Kaleb Proctor, recently drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, said on May 13 that he is still adjusting to life as a professional football player. With only a few days in his new role, Proctor has not yet experienced many “welcome to the NFL” moments but expects those will come as practices intensify and players put on pads.
Proctor’s transition from Southeastern Louisiana University, an FCS school with limited amenities for athletes, to the Cardinals organization highlights significant changes in his daily environment. “Man, I get lost in the building sometimes and that’s something I’ve never had to worry about,” Proctor said. “You got refrigerators with any type of drink you could think of. It’s definitely a blessing.”
During his senior season at Southeastern Louisiana University, Proctor was named Southland Player of the Year after leading his team with 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Despite opportunities to transfer to larger programs at the FBS level, he chose to finish his college career where he started. When selected by Arizona in the fourth round of this year’s draft, he became both the first FCS player chosen in 2026 and the first Southeastern Louisiana player drafted since Harlan Miller was picked by Arizona ten years ago.
Proctor acknowledged that accolades from college are meaningful but understands they do not guarantee success at this level. “Everything you have done to get you here, yes, it’s good, but now it’s time to get better,” Proctor said. “I’m pretty sure everybody that’s here in this building was the best guy on their team… (The Player of the Year award) gives me a sense of confidence and a sense of ‘hey, you belong here.’ But it’s not something that I’m going to hang my hat on.” His performance against LSU—recording two sacks and three tackles for loss—was particularly valued by Cardinals staff.
Coach Mike LaFleur addressed how competition levels affect evaluations: “You just look at his traits,” LaFleur said. “The thing that stood out to me about him was his play style… I’m real excited to get working with him and see what he brings to that room.” The defensive line group is younger following recent departures; veterans Andrew Billings and Roy Lopez remain alongside Walter Nolen III, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills—and now Proctor.
As part of preparing for competition within this lineup, Proctor described learning new schemes as engaging: “Right now, I’m just trying to put my best foot forward,” he said. He emphasized focusing on studying plays and carving out a role for himself within what he called a “hunt-type” defense.
Proctor also spoke about developing routines using resources previously unavailable at college: “Right now I’m going to get in the hot tub and cold tub… It’s something I didn’t have at the FCS level.”
The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as one of professional football’s oldest continuously operating franchises serving greater Phoenix; they compete in Glendale as members of NFC West division according to their official website.
