Oct 22, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) celebrates a fumble recovery against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

In his first season in the Valley, White accumulated one interception, three passes defended, 2.0 sacks and 90 tackles in 11 games (all starts). He signed a two-year contract with the Cardinals on March 15, 2023, after one season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Coming over from “The City of Brotherly Love,” White reunited with Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon just a month after Gannon left his defensive coordinator position in Philadelphia for his current role in Arizona.

When keying in on how much he wants to work hard for Gannon at a training camp media availability, White explained that he was brought in by the Cardinals because Gannon was a huge advocate of his and he doesn’t want the team to regret that decision.

“He [Gannon] put his face on the line for me, he and [Cardinals defensive coordinator] Nick Rallis brought me over here,” White said. “I don’t want to go out there and lay an egg and have them looking bad like, ‘Dang, why did we bring this guy over here?’ Every time I step on that field, I definitely think about that and it is in the back of my head. Definitely don’t want to let them two down.”

While he hasn’t set any personal goals going into the new season, White is determined and willing to do whatever it takes for the Cardinals to win. If accolades come along his way, that is just an added bonus.

“I still got a lot to do, I am not an All-Pro yet, never been to the Pro Bowl,” White said. “I don’t really care about goals, I am trying to be the best version of myself. Obviously it would be nice to have those goals and accomplish them, but I don’t feel like I am a failure because I don’t go to the Pro Bowl. All-Pro would move me a little bit more, but I just want to be the best version of myself and ultimately just win games, being the best teammate I can be.”

Cardinals on the rise, looking to defy the odds

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) yells out to his teammates during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 25, 2024.

The Cardinals are about to embark on another season which will provide many twists and turns in the NFC West. Arizona was 0-6 against their division rivals the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.

Going 1-8 to open last year, it will be vital to start on the right foot if Arizona wants any chance to make the playoffs.

With a healthy Murray, players having a year more of experience, the additions of Harrison Jr. and 2024 draft pick Trey Benson and the team adapting more and more to Gannon’s philosophies, White feels strongly about himself and the squad being ready to attack this season.

“I just feel like everybody’s more comfortable, like people not thinking so much,” White said. “I feel like last year, even me a little bit because I played well with the Eagles and I came here. I feel like I was thinking a little bit when we first got together, but now it is easygoing. You know you are still going to have mistakes since it’s football, but the mistakes are definitely weighed down.”

Having a linebacker core of White, Dennis Gardeck, Zaven Collins, Mack Wilson and Krys Barnes, Arizona has quietly pieced together a defense that can significantly improve in pass rushing.

There will be doubters who don’t believe the Cardinals can make it out of the division or even achieve a respectable record, but White is adamant that they can defy the odds and put their previous woes behind them.

“The whole team in general,” White said about who the naysayers are doubting. “I feel like a lot of people might think it’s going to be a slump year, another slouch year, but we are coming out here working each and every day to make sure that doesn’t happen. I don’t really care what others think. We definitely know the stigma behind us. Maybe being a few years removed from where we need to be. Like I said, we want to prove ourselves right and prove everyone else wrong too who are doubting us.”