As the NFL offseason weekend comes to a close, anticipation for the start of the 2024 regular season continues to build. The Arizona Cardinals will kick off their season on September 8 against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.
The current No. 78 for the Cardinals is guard Marquis Hayes, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2022 but has yet to play in an NFL game. Hayes spent his rookie year on injured reserve and the following season on the practice squad, missing out on opportunities to make an impact on the field.
Before him, offensive lineman Earl Watford wore No. 78 for the Cardinals from 2013 to 2016 before switching to No. 71 in 2017. Drafted in the fourth round in 2013, Watford was a versatile player who could step in when needed and earned praise from head coach Bruce Arians during his time with the Cardinals. He went on to play two more seasons in the NFL, for the Browns in 2018 and the Buccaneers in 2019 where he reunited with Arians once again.
Watford was a reliable player who was appreciated by both coaches and fans alike, making him a fan favorite while playing for Arizona. For more Cardinals news and updates, check out Cards Wire’s Jess Root on the Rise Up, See Red podcast, available on Spotify, YouTube