Jeremiyah Love signed his first National Football League contract with the Arizona Cardinals on May 8, describing the moment as “surreal” to team owner Michael Bidwill. The running back, who was selected third overall in the draft, participated in his first professional on-field session during rookie minicamp just hours after signing.
Love’s four-year deal is worth $53 million and is fully guaranteed, including a $35 million signing bonus. Despite the significant financial terms, Love said he remains focused on proving himself. “That amount of money would change anybody’s life,” Love said of his contract. “For me, it doesn’t change my mindset. I’m only getting that much because I was the third pick in the draft. I still haven’t done anything. I’m ready to earn what I have been given.” He added that he does not plan to spend any of his NFL earnings immediately: “I live in the era of NIL so I am pretty well off already. I don’t need to touch that money right now… I’m going to put that money away for my kids, my grandkids, so they can have a better life.”
The Cardinals’ rookie minicamp featured only 16 players on the field without tryout participants, focusing more on acclimation than competition or evaluation drills. Head coach LaFleur described these sessions as “an extension of the meeting room.” LaFleur said about Love’s transition from college football at Notre Dame: “It’s semi-fair to say, in terms of a halfback compared to someone who has to move around from a formation standpoint… But there is still a lot to learn… He’s a smart dude. We’re not worried about him picking that stuff up.” For his part, Love said: “The switch to the NFL has been pretty seamless for me.”
Love also mentioned looking forward to joining veteran players for Phase 2 work and developing relationships within the team: “I just wanted to get into my routine and play ball,” he said.
The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating professional football franchises in America and serve fans throughout greater Phoenix while hosting home games in Glendale,according to their official website. The organization competes as part of the NFC West division and captured an NFC championship title in 2008.
As rookie camp continues and veterans return next week, observers will watch how quickly Love adapts and contributes alongside established teammates.
