As the Arizona Cardinals anticipate their 2025 season opener against the New Orleans Saints, the legacy of players who wore the iconic No. 43 takes center stage. Among the notable names is Mykal Walker, the latest addition to the Cardinals roster, who brings fresh hopes to the linebacker position. His tenure follows a mix of talented players, including Haason Reddick, who had standout moments but ultimately did not reach his peak with the team. The history of No. 43 showcases a blend of key defensive players who have contributed significantly to the Cardinals' identity over the years.

Walker, now donning No. 43, is expected to make an impact as the Cardinals look to rebuild and strategize for a competitive season. The countdown to the opener highlights the importance of historical numbers and the players who made them significant. With the Cardinals aiming for success, the legacy behind No. 43 will motivate them as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.

Desmond Ridder and Jesse Luketa, former players for the Cardinals, have found new opportunities with their respective teams as they transition to the current NFL season. Ridder, a quarterback, showcased potential during his tenure with the Cardinals and is now adapting to a new offense, aiming to leverage his experience to capture a starting role. Meanwhile, Luketa, a versatile linebacker, has been working to secure his spot on the roster amidst a competitive defensive lineup. Both players are eager to prove themselves and contribute significantly to their teams’ success.

The Arizona Cardinals are reshaping their roster with significant changes as they enter the offseason. Key free agents such as Kyzir White, Jesse Luketa, and Dennis Gardeck are unlikely to return. White and Gardeck were both starters and team captains, but their jersey numbers have been reassigned—White's No. 7 to Jacoby Brissett and Gardeck's No. 45 to rookie Oscar Cardenas. Luketa, who ended last season on injured reserve, was not tendered and has yet to find a new team, with his No. 43 now belonging to Mykal Walker.

This move hints at the Cardinals' commitment to moving forward without these veterans as they look to integrate new talent like Akeem Davis-Gaither and rookie Cody Simon into the defensive lineup. Although Will Hernandez still has his No. 76 available, which leaves a glimmer of hope for his return, other free agents like Krys Barnes are also on the chopping block. As the offseason progresses, these roster decisions will shape the team's identity heading into the upcoming season.

The Arizona Cardinals have seen a mixed bag of talent from their seventh-round draft picks over the last decade, with many not making a significant impact. From 2016 to 2024, players like Jesse Luketa emerged as a decent contributor, particularly on special teams, while others like Michal Menet and Caleb Wilson struggled to make a mark. The Cardinals are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft, where they hold picks in multiple rounds, including the seventh, which could be crucial for adding depth and potential to the roster.

As they reflect on past selections, the Cardinals' approach in the upcoming draft will likely focus on finding hidden gems in the late rounds. Historically, the seventh round has yielded limited success for the team, but with a strategic mindset, they might unearth a player who can defy the odds and become a key part of their future.

The Arizona Cardinals boosted their playoff hopes with a 30-17 victory over the New England Patriots, aided by the Green Bay Packers' win over the Seattle Seahawks. Despite being in a challenging position, the Cardinals' coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized the importance of winning behavior as they aim for a playoff spot.

Kyler Murray had a solid performance, while James Conner continued his impressive season with over 100 rushing yards. The team, however, needs to convert field goals into touchdowns to maintain momentum in their final games.