With the NFL offseason starting to heat up with OTAs, many rookies are getting their first taste of what life at the next level is going to look like. Former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is truly seeing what his role will be within the Arizona Cardinals' offense, and even some things he hasn't done in a while.
During OTAs, Love was seen taking kickoff returns, something he hasn't done for a couple of years since another former Notre Dame running back, Jadarian Price, took over the role. Price was excellent in kickoffs, leading all FBS players in yards per return with 37.5 yards and two touchdowns.
Love only had three kickoff returns for Notre Dame before Price won the battle for the role.
Jeremiyah Love is giving kickoff return a try during the Cardinals’ OTAs.
— Drew Mentock (@AndrewMentock) May 18, 2026
At Notre Dame, he relinquished this role to teammate Jadarian Price, who led all FBS players with 37.5 yards per return and two touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/iKqOt32k8D
Now with the Cardinals, Love is probably going to be asked to fulfill a lot of roles in the offense, not just at the running back position. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said he wouldn't be surprised if he saw Love catching passes in the wide receiver position in the NFL.
When Love first started at Notre Dame, Freeman saw the athlete that he was and knew he could have played him in any position on the field, but running back was the need at the time. The role suited Love very well with not just his speed and ability to break tackles for more yards, but also his blocking ability.
Jeremiyah Love is stepping into an unfamiliar role with the Arizona Cardinals
With only three career kickoff returns at Notre Dame, this is new to Love, but there is no doubt he will be able to excel at it. There was no need for Love to take those extra hits at Notre Dame, especially when Price was so dominant in the role, so there is no doubt that he can't do it.
Love is obviously not the only running back with the Cardinals as they also haveJames Connor, newly signed Tyler Allgeier, and Trey Benson as the most experienced backs in this offense. While it feels inevitable that the Cardinals will put Love in the starting position after spending the No. 3 overall pick on him in the 2026 NFL Draft, this kickoff return role could be very good for the rookie.
It allows Love to be involved in the game in a different way, but there is also the risk and fear of injury. It is taking more hits, and in ways bigger ones, with the way some players get laid out. Love, though, will step into the role just like he has any other role in his football career, with conviction, knowing he can be the best at whatever he does.
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