Jeremiyah Love, the talented running back from Notre Dame, has been chosen as the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. The announcement was made on Thursday, April 23, amidst much anticipation and celebration for the young athlete.
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In a heartfelt moment, Love confirmed to PEOPLE that he would carry forward a meaningful pre-game ritual that he created with his father, Jason, when he was just six years old. This tradition involves a touching exchange where Jason encourages his son before each game, reminding him to stay true to himself and perform to the best of his abilities. Love described this practice, stating, “My dad gets me before every game, grabs me by my helmet, just encouraging me to be me, be authentically me, go out there and do what I gotta do.” He expressed his commitment to continuing this cherished custom in his professional career, emphasising how it has shaped him throughout his journey.
The atmosphere at the draft was filled with joy as Jason and Love’s mother, L’Tyona, along with his six siblings, cheered when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Love’s name. Additionally, Love’s girlfriend, who is known as “uniquealiece” on Instagram, and various friends, coaches, and agents were present to support him during this significant milestone in his career. Celebrating his achievement, his girlfriend shared an image from the draft night on social media, expressing her pride and excitement for what lies ahead.
Notre Dame’s head football coach, Marcus Freeman, was quick to congratulate his former player on the selection. He took to Instagram to express his pride, declaring, “We are so proud of you @jeremiyahlove!! Arizona is getting a generational talent.” This endorsement from a respected figure in college football further highlights Love’s potential in the NFL.
Following the draft, Love touched down in Arizona on April 24, accompanied by his girlfriend and parents. The Cardinals shared a post on social media featuring Love in front of an airplane, signalling the start of his new chapter in professional football. With his arrival in Arizona, Love is now preparing to integrate into the team’s system and make an impact on the field.
The Arizona Cardinals are optimistic about the upcoming season, especially with Love joining their roster. Cardinals’ general manager Monti Ossenfort praised Love, stating, “He’s just an impressive kid.” He conveyed confidence in Love’s abilities, indicating that the team feels they have added a player who can make a significant difference to their offensive strategy.
As Love embarks on his journey in the NFL, he carries not only the hopes of his family and supporters but also the weight of high expectations after being selected early in the draft. The foundation built through his relationship with his father and the support from his loved ones will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his transition to professional football.
With a unique tradition now set to follow him into the NFL, Love is poised to showcase his skills on a larger scale. The connection he shares with his father is a testament to their bond and serves as a source of motivation as he steps onto the field for the Cardinals.
As the NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Jeremiyah Love will perform in his debut year. With his determination, family support, and the guidance of experienced coaches, Love aims to make a lasting impact in the league, all while honouring the values instilled in him from a young age.