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Karlos Dansby’s third “introductory” press conference as a Cardinal was charming. It was also funny, bizarre, nostalgic and about 10 other adjectives.

Dansby laughed as he walked into the press room at the team facility on Friday, recognizing the strangeness of beginning his third stint as a Cardinal.

“I couldn’t write this if I tried,” he said. “I’m just so grateful to be here in front of you guys for a third time.”

RELATED: Chandler Jones after signing Cardinals contract: ‘The sky’s the limit’

Dansby signed a one-year deal with the team on Friday, 13 years after the franchise drafted him in the second round out of Auburn. He re-joins receiver Larry Fitzgerald, the first-round pick that year.

“We’re the last two of the Mohicans,” Dansby said.

Dansby left the Cardinals via free agency twice, in 2010 for Miami, and in 2014 for Cleveland. He spent last season with the Bengals, finishing the season with 114 tackles at age 35.

RELATED: First day of free agency brings roster makeover for Cardinals

“I got a lot left,” he said. “I’ve been blessed, man. I can’t lie. God has shown me tremendous favors. Who would have known I’d be back this fast? It’s time for me to come back home and time for me to finish what we started.”

Dansby became excited on Thursday when he got a call at 4:02 p.m., two minutes after free agency start, from area code 602.

It was Cardinals general manager Steve Keim asking, “do you want to come home?”

Not long after, Dansby had agreed to terms and was on his way to Arizona for a physical.

“If I can just get this ring, it will solidify a lot of things,” he said.

MORE: Pro athletes with longest tenure in Arizona

Dansby has appeared in 196 games (179 starts) and has recorded 1,405 tackles (1,050 solos), 42 sacks, 19 interceptions (six returned for touchdowns), 18 forced fumbles and 11 fumble recoveries. He needs one more interception to become the fifth player in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 20 interceptions.

Asked on Friday if he was still a three-down linebacker, Dansby responded quickly.

“Three-down linebacker, man,” he scoffed, “I’m one interception from being a legend, man.”

Asked what his role will be in Arizona, Dansby said he had not yet discussed it with coaches. Kevin Minter, who started at inside linebacker last year, is an unrestricted free agent, so Dansby could slide into that job and play next to linebacker Deone Bucannon.

NFL MOCK DRAFT: New Cardinals picks after combine

What the Cardinals are certain they added is another leader on defense. Dansby always has been well liked by teammates, and in 2013, he was the spiritual leader of the Cardinals defense.

“I never force leadership; it always came natural to me,” Dansby said. “If that role needs to be filled by me, I can fill that role. I’ve been a leader since I was six years old. I always picked the teams. I tried to run from a leadership role and it just pulled me back into it.”

Dansby is the third oldest player on the team, behind kicker Phil Dawson, 42, and quarterback Carson Palmer, 37.

Dawson, also introduced on Friday, said he’s wanted to play for the Cardinals for several years. He signed a two-year contract, the terms of which are not yet available.

“This has been a destination that’s been attractive to me,” he said. “Just couldn’t be more thrilled to be here.”

MORE CARDINALS: Team reaches deals with Bethea, Shipley

Dawson kicked in Cleveland when coach Bruce Arians was the Browns’ offensive coordinator, and he credits Arians for contributing to his longevity.

“He has a way of instilling confidence in his players,” Dawson said. “He would put me in situations I really appreciated, for a young guy in this league trying to prove myself.

“To be back with him now, to see that he’s still the same guy, it’s pretty cool.”

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