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Originally joined the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in the spring of 2005; Francisco played in 11 games as a rookie in ’05 and all 16 a year ago (two starts).
Was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate for his special teams prowess in 2006; led the Cardinals in special teams tackles with 23.
Also saw increased time in the secondary and recorded his first two career INTs last season.
Signed a four-year contract extension on 12/30/06 that will keep him under contract through 2010.
In 2006, he was one of five NFL players from Kahuku (HI) High School joining Pittsburgh’s Chris Kemoeatu, Carolina’s Ma’ake Kemoeatu, Seattle’s Itula Mili, and Jacksonville’s Chris Naeole. The school was tied with four others in terms of producing the most active NFL players.
Pro Career:
Signed as a rookie free agent in 2005, attended training camp and was released on 8/22. Resigned to the practice squad on 9/5 and was promoted to the 53-man roster on 10/12. Saw action in 11 games on special teams. Had a break-out season in ‘06, being named an alternate to the Pro Bowl after leading the team in special teams tackles and also signed a four-year contract extension on 12/30/06.
2006: Had a standout year on special teams earning a Pro Bowl alternate nod and also emerged as a rising talent at free safety appeared as a reserve safety with one tackle and two passes defensed vs. SF (9/10); also collected two special teams tackles helped preserve the win when he broke up the game ending Hail Mary pass in the Cardinals endzone recorded one tackle and a team high two special teams tackles @ Atl (10/1) came up with his first career interception, stepping in front of a Rex Grossman pass, returning it 44 yards and setting up Anquan Boldin’s 26-yard TD reception on Monday Night vs. Chi (10/16); also recorded a career high four special teams tackles collected one tackle and also had one tackle on special teams when he filled in for Adrian Wilson after he left in the third quarter with an injury @ Oak (10/22) collected six tackles, including one for a loss vs. Dal (11/12) continued his strong all-around play, collecting two tackles, one pass defensed and his second career interception, off Jon Kitna, which came in the Cardinals red zone as Detroit threatened to score after a Scott Player punt was blocked vs. Det (11/19) totaled four tackles in his first career start @ Min (11/26) when the Cards opened the game with three safeties received his second career start two weeks later vs. Sea (12/10), totaling three tackles collected two special teams tackles vs. Den (12/17) signed a four-year extension on 12/30/06 that will keep him with the Cardinals through 2010.
2005: Signed as a rookie free agent released on 8/22 and signed to the practice squad on 9/5 promoted to the active roster on 10/12 saw action on special teams in 11 games, finishing the season with eight special teams tackles.
College:
Recorded 88 tackles (43 solo) as a senior in 2004 also recorded one sack and one interception finished his career with 330 tackles (167 solo) and seven interceptions named first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection as a junior in 2003 ... intercepted Utah’s Alex Smith for only the second pick thrown by Smith all season ... earned team Defensive Most Valuable Player honors.
Personal:
Full name Aaron James Monroe Francisco an all-state and all-league selection as a senior ... helped lead Kahuku (HI) High School to a state championship as a senior ... earned a trip to the Hawaii All-Star game prep alma mater Kahuku High is the alma mater of four other current NFL players, tied for the most of any high school in the country. | 