The defensive signals for Arizona will be called by former Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson when the Cardinals play the New Orleans Saints on September 7 to begin their 2025 NFL schedule.
Wilson, who started a career-high 16 games for the Cardinals in 2024, is wearing the green dot for the Arizona defense. In 2019, as a rookie selected in the fifth round, he had made 14 starts. Wilson, however, made 18 starts over the next four seasons.
“It’s just been a blessing, honestly, and it just shows the faith and the dedication I have to stick through all those times,” Wilson said during an appearance on NFL Network on Thursday. “I was drafted in Cleveland, played there for three years, got traded to New England, played there for two years, and then earned a contract here with Arizona.” It wasn’t always fantastic, in my opinion. Additionally, it wasn’t always bad. I felt like I just had to fight for where I am today and be where my feet were at the same time.
I simply need to maintain the same mindset as a guy from three years ago who didn’t have anything, didn’t know where his future was heading, and wasn’t sure if I would get any plays. Everything has been working out for me. I think that way of thinking helped me to sort of stay grounded and just keep going.
When Cleveland Browns veteran Christian Kirksey was injured in the second game, rookie Wilson was added to the starting lineup. Wilson played 943 defensive snaps that season and was second on the Browns with 82 tackles.
Wilson’s career-best numbers are still those. In 2024, he had his second-best season as the Cardinals’ weakside linebacker, recording 75 tackles in 763 defensive snaps.
Wilson participated in 1,107 defensive snaps throughout the four seasons that followed. After three seasons, Wilson was dealt by Cleveland to the New England Patriots. Wilson saw 596 special teams plays over his two seasons with the Patriots.
Last summer, Wilson signed a three-year, $12.75 million contract with Arizona as a free agency.
Wilson, a two-time All-State selection at Montgomery’s Carver High School, is filling in for Kyzir White at middle linebacker. The Cardinals’ defensive signal-caller White recorded 137 tackles in 2024, but when the linebacker became a free agent, Arizona decided not to re-sign him.
Wilson remarked, “I’ve just been taking it day by day with everything that comes with being the green dot in any defense.” I’m thankful for the chance. It’s been fantastic, man. I feel like I’m more than ready, and I think the guys do a great job of making me feel at ease when I’m calling the defense. This lets me play quickly and be myself. It’s been a little difficult for me, but I’m up for any challenge, and I don’t think there’s anyone better to call the defense than myself.
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The Cardinals play the Las Vegas Raiders at 9 p.m. CDT on Saturday at State Farm Stadium in Gardendale, Arizona, to wrap up their preseason campaign before traveling to New Orleans. The last game on the NFL’s 2025 preseason schedule will be broadcast on NFL Network.
Wilson stated, “I’m sure everyone wants to see the resilience.” I feel like guys’ hair is on fire this week because we were beaten quite badly last week. The guys are putting in a lot of effort. Additionally, all you want to watch are males competing. You want to go out there and make a fantastic impression because you have no idea where things will stand next week or how the roster will look. Over the years, I’ve always told newcomers—and even people like myself who might feel like they’re living in a bubble—that all you need to do is demonstrate the guys how valuable you are by showing up to work every day.
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Mark Inabinett works for Alabama Media Group as a sports writer. You may follow him at @AMarkG1 on X.
