In preparation for the 2024 NFL regular season and the Arizona Cardinals’ first game of the year, we are counting down the days until they kick off on the road against the Buffalo Bills. With only 88 days left until opening day, we take a closer look at the number 88 and its significance to the Cardinals.
The number 88 holds special meaning for the team as it is one of their retired numbers. The last player to wear No. 88 for the Cardinals was tight end J.V. Cain, who played for St. Louis from 1974-1978 before his tragic death in 1979. Cain was their rookie of the year in ’74, with impressive stats including 13 passes caught for 152 yards and a touchdown. His best season came in ’76 when he caught 26 passes for 400 yards and five touchdowns, followed by another successful year with 25 passes caught for 328 yards in ’77. After that season, his number was retired to honor his contribution to the team.
Although Cain made a significant impact while wearing No. 88, it was receiver Sonny Randle who is considered one of the best players to have donned that number. Randle wore No. 88 from ’59-’66 and earned four Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro nod during that timeframe. He also had two standout seasons with over a thousand receiving yards and even led the league in receiving touchdowns during one year.
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As we get ready for kickoff on opening day against Buffalo Bills, let us remember how important this number has been to some of our most beloved players throughout history!
