As Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon prepares to start in place of Mack Wilson Sr. on Sunday, the rookie credited the veterans on the team with the development he’s made this season.
Simon said in practice on Friday that Wilson and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither’s guidance and trust have given him confidence in stepping up for the defense against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
“They’re really great mentors. They’ve trusted me with this role and I’m gonna try to take it and do my best with it and try to execute it at the highest level,” Simon said.
Cardinals LB Cody Simon remains hyper focused on staying consistent ahead of his first NFL start ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6f98nUAWgK
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) November 7, 2025
Simon is coming off one of his best games in the NFL so far where the 6-foot-2 rookie from Ohio State registered three tackles and a critical forced fumble in the fourth quarter of the Cardinals’ 27-17 win against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday.
Simon, who played five years at Ohio State and was a captain last season, told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Tuesday that the leadership on the Cardinals has encouraged him and the other rookies to make big-time plays.
“The veterans on our team they really empower the young players to make plays and be impact players,” Simon said. “Mack is one of the best leaders I’ve been around and his confidence in me has really allowed me to play stronger and faster.”
Simon said there were no changes in his preparation, even with the start coming up on Sunday and stressed the importance of staying consistent.
“It’s all just about consistency. Keeping your work consistent and just doing what’re doing everyday. I try to prepare like I’m the starter no matter what,” Simon said on Friday.
Cardinals-Seahawks kicks off from Lumen Field on Sunday at 2:05 p.m.
Catch the game on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app.