State Farm Stadium | Arizona Cardinals
State Farm Stadium | Arizona Cardinals
Dalvin Tomlinson, known as "Thanos" on the football field, has joined the Arizona Cardinals after being released by the Cleveland Browns. The defensive tackle, recognized for his gold chain with an Infinity gauntlet, expressed surprise at the Browns' decision to terminate his contract. "I like to be a person that, 'I got this tomorrow so I need to get this done,'" Tomlinson stated after signing a two-year contract with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals quickly reached out to Tomlinson, who had completed two strong seasons with the Browns. The team was looking for a player to bolster their defensive line and found an opportunity in Tomlinson following Cleveland's need to free up cap space due to large contracts for Myles Garrett and Deshaun Watson.
L.J. Collier, another member of the Cardinals' defensive line, commented on Tomlinson's addition: "I don't know him personally, but I know his game... He's going to help us with leadership and on the field." Last season, Tomlinson achieved career-highs in quarterback hits (18) and hurries (20), alongside three sacks. Throughout his seven-year NFL career, he has started all 125 games he played.
Tomlinson acknowledged benefiting from playing alongside Garrett in Cleveland and aims to support new teammate Josh Sweat similarly. He emphasized the importance of stopping the run before focusing on pass rushing: "Pass rushing is the pinnacle of D-line, but... we won't be in a position to actually pass rush if we don't stop the run."
His nickname "Thanos" is linked to his sack celebration inspired by Marvel's Infinity Gauntlet. This theme extends to his game-day gloves adorned with gauntlet stones and was sparked by a Secret Santa gift from former teammate Za'Darius Smith.
Tomlinson looks forward to showcasing his Infinity gauntlet sack dance during games with his new team.