Trey McBride, the Arizona Cardinals’ burgeoning tight end, concluded a remarkable 2024 season, solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s premier young offensive talents. His exceptional performance, culminating in his first Pro Bowl selection, saw him amass 1,146 receiving yards on 111 receptions, ranking him second among all tight ends in both categories and impressively fourth overall in the league in receptions. This breakout season marked a significant leap from his 2023 statistics, showcasing his rapid development and growing influence within the Cardinals’ offense. McBride expressed his elation at achieving this career milestone, emphasizing the dream fulfilled and the honor of being recognized alongside the league’s elite players. He eagerly anticipates the Pro Bowl experience, embracing the camaraderie and excitement of the event.
McBride attributes his remarkable progress to several key factors, including his improved comfort and confidence within the demanding NFL environment, the consistency of his health and availability, and, most importantly, the burgeoning connection with quarterback Kyler Murray. He believes their evolving on-field synergy has been instrumental to his individual success and is optimistic about the future potential of the Cardinals’ offense as their partnership continues to mature. This developing rapport between quarterback and tight end represents a cornerstone of the team’s offensive strategy and holds promise for continued growth in the seasons to come.
Despite McBride’s individual achievements, the Cardinals fell short of postseason play in 2024, finishing with an 8-9 record. While they displayed competitive flashes, including holding the NFC West lead late in November, a late-season slump dashed their playoff hopes, marking the third consecutive year the Cardinals failed to reach the postseason. This outcome underscores the challenges faced by the team, while simultaneously highlighting the importance of McBride’s contributions to their offensive output.
McBride, now entering his fourth year in the NFL, has unequivocally identified reaching the playoffs as his primary goal for the 2025 season. He emphasizes the intrinsic drive to compete and succeed at the highest level, and views a playoff berth as an essential step towards achieving those aspirations. He believes that earning a playoff opportunity would provide the Cardinals with the chance to prove themselves against the league’s top contenders and potentially make a deep postseason run. This singular focus on playoff qualification reflects McBride’s commitment to team success and his desire to elevate the Cardinals’ standing within the league.
While the Cardinals are not participating in the playoffs, McBride expressed his interest in the upcoming conference championship games and offered his predictions for Super Bowl LIX. He anticipates a Buffalo Bills victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, expressing a nationwide sentiment favoring the Bills and highlighting quarterback Josh Allen’s impressive abilities. In the NFC, he expects the Washington Commanders, led by his former coach Kliff Kingsbury and impressive rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, to emerge victorious. McBride’s rooting interests reflect his personal connections and appreciation for the narrative surrounding both teams. He ultimately predicts a Bills victory in the Super Bowl, citing his admiration for Josh Allen and his friendships with several Bills players. He envisions a Bills championship as a significant accomplishment for the team and its players.
Off the field, McBride has partnered with Rockin’ Protein, a product of Arizona-based Shamrock Farms. He emphasizes the importance of aligning with a local company deeply rooted in his community, while also recognizing the brand’s nationwide reach. McBride appreciates the product’s high protein content, convenience, and taste, particularly highlighting vanilla as his preferred flavor. He integrates Rockin’ Protein into his daily routine, using it to fuel his workouts, practices, and game-day performances. This partnership underscores McBride’s commitment to supporting local businesses and his belief in the product’s efficacy in aiding his athletic performance. He views the partnership as a mutually beneficial arrangement that reflects his values and contributes to his overall health and fitness regimen.
