Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman spoke on Apr. 29 about his former running back Jeremiyah Love, now a first-round draft pick for the Arizona Cardinals, during an episode of the Cardinals Cover 2 podcast.
Freeman’s comments are notable as they provide insight into Love’s potential in the National Football League. The coach said that while reaching the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a significant goal, he was not surprised by Love’s ambition and believes it could be possible with continued effort. “He has the ability and the skillset and want-to to make that come to fruition,” Freeman said.
Freeman highlighted Love’s improvement in pass protection at Notre Dame, noting his development as both a blocker and a powerful runner. He also discussed Love’s versatility as a receiver, sharing that much of spring 2025 was spent honing those skills at wide receiver before focusing on running back duties during the season. “I truly believe if he wanted to play full time wideout he would be really successful in the NFL at doing that,” Freeman said. “That’s how natural and good he is at it.”
The conversation also touched on Devin Fitzgerald, son of Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, who recently joined Notre Dame after graduating early from Phoenix Brophy Prep. Freeman described Fitzgerald’s impact in practice: “He’s already made quite an impact… He’ll do some things that remind you of his father… He’s constantly improving.”
The Arizona Cardinals have previously captured an NFC championship in 2008 according to their official website. The team hosts home games in Glendale, Arizona according to their official website and serves the greater Phoenix area according to their official website. The franchise stands as the oldest continuously operating professional football team in the United States according to their official website and competes as part of the NFC West division according to their official website.
Looking ahead, both Freeman’s remarks about player development and connections between Notre Dame athletes and prominent football families suggest ongoing ties between college programs and professional teams like the Cardinals.
