Cardinals corner Antonio Hamilton has ‘no fear’ with expanded role

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton is no stranger to entering the spotlight and guarding some of the NFL’s best wide receivers.

After squaring off against receivers like Kansas City Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill and Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins in practice the last two years, Hamilton is well prepared to step up for Arizona after injuries to Arizona’s Robert Alford and Marco Wilson in the secondary.

“I have gone against the best guys just about every year I have been in the league,” Hamilton said on Tuesday. “There is no fear or sense of panic when I get my opportunity because I have prepared.”

Hamilton is in his first year with Arizona after appearing in Super Bowl with Kansas City last season. The six-year veteran was added to the practice squad just days before the end of the preseason when corner Malcolm Butler went on the retired list.

According to reports, Arizona also has intent to sign free-agent cornerback Bashaud Breeland but will wait until the corner is cleared of COVID-19 after testing positive on Tuesday.

Hamilton mentioned his preparation is a major part of why his confidence is so high when he plays. He said that hard work in practice results in games coming easier to him.

“I have just been preparing myself if I was going to play in every game,” Hamilton said. “I am just trying to take advantage of the opportunities I am given so that there is no type of let up at all when it comes to the defense.”

Hamilton has appeared in every game this season for the Cardinals on special teams, but only seven games at corner. He posted his second-highest snap count of the season at cornerback in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts with 57.

He will be relied on behind No. 1 Byron Murphy if Wilson and Breeland aren’t ready to play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

“We all take pride in doing our work and we all take pride in how we play and prepare,” Hamilton said. “When we get out on the field and the opportunity comes we excel.”