, Krieg’s leadership and skills as a quarterback helped elevate the teams he played for and cemented his place as one of the memorable players of his era.
Krieg Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Seahawks)
- 3000+ Passing Yard Season (Seahawks, Chiefs, Cardinals)
