Every year, the NFL calendar turns a new page, and for the Arizona Cardinals, 2025 brings that familiar sense of renewal. With the draft and free agency behind us, fresh faces are stepping in to replace the stagnant energy that held the team back last season. The schedule release is just around the corner, mapping out the battles ahead and sparking that annual hope for a brighter campaign.
But as we honor our mothers and fathers this spring, we’re also reminded of the heroes who have left us. In the world of football, our legends don't play forever. This year, we pause to remember several former Cardinals who passed away in 2025—men who wore the red and white with pride and left their mark on the game.
Remembering the Journeyman: A Look at Barrie's Road
One such player was a hard-nosed defender who took the long road through professional football. Growing up in Dallas, he played at Liberty University before going undrafted in 1992. He caught on with the Green Bay Packers for three games, then spent time with the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad before the Cardinals claimed him. In Arizona, he suited up for 10 games and recorded six tackles. His journey didn't stop there: he played for the San Diego Chargers (including a playoff game), the Philadelphia Eagles, and then found a home in the Arena Football League. With the Arizona Rattlers under coach Danny White, he became a staple of the indoor game, later playing for the San Jose SaberCats. His career spanned from the NFL to the AFL, a true testament to perseverance.
An Early Star: Crenshaw's Legacy
Another Cardinal we lost was a standout from a different era. A track star in high school who excelled in the pole vault, he was also an All-State receiver. He chose Kansas State over a long list of suitors and was selected in the ninth round of the 1964 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals (the franchise that would later become the Arizona Cardinals). He played for the Cardinals through 1969, then spent time with the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. His versatility and athleticism made him a key piece in the early days of the league, before the merger reshaped the game.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, let's also take a moment to appreciate the men who helped build the foundation of this franchise. Their memories live on in every snap, every tackle, and every touchdown we cheer for this fall.