Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love directly addressed comments about his rookie status in training camp, saying, "Quite literally I am a rookie. I don't know how people can take that wrong."
Love's remarks followed offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's earlier observation that "he's definitely a rookie." Hackett's comment, made in the context of rookie learning curves, sparked discussion online about Love's potential role.
Love said his current focus in camp is getting his feet on the ground and developing a feel for the offense, his teammates and the coaching staff. He also said he wants to "prove myself, that I'm a good addition to this team."
The mental side of the NFL game is his biggest challenge, Love said. Smarter players cover ground faster and with more velocity, he said, requiring immediate processing that does not happen instantly.
Fellow running back Tyler Allgeier has taken Love under his wing. "Shoot, he's a rookie. It's not college anymore, it's the league," Allgeier said, emphasizing his role in guiding Love. Allgeier added that Love has done an excellent job, absorbing everything around him.
Veteran running back James Conner also offered advice, telling Love to "just be yourself." Conner, who played only three games last season before a foot injury, is the incumbent starter in the Cardinals' backfield.
Love is eager to get on the field in the preseason. He grinned when asked about the upcoming Hall of Fame game, saying, "They ain't gotta tell me, I'm gonna go play. You gonna try and keep me on the sideline? Nah. I'm gonna go play. … I need to go out there and play. I think it's very important for my development as a rookie."
Coach LaFleur maintains a patient approach to Love's development. LaFleur said high expectations always follow high draft picks, but his focus is on improvements from early practices, not immediate all-pro performance.
Love entered the league as the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, backed by a $53 million guaranteed contract.
His collegiate career at Notre Dame included a Heisman finalist season. Love also led Christian Brothers High School to back-to-back state championships, posting 1,291 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior in 2022, earning Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
