GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals first-round pick Jeremiyah Love has inked his name for rookie contract, making him one of the highest paid running backs in the NFL. Despite the pressure, Love hasn’t faltered and had his first opportunity to get on the field for rookie minicamps. Following his time on the practice field, the 21-year-old spoke Friday to the media about how “seamless” the fit from college to the pros has been for him.
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May 8, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Love on perfect fit in NFL and Cardinals:
Coming from a big school like Norte Dame, Love has experienced these NFL-type concepts since he was a freshman. Despite the different names, all the plays remain the same making the learning period easier for the halfback. Head coach Mike LaFleur agreed with Love’s comments, stating he is a “smart dude” by understanding a lot of the schemes early.
May 8, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
LaFleur highlighted the importance of getting Love up to speed on blocking concepts. At six-foot, 214 pounds, the All-American could be the best blocker at the running back position from his size alone. Once he learns LaFleur’s offense on where and when to block, the sky is limit for his offensive game.
The ground game comes easy for Love, understanding the reads and holes to look gives hope of Arizona turning around its run game in 2026. Last year, the franchise was 31st in rushing yards per game, but with Love’s confidence and experience in LaFleur’s system, the run game could make one of the biggest comebacks next NFL season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
