He isn't the franchise player for nothing.

Karlos Dansby, a leader of what might turn out to be one of the NFL's best defenses, not long ago was known as a talented player limited by annual injuries.

Today, he is - of all things - a team captain, a guy who's supposed to inspire those around him.

Dansby's progress is big for a team that wants to show it's a contender for the playoffs - a team that could be the best the franchise has produced in the 20-year Arizona era.

"There's no question Karlos is a very important part of what we're trying to build here for the long term," general manager Rod Graves said. "He's one of our core players." READ MORE