Cardinals WR Greg Dortch Pens Heartfelt Goodbye Message

Arizona's fan-favorite wideout signs with the Detroit Lions after 5 seasons with the Cardinals

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:36pm

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Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch is leaving the desert after five seasons with the team. Dortch penned a heartfelt goodbye message to the Cardinals organization, his teammates, and the community, thanking them for embracing him and helping him grow as both a player and a man. Dortch is signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, where he will reunite with former Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.

Why it matters

Dortch was a beloved member of the Cardinals locker room and community, earning constant respect and praise from his teammates. His departure marks a period of transition for the Cardinals under new head coach Mike LaFleur, who will also be calling plays for the team in his first season.

The details

Dortch just wrapped up his sixth season in the NFL, and fifth with the Arizona Cardinals. In his goodbye message, he reflected on the journey and opportunity the Cardinals provided him, saying 'it's been.' Teammates such as Michael Wilson and Trey McBride showed Dortch love on social media after the news broke. Dortch will face some familiar faces in the NFC North next season, as former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray joined the Minnesota Vikings and former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is now the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

  • Dortch just wrapped up his sixth season in the NFL, and fifth with the Arizona Cardinals.
  • Dortch is signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions to play under former offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
  • The Cardinals and Lions are scheduled to play each other next season, with the Lions visiting Arizona.

The players

Greg Dortch

A former wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals who is signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions.

Drew Petzing

The new offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who previously held the same position with the Arizona Cardinals.

Kyler Murray

The former quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, who has joined the Minnesota Vikings this offseason.

Jonathan Gannon

The new defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, who was previously the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who will also be calling plays for the team in his first season.

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What they’re saying

“Still feels like yesterday getting that call about an opportunity… and now 5 years later, what a journey it's been. I thank God every day for the path He placed me on and for allowing me to grow not just as a football player, but as a man.”

— Greg Dortch

“To the entire Arizona Cardinals organization, my teammates, trainers, and the whole community thank you for embracing me and pushing me every day. Much love to my brothers I went to battle with. The memories will always mean something special.”

— Greg Dortch

“With God all things are possible.”

— Greg Dortch

“I love it. I've been wanting Dortch. It's the last game of the season and he is just finally getting going. Dortch is a playmaker, Dortch needs the ball. I've said the NFL is a revolving door, so you never know who's going to be or who's not going to be here but I love playing with Greg. When he has the ball, he's a playmaker and usually good sh-- happens when Greg has the ball.”

— Kyler Murray, Former Cardinals QB

What’s next

Dortch and Petzing are scheduled to return to Arizona next season, as the Lions have an away game scheduled at State Farm Stadium.

The takeaway

Dortch's departure marks the end of an era for the Cardinals, as they transition to a new coaching staff and roster under Mike LaFleur. While the team will miss Dortch's playmaking ability and locker room presence, his heartfelt goodbye message shows the lasting impact he made during his five seasons in Arizona.