We are one day closer to the start of the 2021 NFL season and the Arizona Cardinals’ season opener on the road against the Tennessee Titans. In 77 days — 11 weeks — they will take the field in Week 1.
With 77 days until the season begins, let’s look back at the history of No. 77.
It is one of five numbers the Cardinals have retired. It was retired for Stan Mauldin.
I wrote this about him in 2018.
He played for the Chicago Cardinals in the 40s. He played in 1946 and was a starter on the team’s only championship in 1947. Then, in 1948, he played in the season opener and tragically died of a heart attack.
Because of his contribution to the championship and the tragic nature of his death, the team retired the number.
No one has worn it since.
Looking back in time — Stan Mauldin, whose No. 77 was retired by the @AZCardinals. More on him Sunday pic.twitter.com/r3i2pYl6SO
— Revenge of the Birds (@revengeofbirds) June 28, 2015
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