The Arizona Cardinals announced on Apr. 2 that their offseason program will begin on April 7, marking an earlier start than most National Football League teams due to the arrival of new head coach Mike LaFleur.
The schedule matters as it sets the tone for team preparation and player development ahead of the upcoming season. With a new coaching staff, teams are permitted to start voluntary workouts earlier than others in the league.
According to the announcement, Phase One will focus on strength and conditioning along with meetings for several weeks. This will be followed by Phase Two, which includes on-field work without helmets where offense and defense practice separately. Phase Three consists of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), starting May 18, when players can wear helmets and both units can practice together.
An additional voluntary minicamp is scheduled for April 21-23 during the week of the NFL Draft. The only mandatory session for all players is set for June 8-10. A two-day rookie minicamp will take place two weeks after the draft concludes.
The full schedule includes key dates such as a draft party at State Farm Stadium on April 23 and various OTAs throughout May and early June before a break in mid-June.
The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as a professional football team in the NFC West division according to their official website. The team plays its home games in Glendale, Arizona according to their official website and serves fans across the greater Phoenix area according to their official website. The franchise stands as the oldest continuously operating professional football team in the United States according to their official website, having captured an NFC championship in 2008 according to their official website.