In Dennis Green's first year as head coach, the 2004 Arizona Cardinals showed significant signs of improvement and a new competitive spirit. The season was highlighted by the emergence of rookie wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who began his legendary career with 780 yards and eight touchdowns, and the team secured several hard-fought victories, including an impressive season finale win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Larry Fitzgerald was a legendary wide receiver who played his entire 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals, retiring as a 2026 Hall of Fame inductee who ranks second in NFL history in both career receptions and receiving yards.