The Arizona Cardinals added former quarterback Carson Palmer to the Ring of Honor in State Farm Stadium during halftime of their Week 4 game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday
Only in the second season since his retirement, he is now the 18th member of the elite group.
Before the induction ceremony and before the game, he was able to reflect on the achievement.
The drive into the stadium was a little surreal for him. It reminded him of the many times he had taken the drive.
“It was a very emotional entrance back into the stadium,” he said before the game, “It’s great to see you guys and the faces I’ve seen, the security guards, the parking attendant. Just everybody as you enter the facility and the stadium that I saw as I was getting ready to come in and compete. Now I’m coming in as a fan and as a Ring of Honor inductee, it’s a very emotional and fun day.”
He couldn’t exactly describe how it feels to receive this honor.
“There are no words to describe my appreciation for the opportunity to play for (team president Michael Bidwill) and be a Cardinal and also to go into the Ring of Honor,” he said. He was amazed at the nice things that were said about him and how it wasn’t all about stats and numbers.
Palmer’s time in Arizona was the best in his football career, he said.
“It was the most fun I’ve had playing football and I had a lot of fun in college,” he explained. “I had some fun playing for the Bengals, but it’s the most fun I’ve had playing the game.”
He made great relationships with many, many people and lifelong friends.
“It’s just been an amazing way to end your career. The last five years of a 15-year career, to finally get to a place like this was the most special football years of my life, no doubt.”
The most special football years for Palmer were the most successful five-year run in team history.
Palmer’s time might be remembered for what could have been but he certainly is worthy of being immortalized in the Ring of Honor.
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