Not many Arizona Cardinals fans are familiar with defensive lineman P.J. (given name Patrick Joseph) Mustipher, but he has made his mark since being signed to the team’s practice squad on Aug. 28, the day after being waived by the Eagles in the cutdown to 53 players.
Mustipher, whose brother Sam is on the Chargers’ practice squad, got to wear the Pat Tillman special No. 40 jersey this week after being named scout team player of the week for his work prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers. He is the fourth practice squad player to win the honor this season.
P.J. attended Penn State and entered the NFL as a Broncos undrafted free agent in 2023. He spent most of the season on the practice squad before being signed to the active roster on Dec. 6 and then played four games.
Not tendered as an exclusive-rights free agent at the start of the 2024 league year, he was signed by the Eagles on March 19.
Asked about the honor of wearing the jersey this week, he said, “I definitely know the history. He’s not only a representation of this organization, but our entire country. So, for me it’s just a privilege to put on that jersey because I know it’s retired and I know what it means.
“And also just understanding that the coaching staff appreciates and respects the work I’m doing for the offensive line. So I just want to continue to represent that number well for this week that I’m wearing it, but not only that but for the rest of this season as far as giving the looks to the offensive guys. I’m definitely grateful.”
Each week, prior to the mock game the day before the real thing, head coach Jonathan Gannon announces the winner accompanied by a PowerPoint of the player.
“It’s definitely cool and I didn’t take it lightly when I got it,” P.J. said.
He believes the award provides added motivation for the practice squad players and others who spend the week on the scout team.
He said, “For sure. Because you walk by the shrine in here, so you obviously understand the significance of the number. So to be able to put that on, each week you want to go out there … we talk trash to each other of who wants to get it, stuff like that. So for me, to be able to get it this past week, it was pretty special, so I’m definitely grateful and I want it again.”
The “shrine”:
2024 Pat Tillman Scout-Team Award Winners
- Week 1: RB Michael Carter
- Week 2: LB Markus Bailey
- Week 3: WR Andre Baccellia
- Week 4: OL Jon Gaines II
- Week 5: WR Xavier Weaver
- Week 6: DL P.J. Mustipher
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