Trey McBride Apologizes for June Comments Questioning Arizona Fanbase

Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, a two-time Pro Bowler, retracted his June statement that 'there's no Arizona fans in Arizona' following a training camp practice.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride addressed the media following Saturday's training camp practice to retract statements made in June regarding the team's local support. McBride, a 2022 second-round draft pick who signed a four-year, $76 million contract extension in April 2025, previously claimed during an appearance on the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast that the state lacked a dedicated fanbase. The All-Pro tight end, who earned first-team honors last season and has been selected to the Pro Bowl for two consecutive years, characterized his earlier remarks as a mistake that "came out wrong."

During the June podcast episode, McBride suggested that Arizona's population consisted primarily of residents who moved from other states while maintaining allegiances to their original teams. He specifically stated, "Living in Arizona, no one's from Arizona," and concluded that "there's no Arizona fans in Arizona." He expressed hope at the time that winning games would eventually attract those residents back to the Cardinals. Former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, an Arizona native and podcast host, supported McBride’s initial sentiment by noting he did not recall seeing Cardinals hats in the area until the team’s 2009 Super Bowl appearance.

Mea Culpa at Training Camp

Following the conclusion of Saturday’s practice session, McBride offered a formal apology for his previous assessment of the sports culture in the desert. He labeled the local supporters as "loyal fans to all the sports teams here" and described the organization as lucky to have them. The tight end emphasized that the fanbase is "great" and "tremendous," contrasting his earlier description of the environment as a "tough deal." He stated his intention to provide the community with a product they can be proud of during the upcoming season.

Contract Details and Performance Stats

McBride’s standing within the franchise was solidified in April 2025 when he secured his $76 million extension. This financial commitment followed a period of high-level production where he secured first-team All-Pro status and back-to-back Pro Bowl nods. Since joining the NFL as a second-round selection in 2022, he has become a focal point of the Cardinals' offensive strategy. His recent comments reflect a desire to mend the relationship with the public as the team prepares for the new year, stating, "I love it here in Arizona, and I hope they love me too."

Historical Context of Fan Support

The discussion regarding the visibility of Cardinals supporters dates back to the franchise's 2009 Super Bowl run. During the podcast exchange, Lewan mentioned that team merchandise seemed to disappear from public view following that championship game appearance. McBride countered this narrative during his Saturday media availability, asserting that the current fanbase is special and that the team is focused on winning games to ensure supporters have something to cheer for. He concluded by expressing excitement for the 2026 season and reiterated his commitment to the local community.