Trey McBride Walks Back Comments on Arizona Cardinals Fanbase

1 day agoUS
Trey McBride Walks Back Comments on Arizona Cardinals FanbaseSource: espn.com
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has publicly walked back controversial comments he made in June about the team's fanbase, acknowledging he "probably shouldn't have said that" after remarks suggesting Arizona lacks loyal football fans went viral. Speaking at training camp on July 25, 2026, the two-time Pro Bowler issued a mea culpa and reaffirmed his commitment to the Cardinals and their supporters.

Key Insights

What happened:: On a June 2026 episode of the *Bussin' with the Boys* podcast, McBride said: *"Living in Arizona, no one's from Arizona... there's no Arizona fans in Arizona."* He suggested the state's large transplant population made it difficult to build a local fanbase.

The reversal:: On July 25, 2026, after training camp practice, McBride apologized: *"It came out wrong, and obviously the fanbase is great. We have a tremendous fanbase."*

Why it matters:: Since McBride was drafted in 2022, the Cardinals have gone 19-49 with zero winning seasons. Winning, as the tight end noted, is the real solution to filling the stands.

Context:: Co-host Taylor Lewan (a former NFL lineman who grew up in Arizona) supported McBride's original observation, noting that Cardinals merchandise visibility spiked around the 2009 Super Bowl run but faded afterward.

In-Depth Analysis

The Original Comments

On a June 2026 appearance on *Bussin' with the Boys*, McBride stated: *"Everyone has kinda moved in from another state, so they're all fans of their own teams, so now you have the Arizona that sits there and there's no Arizona fans in Arizona."* He added that winning games could help *"bring some of those fans back."*

While statistically factual — Arizona is indeed a state with a high percentage of out-of-state transplants — the comments struck a nerve with local supporters who have remained loyal through lean years.

The Apology

Speaking after training camp practice on July 25, McBride said: *"I probably shouldn't have said that... We're going to win games, and we're going to make sure those fans have something proud to cheer for. I love it here in Arizona, and I hope they love me too."*

The Bigger Picture

The Cardinals have made just four playoff appearances since their 2009 Super Bowl loss and have recorded only five winning seasons in the last 17 years. Over that same span, every other NFC West team has appeared in the Super Bowl at least twice.

McBride himself signed a four-year, $76 million contract extension in April 2025 and earned first-team All-Pro honors last season. With new head coach Mike LaFleur at the helm, the Cardinals are hoping to reverse their fortunes — and McBride knows that on-field success is the fastest path to winning over skeptical fans.

FAQs

What exactly did Trey McBride say about Cardinals fans?

On the *Bussin' with the Boys* podcast in June 2026, McBride said that because many Arizona residents moved from other states, they remain fans of their original teams, leaving the Cardinals without a strong local fanbase.

Did McBride apologize for his comments?

Yes. On July 25, 2026, during training camp, he walked back his remarks, calling the fanbase "tremendous" and expressing love for Arizona.

How have the Cardinals performed since McBride joined the team?

Since being drafted in 2022, the Cardinals have a 19-49 record with no seasons above .500, which McBride acknowledged contributes to fan apathy.

Who is the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals?

Mike LaFleur has been hired as head coach, tasked with turning the franchise around.

Key Takeaways

For Cardinals fans:: McBride's apology signals accountability from a team leader. The tight end is one of the NFL's best at his position and is committed to delivering a winning product.

For NFL observers:: This story underscores the delicate relationship between athletes and fanbases, especially in markets with high transplant populations.

The bottom line:: McBride is right — winning cures everything. If the Cardinals improve under LaFleur, attendance and local enthusiasm will follow naturally.

Discussion

Do you think Trey McBride's comments were unfair or accurate? Have you seen the Cardinals fanbase grow over the years? Share your thoughts below!

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