As the start of the 2024 regular season approaches, excitement is building for the Arizona Cardinals. On September 8th, they will kick off their season against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. With just 78 days until the season opener, anticipation is high.
One player who is eagerly awaiting this moment is guard Marquis Hayes. Drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Hayes has yet to play in an NFL game. He spent his rookie year on injured reserve and his second year on the practice squad. However, he remains hopeful that he will finally have the opportunity to make an impact on the field this upcoming season.
The last Cardinal player to wear No. 78 was offensive lineman Earl Watford from 2013 to 2016 before switching to No. 71 in 2017. Watford was drafted in the fourth round in 2013 and became known as a versatile player who could step in when needed. He started 21 games for the Cardinals and earned praise from head coach Bruce Arians. After playing two more seasons in the NFL with Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Watford reunited with Arians once again.
Watford was a reliable player who was appreciated by both coaches and fans alike, earning him a place among our top athletes of all time at Cards Wire’s Jess Root on Rise Up, See Red podcast available on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts
