Former Cardinals Players Shine for Rams and Seahawks in NFC Championship

The NFC Championship Game, set to take place on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET, features the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. Although the Arizona Cardinals had a challenging 2025 season, finishing 3-14 and missing the playoffs, several former players are making an impact in the championship.

Former Cardinals Players in the NFC Championship

This matchup highlights six former Cardinals players, contributing to their current teams’ success. Here’s a look at these athletes and their roles:

• D.J. Humphries – Offensive Tackle

  Drafted by the Cardinals in 2015, Humphries spent eight seasons in Arizona, starting 98 games. Now with the Rams, he has participated in eight games this season, starting once.

• Ronnie Rivers – Running Back

  Undrafted in 2022, Rivers signed with the Cardinals as a rookie free agent but did not make the final roster. He has since spent four seasons with the Rams, serving as their third-string running back and contributing to the kick return team.

• Coleman Shelton – Offensive Lineman

  Shelton was on the Cardinals’ practice squad in 2018 and continued with their offseason roster until 2019. As the Rams’ starting center, he has played 66 games over the past five seasons.

• Jesse Luketa – Linebacker

  Luketa joined the Rams’ practice squad after being drafted by the Cardinals in the seventh round in 2022. He played three seasons with Arizona before transitioning to the Rams.

• Royce Newman – Offensive Lineman

  Newman, who also finds himself on the Rams’ practice squad, signed with the Cardinals last offseason but was not retained after training camp.

• Josh Jones – Offensive Lineman

  Selected in the third round by the Cardinals in 2020, Jones played three seasons for the team. He signed with the Seahawks this past offseason and stepped up to start three games when left tackle Charles Cross was sidelined with injury.

This year’s NFC Championship not only showcases intense competition but also highlights the ongoing influence of former Cardinals players in the league.