The Arizona Cardinals handed Jeremiyah Love a record-setting NFL rookie contract this week, but the No. 3 overall pick says he has no plans to spend the money anytime soon.
Love, selected third overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, signed a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth more than $53 million on May 8. The contract makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid running backs before taking a professional snap.
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Yet the former Notre Dame star said his NFL salary will stay untouched.
“I live in the era of NIL, so I’m pretty well off already,” Love said, via Griffin S. DeMarrais on X. “So, I really don’t need to touch that money, as of right now. I most definitely will not.”
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“I’m gonna make sure I put that money away for my grandkids, my kids, and stuff like that, so they can have a better life financially than I did growing up. So, that’s the plan. Plans change sometimes. Plans can change sometimes, but that’s the plan.”
Today Jeremiyah Love signed his 4-year, fully guaranteed $53.02 million dollar rookie contract, setting a new record for guaranteed money for an NFL running back.
When asked what he was going to do with that money he said because of college NIL he won't touch it.@azfamily pic.twitter.com/qKFeuhgMEe
— Griffin S. DeMarrais (@GDeMarraisTV) May 8, 2026
The statement drew attention across league circles because of how rare it is for a rookie, especially a running back, to discuss long-term financial planning so openly.
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Love called the contract “life-changing” but acknowledged the payday came largely because of draft position, not NFL production.
“Every high pick is going to get a lot of money,” Love said. “I still haven’t done anything at the end of the day. I’m coming into the league with a mindset. I’m ready to work, ready to earn the things that I’ve been given. But, I mean, it’s very life-changing.”
Cardinals need more than financial maturity from Love
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Arizona’s investment in Love reflects both his talent and the organization’s desperation for offensive stability after a disastrous 3-14 season in 2025.
The Cardinals collapsed after a 2-0 start, losing 14 of their final 15 games. Their defense ranked near the bottom of the league, allowing 28.7 points per game, and the franchise moved on from head coach Jonathan Gannon after the season ended.
Love enters a roster that badly needs explosive production around All-Pro tight end Trey McBride. His resume suggests he can handle the pressure. At Notre Dame, he won the Doak Walker Award and finished as a Heisman finalist. His burst, balance, and ability in space made him the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 overall in 2018.
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Love’s comments reveal maturity, but Arizona will care more about whether he can stabilize the offense weekly. Running backs drafted this high face immediate scrutiny because teams expect instant impact, not gradual development.
Still, there is value in hearing a rookie speak with accountability instead of entitlement. Love understands that the contract alone changes nothing. The Cardinals now need that mindset to carry onto the field, where rebuilding franchises either accelerate fast or stay stuck near the bottom.