ARIZONA — Fans and media analysts alike have their thoughts on the Arizona Cardinals as they prepare for a postseason run in 2025, but we hardly ever hear from former NFL players, much less franchise greats like Antrel Rolle.
Rolle covered a wide range of subjects in an interview with Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard at Gambling Industry News, including the current situation of Arizona’s football club as it begins its third season under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Antrel Rolle Discusses the Arizona Cardinals Honestly.
I occasionally watch them, and I believe the Cardinals are still trying to figure out who they are. We had a 4-12 season or whatever the first year after I was picked by the Cardinals. Although it was awful, the growth was evident. Rolle remarked, “You saw guys who truly wanted it.”
On the defensive end of the ball, Darnell Dockett was one of the players I truly admired. He worked nonstop. It became so bad that I was actually lifting weights with him every Friday in the weight room (at the defensive end). They desired it.
“On the offensive end of the ball, Larry Fitzgerald was arguably the most diligent player I’ve ever witnessed. Getting paid was insufficient. The goal of these men was to alter the culture. You would have to keep up with Anquan Boldin, who would be out practicing and playing like a complete dog, or risk being shipped out.
“Those leaders who want to truly lay the groundwork are what Arizona is now lacking, in my opinion. Man, these men make a lot of money these days. It must be more than just financial gain. Things will take a different turn if those guys are in agreement, and I believe that’s what they’re struggling with the most.
After spending the first four seasons of his career in the desert, Rolle, the eighth overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, was cut and moved to the New York Giants, with whom he won a Super Bowl after the Cardinals’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rolle played 155 games over 11 seasons, earning three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections before retiring in 2016.
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