The Arizona Cardinals captains are a mix of old and new.
For the sixth consecutive year, Kyler Murray headlines the group — his rookie year was the only season in which he did not earn the distinction. He’s joined by running back James Conner and safety Budda Baker, both of whom have been captains since 2022.
The rest of the group, though, is new names.
Center Hjalte Froholdt rounds out the group on the offensive side, while defensive tackle Calais Campbell and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. were named captains from the defense. Joey Blount, whose primary role is on special teams, earned a spot as a representative for the special teams units.
Last season, the Cardinals operated with four permanent captains in addition to two rotating captains that changed each week. Kyzir White, whose contract expired after the season, was the lone captain from last year to not be a part of this group.
The seven captains were voted on by players last week and announced by head coach Jonathan Gannon in a team meeting ahead of Week 1.
All four of the new members of the group are players who signed from outside the organization but have managed to make a quick impression on their teammates. Blount was signed midseason in 2023, Froholdt was brought in ahead of that season and Wilson was acquired in 2024.
“They’ve bought in to what we’re trying to do,” Gannon said. “They have positive energy all the time, they do the right things all the time. They hold guys accountable, they hold themselves accountable. People see that. … They definitely can steer the train the right way.”
Campbell, of course, was signed this spring, reuniting with the organization after eight years away. Although Gannon said that he expected Campbell to make an immediate impression in the locker room, Campbell himself was surprised by the nod.
“That was a big deal,” Campbell said. “I didn’t expect it. I haven’t been here long. But I do try to make an impact and communicate with the guys and really love on them. So, for the guys to vote me captain, that’s very surreal. I was honored. Very honored.”
Week 1 poses unique challenges for Cardinals
Gannon is not one to sit at a podium and openly share his emotions. Every day is about business, first and foremost. It was no surprise, then, when he shot down the notion that the arrival of Week 1 brings an extra dose of excitement.
“I’m excited every day,” Gannon deadpanned.
Gannon, though, did acknowledge that the season opener is unique. Each team lacks film on what the other has introduced over the offseason. That’s especially true when facing a team like the Cardinals’ opponent, the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints have an entirely new coaching staff, with former Cowboys, Chargers and Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore stepping in as head coach. Their offensive coordinator, Doug Nussmeier, has long worked under Moore as a quarterbacks coach. Their defensive coordinator is former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley.
“That’s a smart, good coaching staff,” Gannon said. “Very smart. All those guys on that staff. Kellen did a good job putting it together, especially at the time that he got it, after the Super Bowl, which is challenging.”
To prepare for an opponent that has never played under its head coach, the Cardinals have been watching more preseason tape than they typically would. They are also studying the schemes that the Saints coaches operated at their previous stops.
“It’s a good thing Kellen Moore’s been around for a long time,” Campbell said. “He’s been calling plays for a long time. So there’s a lot to what he does.”
The Cardinals also have the benefit of an extra day of practice this week. After three days off over the weekend, they practiced on Sept. 1 ahead of their typical Wednesday through Friday practice schedule. During the season, teams only practice on those three days, along with a Saturday walk-through.
“A little bit of extra reps,” Gannon said. “Today’s really about getting a jump start, making sure they break a sweat after three days off. … But we get a little bit of a jump start on some schematic things.”