Meaningful games continue for the Arizona Cardinals in December, with several players finding personal and professional significance as the season nears its end.
Running back Corey Kiner is preparing to play his first NFL game in his hometown of Cincinnati when the Cardinals face the Bengals. Kiner, who was named Ohio’s “Mr. Football” after a standout high school career and played college football at Cincinnati, sees this as an important moment for himself and his family.
“Because I’ve been on practice squads the whole year at different places, my family hasn’t been able to see me play, but now, the whole family gets to see me play because everybody is from Cincinnati,” Kiner said. “My parents travel, but it’ll be the first for my grandmother, sisters, brothers, cousins, everybody.”
While having family present is meaningful for Kiner, he emphasized that his focus remains on making an impression with the coaching staff and organization as opportunities arise late in the season. With two games remaining on the schedule, many players are aiming to secure their place on next year’s roster.
Over recent weeks, Arizona has added depth by signing multiple players from other teams’ practice squads. Kiner joined from Minnesota’s practice squad; kicker Joshua Karty arrived from Los Angeles; and cornerback Kalen King came over from Carolina. Through two games with Arizona so far, Kiner has eight carries for 43 yards.
“The sense of urgency in my mind is always high, so each practice, regardless of what the circumstances are, I’m giving it my all because that’s just the way I operate and the way I was raised,” said Kiner. “Coming out of college and being a starter, it tests your patience a little bit, but it just goes to show that you’ve got to stay ready because I wasn’t expecting it but I got called up and I’m getting my opportunity now.”
The closing games also hold importance for veteran players like defensive lineman L.J. Collier. After suffering a knee injury early in the season that placed him on Injured Reserve—and following another long-term injury last year—Collier says these final contests are critical as he looks ahead to free agency.
“When things aren’t going your way, man, it was very important that I get to control my narrative for this year and the beginning of next year and I get to control how I finish and what goes on past this year,” Collier said.
Asked about feeling pressure with only two games left before his contract expires, Collier replied simply: “None.”
“There have been times when the contract is on the line but I’m a firm believer in the football Gods,” he continued. “I like to quote movies and I like what Al Pacino said in ‘Any Given Sunday,’ when he said ‘Anything can happen on a Sunday; it’s just which guy believes they can do it more.'”
Collier acknowledged some fans may already be looking ahead toward next year’s draft given injuries throughout this season but maintains that those inside team facilities remain focused on competing each week.
“The fans deserve wins and the fans supports us and deserve a winning season fam,” Collier said. “I feel like this team is on the cusp of being great. It don’t seem like it because we’ve had more injuries than you can think of but guys competed. Bro I still say that sky is limit here it’s a great place and it’s due for greatness especially in years to come we’re all patiently waiting but it will happen eventually.”
