TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals may have selected Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the rookie running back refuses to let the expectations distract him.
His primary focus remains helping his new team.
“I want to make sure this team has success, can always just come and work together throughout the years, building a better culture,” Love said Monday.
Love was the winner of the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back. He capped off his Notre Dame career in 2025 by rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries while averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He added 280 receiving yards and three touchdowns, finishing with 1,652 total yards and a school-record 21 total touchdowns.
“As far as I’m trying to think about trying to set numbers, everything’s about the team,” he said. “If you make sure you’re part of a team, all that stuff will come.”
One individual accolade Love could contend for is the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, but he said his focus remains on the playbook.
He also understands the importance of chemistry and how it contributes to success … at every position.
“Got to have an offensive line, you have a quarterback that can make reads and see a lot of things, and wide receivers that can take the top off to light up the box as well, so everything goes hand in hand for teams,” he said.
As he continues adjusting to life in the NFL, Love has sought advice from veterans and former Cardinals players.
“I’ve talked to David (Johnson) quite a bit, been in the NFL for over 10-plus years, so he’s got a lot of experience and wisdom,” Love said about the former Cardinals running back. “So I’ve just talked to him about how he takes care of his body, what his mentality has been like throughout all the years.”
The Cardinals have used two top-five picks on offensive players in the last three drafts, selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024.
Love is excited to experience his role in an NFL offense. He believes that the pressure “is not going to be on me. We got guys like Marv, Trey (McBride), if need be. You don’t need just one guy going out there and getting 30 carries.”
With expectations surrounding Love and the Cardinals entering the 2026 season, the rookie remains grounded in his approach.
“I do think about the hopes and expectations that you have for me, but at the same time, I am who I am and hopefully my best is good enough for my teammates and coaches.”
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