GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals couldn’t have drawn up a better rookie debut for 2025 16th overall pick Walter Nolen. The defensive tackle has been out since the Summer with a calf injury and has been hunger to get back on the field. The 22-year-old got his wish on Monday Night Football vs. the Dallas Cowboys, where he had a sensational debut game. Nolen had four tackles, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, a batted pass and a fourth-quarter sack.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In his first NFL game, Nolen made an immediate impact to the Cardinals defensive line. The performance has instilled confidence into the young defensive tackle, so much so that he called out “America’s team” when talking to the media on Wednesday.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) runs against Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Walter Nolen III (97) in the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Nolen’s comments on Cowboys:
The young bull doesn’t lack confidence throwing a shot at the Cowboys after his team just ended a five-game losing streak. Nolen brings some much-needed swagger and confidence to an Arizona defense that has struggled through the past couple of weeks. The team has the worst fourth-quarter point differential in the league, with a massive reason for that is defensive struggles.
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Walter Nolen III (97) during organized team practice at the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe on June 3, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
However, Nolen’s performance in the fourth quarter on Monday Night was infectious, getting a sack and the batted pass in the final quarter. The rookie’s effort led to another Arizona rookie, linebacker Cody Simon, to force a fumble and end the game to secure his team the win.
The young guys have brought the Cardinals back to life in a major way. Despite playing in only one game, Nolen’s dominance earned him the right to talk his talk, as he aims to be a culture shifter in the second-half of Arizona’s season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
