The Arizona Cardinals continue to try and bolster their ranks on the offensive line after a horrid season trying to protect the passer and keep their quarterback upright. They've gone into the offseason with the mission of improving the big men up front along the line, signing the 11-year veteran Russ Hochstein (this year will be his 12th int he league). Hochstein will likely be slated in as an offensive guard, as he spent most of last season playing right guard last year.
Hochstein was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and most recently played for the Denver Broncos in the last three seasons. Hochstein enjoyed his most success with the New England Patriots, where he played from 2002 to 2008 and participated in three Super Bowls, winning two of them.
Here's the press release of the Hochstein signing.
CARDINALS SIGN
RUSS HOCHSTEIN
Tempe, AZ – The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has signed guard RUSS HOCHSTEIN (HOKE‐stine). In accordance with club policy, terms were not disclosed.
Hochstein (6-4, 305) is entering his 12th season in the NFL after playing with the Denver Broncos (2009-11), New England Patriots (2002-08) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2001-02). He played the past three seasons with the Broncos including in 2011 when he appeared in 15 regular season games and started both postseason contests at right guard.
He originally entered the league with Tampa Bay as a fifth round selection (151st overall) in the 2001 NFL Draft out of Nebraska. For his career, he has appeared in 138 regular season games with 36 starts and 15 postseason contests with six starts. During his career, he has made starts at center, guard, tight end and fullback. He also owns two Super Bowl rings as a member of the Patriots during the 2003-04 seasons.
Hochstein will wear jersey #65.
Talk about the Hochstein signing with Cardinals fans by heading on over to Revenge of the Birds.
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