GLENDALE – Two of the Arizona Cardinals’ most iconic defenders just earned a rare nod on ESPN’s “All-21st Century NFL Team,” honoring the league’s greatest talents since 2000.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!While no Cardinals made the offensive cut, Calais Campbell and Patrick Peterson found their place on the defensive side, both listed as reserves among some of the most dominant players of the last two decades.
Campbell, now 38, returned to the franchise on a one-year deal this offseason, closing the loop on a career that began in Arizona back in 2008. After a quiet rookie year, the second-round pick never posted fewer than five sacks in a season with the team. He made two Pro Bowls with Arizona and six total, becoming one of the most consistent defensive linemen of his generation.
Campbell was ranked behind Los Angeles Rams Aaron Donald, while Peterson was behind New York Jets Darrelle Revis and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ronde Barber.
Aug 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) celebrates a tackle with cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in a preseason NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Cardinals Campbell and Peterson make the team:
Campbell was drafted by the franchise back in 2008 in second round, and after a lackluster rookie year, he never recorded under five sacks in a season with the team. The former Miami Hurricane was named a two-time Pro Bowler with Arizona and six times overall. The 38-year-old made his triumphant return to the Valley, signing a one-year deal with the Cardinals this past offseason.
Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) and cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Arizona Cardinals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Peterson joined Campbell in 2011, and the duo were teammates for the next six seasons. In 2015, The two All-Pro players led Arizona’s defense to its first NFC Championship Game game since 2009. The former LSU Tiger started his career with eight straight Pro-Bowl selections and recorded three All-Pro first teams in that span.
The 34-year-old signed a one-day contract with the franchise to retire as a Cardinal and will surely have his number retired and added to the Ring of Honor in State Farm Stadium.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
