TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck believes his challenging college journey will serve him well as he transitions to the NFL.
The 24-year-old signal-caller was selected in the third round of this year’s draft by first-year head coach Mike LaFleur, who appreciated Beck’s experience navigating difficult situations during his six seasons in college football.
Beck could emerge as Arizona’s new starting quarterback following the end of the Kyler Murray era, which concluded poorly last season. During his introduction at the team’s practice facility Thursday, Beck discussed how his struggles — including three seasons as a backup and a serious elbow injury — might benefit his professional career.
“I think going through things and facing adversity helps you — if you respond to it the correct way,” Beck explained. “Just going through stuff doesn’t give me a leg up on anyone if I don’t use that or respond to it the correct way.
“Yes, I’ve faced a lot of adversity in my career. It’s never been perfect. There’s been ups, there’s been downs, there’s been really good moments and really low moments. All that has accumulated and created who I am today as a quarterback.”
The quarterback competition in Arizona features several veterans but lacks high-potential candidates. Jacoby Brissett, 33, took over the starting role for the final 12 games last season after Murray’s foot injury, posting impressive statistics but managing only one victory in 11 starts. The veteran has started 65 games across 10 NFL seasons.
Gardner Minshew, who turns 30 this month, represents the other experienced option. He’s played for five different franchises over seven seasons. Together, Brissett and Minshew have compiled a 37-75 record as NFL starters.
Beck brings extensive college experience, having started 43 games between Georgia and Miami. He guided the Bulldogs to an SEC title in 2024 and led the Hurricanes to a College Football Playoff runner-up finish last season.
Despite Beck’s credentials, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort emphasized a measured approach to the rookie’s development.
“We just want to get him in the building here, show him where the cafeteria is, where the locker room is and get him fitted for his gear,” Ossenfort said in April. “We’re excited to add him. There will be great competition in that room and we’ll see how it shakes out.”
Beck acknowledged his immediate focus isn’t on securing a starting role. Instead, he plans to concentrate on mastering the playbook, adapting to professional football, and absorbing any valuable insights from teammates and coaches.
“Everybody wants to play football, especially at the position of quarterback,” Beck noted. “You want to be the guy out there. It’s such an interesting position. That’s why I think it’s the best position on Earth — there’s only one guy out there.”
The quarterback is approximately 18 months removed from major elbow surgery following a December 2024 injury. This setback prevented him from practicing extensively during his transfer from Georgia to Miami, forcing him to focus on studying film and learning the Hurricanes’ offensive system mentally.
He believes this experience will help him adapt to Arizona’s scheme.
“You come in, you put your hard hat on and you go to work,” Beck said.
Beck represents the Cardinals’ highest quarterback draft selection since Murray was chosen first overall in 2019. Murray arrived with enormous expectations after winning the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, earning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and two Pro Bowl selections. However, he struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance.
Murray finished his Arizona tenure with a 38-48-1 record as a starter over seven seasons, leading the team to just one playoff appearance in 2021. He now plays for the Minnesota Vikings.
The Cardinals’ 3-14 record last season resulted in the dismissal of third-year coach Jonathan Gannon. LaFleur, brother of Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur, was hired after three seasons coordinating the Los Angeles Rams offense.
Beck feels physically prepared for the challenge ahead.
“My arm is as strong as it’s ever been,” Beck said. “I feel like I’ve been throwing the ball really well. Obviously, finally having an offseason to train and work and lock in … making sure the mechanics are 100% exactly where I want them to be. I think that will really help.”
