The Arizona Cardinals made headlines this week by signing rookie running back Jeremiyah Love to a record-setting contract—but the No. 3 overall pick has a surprising game plan for his massive payday: he's not touching a dime.
Love, selected third overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, inked a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth over $53 million on May 8. That makes him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league before he's even taken a professional snap. But instead of planning a spending spree, the former Notre Dame star is thinking long-term.
"I live in the era of NIL, so I'm pretty well off already," Love said, via Griffin S. DeMarrais on X. "So, I really don't need to touch that money, as of right now. I most definitely will not."
Love's approach is refreshingly rare in a league where rookie contracts often spark immediate splurges. He's already thinking about future generations. "I'm gonna make sure I put that money away for my grandkids, my kids, and stuff like that, so they can have a better life financially than I did growing up. So, that's the plan. Plans change sometimes. Plans can change sometimes, but that's the plan."
The statement turned heads across NFL circles—especially from a running back, a position known for its short career span and financial volatility. Love acknowledged the contract is "life-changing," but he's keeping his feet on the ground.
"Every high pick is going to get a lot of money," Love said. "I still haven't done anything at the end of the day. I'm coming into the league with a mindset. I'm ready to work, ready to earn the things that I've been given. But, I mean, it's very life-changing."
Arizona's investment in Love reflects both his elite talent and the team's urgent need for a spark. The Cardinals stumbled through a disastrous 3-14 season in 2025, losing 14 of their final 15 games after a promising 2-0 start. Their defense ranked near the bottom of the league, allowing 28.7 points per game, and the franchise parted ways with head coach Jonathan Gannon after the season ended.
Love now steps into a roster desperate for explosive playmakers around All-Pro tight end Tre. If his on-field work ethic matches his financial discipline, the Cardinals may have found the cornerstone they've been searching for.