Paris Johnson Jr. and Trey McBride were recognized for their contributions to the Arizona Cardinals following a challenging season. McBride received the Lloyd Herberg MVP award, while Johnson was named the Steve Schoenfeld Good Guy winner by the Arizona chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Both players addressed reporters as representatives of the team’s efforts to improve after a difficult year. “I know that we have the guys here to make anything happen,” Johnson said. “I believe in our coaching. I believe in the culture, and I believe in the guys that we have. I know the leadership here will bring in the right guys as well this upcoming offseason and I believe we’re heading in the right direction.”
Johnson, who played his second season at left tackle, had been leading fan voting for Pro Bowl tackle before an injury ended his season early. He has since worked with specialists nationwide on his recovery and stated that his knee is improving.
McBride set a new NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end with 119 catches, tying him with Puka Nacua for most receptions in the league this year. He also recorded 11 touchdowns, tied for second-most receiving touchdowns overall, and was the only tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards (1,174). Despite these achievements, McBride emphasized team goals: “You play this game to win and it’s not all about the individual stats,” he said. “You want to win every game, but you try to focus on what you can control and try to be the best version of yourself and put your best foot forward every single week, and hopefully the guys will follow you and continue to be the best version of themselves.
“We have everything we need, we just have to bring other guys along with us, and I think that’s the main thing.”
Johnson reflected on being sidelined due to injury: “I’m trying to be mindful,” he said. “But again, I’m trying to do what I can to be back and to show the guys that I can’t wait to be back. I’m going to be back even stronger.”
Both players acknowledged taking losses hard this season but expressed confidence in how adversity revealed commitment within their ranks. Johnson noted: “It’s hard from the outside to appreciate the culture that we have because you’re starting to look at wins versus losses, but I think the testament to the culture that we have is he men that we have when times are tough,” adding that future success would require translating those values into victories.
