History of Emari Demercado in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2026

Emari Demercado is an American football running back and kickoff returner currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. He went undrafted in 2023 but was signed by the Cardinals. Prior to his NFL career, Demercado played college football at Saddleback College and then TCU, showcasing his abilities before turning professional.

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Full Timeline

January 20, 1999: Emari Demercado Born

On January 20, 1999, Emari Demercado, the American professional running back and kickoff returner for the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL, was born.

May 6, 2018: Committed to TCU

On May 6, 2018, Emari Demercado committed to Texas Christian University (TCU).

2020: Kenyan Drake's Touchdown Run

In 2020, Kenyan Drake had a 69-yard touchdown run for the Cardinals.

2022: Best Season at TCU

In 2022, Demercado had his best season at TCU, recording 121 carries for 681 yards and six touchdowns, along with 13 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown in TCU's first playoff game and 59 yards in the National Championship Game.

August 29, 2023: Made Cardinals Initial 53-Man Roster

On August 29, 2023, the Arizona Cardinals announced that Emari Demercado had made the initial 53-man roster.

2023: Declared for the NFL Draft

After the 2022 season, Emari Demercado declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

2023: Signed with Arizona Cardinals

In 2023, Emari Demercado was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals after the 2023 NFL draft.

2024: Longest Touchdown Run

In 2024, Emari Demercado recorded 24 carries for 223 yards and a 53-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears. The score was the longest touchdown run by a Cardinal since Kenyan Drake's 69-yard score in 2020.

2025: Costly Mistake and Sideline Incident

In Week 5 of 2025 against the Tennessee Titans, Emari Demercado lost the ball before crossing the goal line on a 72-yard touchdown run, resulting in a touchback. The Cardinals lost the game 22–21, and head coach Jonathan Gannon lectured Demercado, later apologizing and being fined $100,000 by the team.