With 46 days remaining until the Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 season opener, who are some past players to have worn jersey number 46 for the team?

As the countdown begins—just 46 days remain before the Arizona Cardinals kick off their 2025 NFL season—the team’s history is rich with stories, players, and moments that have defined their journey. Among the many threads woven into the franchise’s tapestry, jersey numbers carry a unique significance, often representing eras, players, and memorable contributions. Today, we focus on one such number: 46.
This number, while not as iconic as others worn by legendary Cardinals (like 11, 40, or 9), has nonetheless been worn by several players throughout the team’s history, each contributing in their own way. This exploration will delve into the players who have donned No. 46 for the Cardinals, their careers, impact, and the stories behind their time in Arizona. Through this, we aim to appreciate the significance of jersey numbers in NFL history and how each player, regardless of fame, adds to the fabric of the franchise.
The Significance of Jersey Numbers in the NFL
Before diving into the specifics, it’s worth understanding the tradition and importance of jersey numbers in the NFL. Players are assigned or choose numbers based on league rules, positional conventions, and personal preference. Over the decades, certain numbers have become synonymous with legendary players—think of No. 3 for Patrick Mahomes or No. 12 for Tom Brady.
Jersey numbers can symbolize eras, identify positions, and sometimes evoke memories of specific players who wore them with distinction. For fans and historians, tracking who has worn certain numbers can reveal interesting stories about team history, transitions, and the evolution of the game.
Number 46, in particular, is often associated with special teams players, linebackers, or sometimes backup players. While it may not have a storied history with multiple Hall of Famers, its wearers have contributed to the team’s development over the years.
The Arizona Cardinals’ Jersey Number 46: A Historical Overview
The Arizona Cardinals, one of the oldest franchises in the NFL, have seen countless players wear a variety of numbers. The team’s history, which dates back to the Chicago Cardinals, through St. Louis, and finally to Arizona, spans over a century. Jersey number 46 has been worn sporadically throughout this history, often by role players or special teamers.
In this discussion, we will identify notable individuals who have worn No. 46, analyze their careers, and reflect on their contributions to the Cardinals’ legacy.
Notable Players Who Have Worn No. 46 for the Arizona Cardinals
1. Chris Snyder (Special Teams/Role Player)
While better known in other contexts, Chris Snyder, a safety and special teamer, wore No. 46 during his stint with the Cardinals. His contributions, though not headline-grabbing, exemplify the importance of role players who contribute on special teams and provide depth on defense. Snyder’s tenure with the team was marked by dedication and consistency, embodying the hardworking profile typical of players wearing this number.
2. Anthony Smith (Linebacker / Special Teams)
Anthony Smith, a linebacker and special teams ace, donned No. 46 during his time with the Cardinals. His role was primarily on special teams units, where he was known for his tackling, coverage, and leadership. Smith’s contributions helped the Cardinals in key moments, especially on kick coverage and field position battles. His tenure reflects the critical importance of players in this jersey number for team success, even if they don’t always receive mainstream recognition.
3. Sean Morey (Wide Receiver / Return Specialist)
Sean Morey, a wide receiver and prolific return specialist, wore No. 46 in his NFL career, including during his time with the Cardinals. Morey was known for his speed, reliable hands, and exceptional special teams play—often returning kickoffs and punts to set up scoring opportunities. His role was vital in field position battles and energizing the team with his explosive returns.
4. Other Role Players and Special Teamer
Over the years, numerous other players have worn No. 46, typically in roles revolving around special teams, backup linebacker, or safety positions. Many of these players contributed to the team’s depth, special teams coverage units, and locker room leadership, even if they didn’t always make headlines.
The Role of Players Wearing No. 46 in the Team’s Dynamics
In the NFL, jersey numbers like 46 often belong to players who are not household names but are essential to the fabric of a successful team. These players:
Provide depth at linebacker, safety, or special teams.
Contribute on special teams units—covering kicks, punts, and field goal attempts.
Offer leadership and mentorship for younger players.
Step in during injuries to maintain team performance.
The importance of these roles cannot be overstated—special teams often decide the outcome of close games, and backups provide crucial relief for starters.
The Evolution of No. 46 in the NFL and Cardinals’ History
While the number 46 has not been associated with many Hall of Famers or iconic players, it holds a place in the broader NFL tradition. Notable NFL players historically who have worn No. 46 include:
James Farrior (Pittsburgh Steelers) — a Hall of Fame caliber linebacker, though he wore different numbers in college.
Marlin Jackson — a safety who wore No. 46 during his career.
In the context of the Cardinals, players like Anthony Smith and Sean Morey have carried the torch for No. 46, exemplifying the role of gritty, hard-nosed team players.
The Significance of Jersey Numbers in Team Identity
The jersey number a player wears can sometimes reflect their role, personality, or even their journey to the NFL. For players who wear No. 46, often in special teams or backup roles, the number can symbolize:
Their readiness to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Their position as under-the-radar but vital team members.
Their embodiment of team spirit and work ethic.
In the Cardinals’ history, players who have worn No. 46 have contributed quietly but consistently, exemplifying the core values of perseverance and dedication.
The Future of No. 46 with the Arizona Cardinals
As the team prepares for the 2025 season, the number 46 remains open for new players who might take on that jersey. With the NFL’s ongoing evolution, players who excel on special teams, serve as backup linebackers or safeties, or are emerging prospects might wear this number in the coming seasons.
The significance of jersey numbers extends beyond mere identification—they become part of a player’s identity, a badge of their role within the team, and a link to the franchise’s history.
As the countdown to the Cardinals’ 2025 season continues—just 46 days away—the history of jersey number 46 reminds us that every player, regardless of fame or notoriety, plays an integral role in the team’s success. From role players and special teamers to backup linebackers, those who have worn No. 46 have contributed to the franchise’s rich history, exemplifying commitment, hard work, and team spirit.
While No. 46 may not be associated with legendary Hall of Famers or iconic moments in NFL lore, it embodies the essential, often underappreciated, elements that make a team competitive and cohesive. As new players step into this number in future seasons, they carry forward the legacy of those who wore it before—quietly shaping the story of the Arizona Cardinals, one game at a time.