Full Breakdown
Rookie Running Back Jeremiyah Love Earns Coach’s Praise for Locker-Room Maturity
7/24/2026, 8:49:59 PM
Core Event
The Arizona Cardinals selected 21-year-old running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the youngest player on the roster, Love has drawn attention not only for his on-field potential but also for the demeanor he displays in team settings, according to head coach Mike LaFleur.
Background & Context
Love was raised by a mother who served as a police officer and a father who is an Army veteran and football coach. LaFleur notes that this upbringing instilled high personal standards, which are evident in Love’s interactions with teammates. The Cardinals’ decision to draft him in the top three was influenced by both his athletic talent and the character traits observed during pre-draft evaluations and college broadcasts.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach LaFleur emphasized that Love “knows his place” and is eager to learn from veteran players, describing him as “awesome with the locker room.” He highlighted Love’s self-awareness as a rookie and his willingness to lean on experienced teammates. LaFleur also remarked that meeting Love’s parents reinforced his impression of the player’s solid foundation, suggesting that the family background contributes to Love’s capacity to absorb guidance and develop as a professional.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jeremiyah, what a mature young man,” — LeFleur
- “When I got a chance to meet his parents, and even before I met the parents, just seeing it Saturdays watching College GameDay and the tidbits they had, you kind of knew right there, what a foundation this guy — how lucky to have the situation he had growing up. Great for him to be able to absorb that, soak that in and then be his own man,” — Mike LaFleur, head coach
