Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. missed nine games during the 2025 NFL season. Wilson's role as the general for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis will be pivotal for the franchise in 2026, but his jersey number change from No. 2 to No. 1 could be a indirect mimicry of former team quarterback Kyler Murray.
Similar to Murray, who operates as the leader on the Minnesota Vikings' offense, Wilson knows he's the No. 1 reference on the field for the Cardinals' defensive unit. Regardless of what jersey Wilson wears, when healthy, he's shown himself to be an absolute tackling juggernaut. Playing in only eight of the team's 17 games last season, Wilson still finished fifth among his defensive teammates in total tackles. Maybe Wilson's choice
and jersey choice of No. 1 can be a symbolic hint, a suggestive acknowledgement noting his effectiveness as a primary for Rallis and his defensive recipe.
Wilson's teammate Budda Baker previously switched from No. 32 to No. 3 in 2021 after the NFL introduced rectifying Jersey number rules but followed up with explosive consecutive stats in recurring seasons. Wilson made just two tackles through limited reps in the 27-14 preseason victory over the Las Vegas Raiders Aug. 13. Hopefully, an improved Cardinals offensive attack will allow Wilson to play complementary football by helping him avoid injury and fatigue this upcoming season. Needless to say, Wilson desires to be the one making things happen on the field.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals LB Mack Wilson's new jersey number is noteworthy
