The Arizona Cardinals have locked in their future at running back, and Jeremiyah Love is already making waves. The first-round pick officially signed his rookie contract, instantly becoming one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. But if the pressure is getting to him, you wouldn't know it. Love took the field for rookie minicamp and looked right at home.
Speaking to the media on Friday, the 21-year-old described his transition from college to the pros as "seamless." That's high praise for a rookie, but Love has the pedigree to back it up. Coming out of Notre Dame, he's been running pro-style concepts since his freshman year. Sure, the terminology might be different, but the plays? They're the same. That familiarity has made the learning curve a lot easier for the young halfback.
Head coach Mike LaFleur echoed Love's confidence, calling him a "smart dude" who's already picking up the schemes quickly. But LaFleur also knows there's work to be done—specifically in the blocking game. At six feet and 214 pounds, Love is built like a tank. The All-American already has the size to be the best blocker in the backfield; now it's about learning where and when to strike in LaFleur's system. Once that clicks, the sky's the limit for his offensive impact.
Running the ball? That part comes naturally. Love has a knack for reading defenses and hitting the right holes, which is exactly what the Cardinals need. In 2025, Arizona ranked 31st in rushing yards per game—a stat that screams for a turnaround. With Love's confidence and his smooth fit in LaFleur's offense, the ground game could be one of the biggest comeback stories of the 2026 NFL season. For Cardinals fans, that's a reason to get excited.
