ARIZONA CARDINALS

It’s all about staying in the moment for Cardinals rookie CB Christian Matthew

May 5, 2022, 3:29 PM

Christian Matthew #9 of the Valdosta State Blazers looks on against the Ferris State Bulldogs durin...

Christian Matthew #9 of the Valdosta State Blazers looks on against the Ferris State Bulldogs during the second quarter during the Division II Men’s Football Championship held at McKinney ISD Stadium on December 18, 2021 in McKinney, Texas. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

(Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

It’s been a long run with a lot of different stops along the way for Arizona Cardinals rookie cornerback Christian Matthew.

After beginning his college career at Georgia Southern, Matthew transferred to Samford for two seasons before eventually ending up at Valdosta State.

In a program that had seen just five players make it to the NFL upon his arrival, on top of COVID-19 restrictions and cancellations, Matthew had to keep his head down and hang onto his dream that he’ll eventually break into the league.

On Saturday, that dream became a reality, with the Cardinals taking Matthew in the seventh-round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

“(It’s) a path that forced me to stay in the moment, forced me to stay present,” Matthew told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Thursday. “There was so much uncertainty. … It was the path that led me to be focused and present and appreciative of each moment because I didn’t know what was going to happen next.

“It just makes you more appreciative of your opportunity,” the cornerback added. “It’s extremely hard … to be drafted from that program in that lower level, so once you make it you have a tremendous appreciation for it and you want to just put your best foot forward to kind of stay in this position.”

In order to put that best foot forward, Matthew understands the mission ahead. In addition to learning from coaches at the highest level, the cornerback knows he must be a sponge among the veterans already in the room.

And above all else, Matthew needs to compete at the highest level on a daily basis.

In combining those three things, Matthew feels he can become a major contributor for the Cardinals.

“First thing’s first, you got to learn the playbook as good as possible because coaches have to trust that you know the system, know the scheme and you won’t blow any coverages, things of nature, and have mental errors,” Matthew said. “And then the second thing is just you have to play fast.

“I always say it’s a no hesitation league, you can’t hesitate out there. People are too good. I feel like rookies kind of hesitate a little bit because it’s new, they’re going against better talent, they have a little bit more on their plate as far as the playbook.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Jonah Williams pressure Sam Darnold...

Tyler Drake

Report: Free agent DL Jonah Williams visiting Arizona Cardinals this week

Defensive lineman Jonah Williams is visiting the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings this week, according to Aaron Wilson.

7 hours ago

Casita seating at the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ new suite options at State Farm Stadium include casitas

The Arizona Cardinals on Monday announced new luxury seating options for 2024, including custom casita suites at State Farm Stadium.

11 hours ago

Justin Fields...

Associated Press

Quarterback carousel: Bears trade Justin Fields to Steelers to clear way for top pick

The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night for draft compensation.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2025 guarantees kick in

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray had nearly $30 million guaranteed for the 2025 season kick in by remaining on Arizona's roster by Saturday.

2 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. celebrates with Kyler Murray...

Tyler Drake

Which side of the line will Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. command in 2024?

Even before the Cardinals released D.J. Humphries, there was already talk of Paris Johnson Jr. making the switch from right to left.

3 days ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Marvin Harrison Jr. wasn’t opposed to joining Arizona Cardinals in 2023

Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Arizona Cardinals in 2024? That's what Paris Johnson Jr. predicted soon after getting pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

3 days ago

It’s all about staying in the moment for Cardinals rookie CB Christian Matthew