Cadinals QB Gardner Minshew embracing mentor role in Arizona

Gardner Minshew II has been an Arizona Cardinal for only a short time yet is already making his mark.

In a quarterbacks room filled with question marks, Minshew’s goal is to bring it together for the betterment of the Cardinals.

“At the end of the day, they’re going to play who they think is giving us the best shot. I’m not out there going against Jacoby (Brissett). I’m going against the defense that I’m playing,” Minshew told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke on Tuesday. “We’re all just trying to get out here and win games, so whatever that takes.

“That’s one of the big things in the NFL is the quarterbacks room is kind of your safe haven. You’re going to need these guys as you’re going through the year. So whatever the rotation is, it’s important that everybody’s together in it.”

Throughout Minshew’s seven-year NFL career, he’s always been a guy others gravitate toward. As his career has progressed, his leadership has shined through.

The NFL journeyman has never been afraid to be himself, and that’s earned the respect and love of his teammates at each stop.

“I think it’s important to be yourself, important to believe in the things that make you, you,” Minshew said. “And I think you owe it to yourself to not tone that down for anybody.”

On top of Minshew looking to put his best foot forward on the field, he’s also not shying away from impacting those around him, especially a guy like rookie quarterback Carson Beck.

Much like what former Jacksonville Jaguars teammate Nick Foles did for Minshew as a rookie, the now-veteran is in a similar position to do the same in Arizona.

“Absolutely awesome dude,” Minshew said of Foles. “He was in a very hard situation and showed me what a class act and a good … older quarterback, what the impact that can have,” Minshew said. “Just like a kind word … (and) support from that role. That meant the world to me back then, so just knowing how that is and trying to pass that on.”

 

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