Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier is embracing the competition in the team's backfield, expressing a cooperative attitude towards rookie Jeremiyah Love, who was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Allgeier, who signed a two-year, $12.25 million contract with the Cardinals in June to become their starting running back, stated that a negative approach to the situation would be unproductive.
"There’s no point in being, I guess, a jerk about it, because that’s not really going to get you anywhere in life, in this business, in this sport," Allgeier said. "But I’m just super humble anyways."
Allgeier currently appears to be the front-runner for carries heading into the season, having worked with the first-team offense during training camp. However, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett indicated that Love still has development ahead. "He’s definitely a rookie, and as we’ve talked about, he’ll keep growing every single day," Hackett commented. "Very excited for him. All those guys, not just him. I’m very excited about this room. There are a lot of guys that have a lot of carries, a lot of experience. Guys that can do multiple things."
Allgeier and Love are reportedly building a positive relationship, "feeding off each other on and off the field." Allgeier noted that the competition is motivating both players to perform at their best. "Whenever that chance comes, you just have to execute and take advantage of your opportunity," Allgeier said. "So that’s just the biggest thing for me. It’s just a mindset."
This situation is familiar for Allgeier, who maintained a "stardom mentality" despite facing similar competition previously. After rushing for 1,035 yards as a rookie with the Falcons in 2022, Atlanta drafted Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Allgeier continued to produce, accumulating at least 500 yards and three touchdowns in each of the subsequent three seasons while playing behind Robinson.
Allgeier joined the Cardinals seeking to move out of a shadow role, and he has praised the organization for its treatment of him throughout the offseason. He noted that head coach Mike LaFleur contacted him immediately after the draft to discuss the selection of Love and express his belief that they could form a "really good tandem." Allgeier commended LaFleur's "really good communication," recognizing that such transparency is not always standard in the league.