More friction. More storylines.
The Arizona Cardinals enter training camp with the highest expectations they’ve had under the current regime led by general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Before camp at State Farm Stadium kicks off next week, we’re taking a closer look at the biggest storylines surrounding the team.
Wait, did someone say, “friction?”
How much added friction can we expect at Cardinals training camp?
Organized team activities and minicamps are good ways to get guys moving around during the offseason.
They don’t come close to bringing the physicality associated with the game, however.
And while training camp isn’t full-go by any means, it’s the closest thing players and coaches are going to get before the preseason slate.
Understanding that, Gannon “wanted more friction” this time around.
More “friction” coming to Cardinals training camp?
Sounds like it. pic.twitter.com/5dxbbx1Oxr
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 3, 2025
“That was one of the things that we kind of tweaked going into camp and the players know this, (we wanted to) have a little more friction during camp,” Gannon said in June. “In a safe way, but I want to get on the pads a little bit and play football.
“I think for where we’re at as a team and where our development is and where our health is honestly — and you have to adapt that as we get going in training camp — but honestly, it was the best thing to do to get ready to play Week 1.”
The benefits of added friction
The Cardinals plan to keep things by the book when it comes to following the CBA guidelines at camp.
There will still be a ramp-up before pads come on, plus the traditional high and low days as we’ve seen in past practices.
But those competing in 1-on-1 and team settings, expect some more fireworks.
Competition is among the main pillars of Arizona’s foundation under Gannon. Adding more friction to the equation should only help foster that.
The benefits don’t stop there.
As former Arizona linebacker Rob Fredrickson told Arizona Sports’ Cardinals Corner on Monday, camp callousing can set a great baseline for the season ahead, especially on the injury front.
Friction can also be a tone setter and an added motivator.
🚨 NEW POD 🚨
Do you feel that Cardinals fans?
Training camp is nearly here! 🏕️
With added “friction” on the way, @Tdrake4sports and special guest @Rfredrickson59 dive into the storylines they’re watching at Cards camp!
Full episode: https://t.co/tnwbXxYUtU pic.twitter.com/GrFWjjQ3Ta
— Cardinals Corner (@AZCardsCorner) July 15, 2025
“If your body is not callous, if your body is not prepared for those hits and the constant hitting, then it’s going to break down. I think what Jonathan Gannon wants is he wants to take it right up to the edge of the CBA,” Fredrickson said. “He wants to be in pads and he wants to be thumping. That’s the only true way that you can evaluate and assess the players that you’ve brought in especially on the offensive and defensive lines, linebackers, tight ends, running backs.
“You got to see some action. You got to see some friction in there to toughen these guys up. Not just physically, but also mentally. Get them an edge. Get them so sick of hitting each other in training camp that they can’t wait to go against another team.”
As Gannon has said since his Arizona tenure began, “buckle up.”