Walter Nolen III gives Cardinals fans something to cheer about vs. Jaguars

GLENDALE — Big man touchdowns hit different.

Just when it felt like the boo birds were going to take over the Arizona Cardinals’ 27-24 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, rookie Walter Nolen III said, “not so fast.”

Already down 7-0 after allowing a four-play, 97-yard scoring drive, the rookie — who later left with a knee injury — played equalizer late in the first quarter with a fumble returned for a touchdown.

Big Walt with a big TD 🚨

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/qIifGlhZrG

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 23, 2025

After punter Matt Haack again pinned the Jaguars deep in their own territory, Nolen and the depleted Arizona defense flipped a switch.

Safety Jalen Thompson looked like he was shot out of a cannon off the edge before obliterating Lawrence as he threw.

Nolen did the rest, fighting off a block for the one-handed snag before rumbling to the end zone for the touchdown to knot it up at 7-7.

Given how the game started, it was a much-needed jolt to Arizona’s system.

Since his return to play, Nolen has been one of the few bright spots for 3-7 Arizona.

Before Sunday’s game, Nolen had racked up a sack, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and a pass defensed across three games played.

Unfortunately for the rookie, his evening was cut short due to a knee injury.

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