Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love is making NFL history. No rookie running back has ever received a higher guaranteed amount.

Although he hasn’t played a single snap in the NFL yet, Jeremiyah Love has already made history.

The Notre Dame running back, who was selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 NFL Draft, has signed a very special contract.

The 20-year-old signed a four-year, $53 million contract—every single dollar of which is guaranteed. This gives him the highest guaranteed amount ever awarded to a rookie running back in league history.

His annual salary of $13.25 million already ranks seventh among all running backs currently active in the NFL.

Millions change Love’s life

“It really changes your life. That amount would change anyone’s life,” Love told U.S. reporters at the start of the Cardinals’ rookie minicamp: “For me personally, it doesn’t change my attitude. Of course, I’m only getting that much because I was the third overall pick in the draft. Every player who gets drafted early gets a lot of money.”

He continued: “Ultimately, I haven’t accomplished anything yet. I’m coming into the league with a certain mindset. I’m ready to work and earn what’s been given to me.”

So Love is with the Cards “to play football. You get paid well for it, but in the end, I still have to perform on the field. The money is there now, which is a huge blessing. It’s a lot of money,” said the athlete.

Highest-Drafted Running Back Since Barkley

Since the New York Giants drafted Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick in 2018, no running back has been drafted that high in the world’s best football league.

At the time, Barkley, who has since won the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, received a guaranteed sum of $31.8 million.

Love racked up 3,014 scrimmage yards and 40 touchdowns over his past two college seasons at Notre Dame.