The 2026 NFL Draft first round took place on April 23 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with Commissioner Roger Goodell announcing selections live.[1][2]

University of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was chosen third overall by the Arizona Cardinals, securing a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $53 million, fully guaranteed.[3][4] The deal includes a club option for a fifth year. Love, who turned 21 in December 2024, emerged as a top prospect after a breakout 2024 college season with 376 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 56 carries, plus 134 receiving yards and two scores.[2][5]

In a post-draft interview with BRGridiron, Love outlined his plans for managing his earnings. "I’m not spending any of my NFL checks," he said. "All that money, my financial advisor’s going to take care of all that. I don’t know about it, it ain’t my job."[3]

Love added that he intends to use endorsement and marketing money for personal priorities. "First thing I might buy with my marketing money is a house for my parents, car for my dad," he said. "Shoot, I’m gonna put myself last. I’m going to take care of my family first."[3]

The Cardinals reportedly experienced a brief delay in contacting Love due to an incorrect phone number listed for him.[3] As the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley (No. 2 overall, 2018), Love joins a Cardinals backfield seeking long-term stability.[1][4]

First-round picks like Love receive slotted contracts under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, providing immediate financial security while teams hold fifth-year options on top selections.[4]

Sources

1. NFL.com
   Pittsburgh to host 2026 NFL Draft; dates announced
   December 20, 2023
   https://www.nfl.com/news/pittsburgh-to-host-2026-nfl-draft-dates-announced
2. University of Notre Dame Athletics
   Jeremiyah Love - 2024 Football Roster
   Accessed October 2024
   https://fightingirish.com/sports/football/roster/jeremiyah-love/25165
3. Fox News Digital
   Jeremiyah Love reveals financial plans after Cardinals take him No. 3 overall in NFL Draft
   April 24, 2026
   https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jeremiyah-love-arizona-cardinals-nfl-draft-financial-advisor-parents
4. Spotrac
   2026 NFL Draft Rookie Contract Value - Pick #3
   Accessed April 2026
   https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/draft/rookie-contract-calculator/?pick=3&year=2026
5. ESPN
   Jeremiyah Love College Stats
   Accessed October 2024
   https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/stats/_/id/468456/jeremiyah-love