PHX Reporter

Connor Senger, an assistant quarterback coach for the Cardinals, recently expressed enthusiasm upon learning about Milton Patterson's appointment to the New England Patriots coaching staff. Patterson, who previously worked with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, was a Bill Walsh Diversity Fellow. Senger noted the significance of diversity programs in creating opportunities for coaches to advance and build professional relationships. "It creates those opportunities for coaches to get around the highest coaches in the profession and learn from them and cultivate relationships," he stated.

Senger and defensive quality control coach Ronald Booker have also benefited from similar initiatives. Both were involved in coaching at the East-West Shrine Bowl as Black History Month commenced. Senger worked with West wide receivers, while Booker coached West defensive backs. Booker's experience at the Shrine Bowl was his first time leading a group, contrasting with his regular duties as a quality control coach focused on preparing playbooks and assisting other coaches.

"Being here, it's my room and I'm the one doing the installs and making cutups to showcase and teach tapes to players," Booker explained regarding his expanded role during the event.

This marked Senger's second consecutive all-star game working with wide receivers after participating in the Senior Bowl in 2024. His involvement is seen as beneficial for both himself and players like Kyler Murray and Clayton Tune due to his expertise gained through these experiences.

"It's an interesting and inviting challenge for myself by stepping out of my comfort zone," Senger remarked about his approach at these events.

These coaching opportunities are advantageous not only for individual development but also provide valuable insights for general manager Monti Ossenfort and the scouting department. In 2024, several Cardinals staff members participated in similar events, contributing to successful drafts that included nine out of twelve picks having played in all-star games.

During practices at these events, collaboration between different coaching roles is emphasized, exemplified by interactions between Senger's wide receivers and Booker's secondary players. Despite competitive banter on-field, such experiences aim to enhance each other's skills—a goal both coaches appreciate deeply.

"To see us get elevated for a week...it's very fulfilling," shared Senger on their participation alongside fellowships like theirs designed explicitly towards improvement within professional sports environments.