Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) tosses a ball during training camp at State Farm Stadium July 31, 2019.(Photo: Michael Chow/The Republic)
They were bold words. Many of his teammates applauded the enthusiasm. More than a few rolled their eyes.
But Christian Kirk wasnt kidding two years ago when, as a mere rookie, mind you, the wide receiver professed his desire and determination to someday follow in the footsteps of teammate Larry Fitzgerald and be the next, great leader of the Arizona Cardinals.
It wasnt just a wish. It was a proclamation.
I want that to be me, Kirk told The Arizona Republic two years ago during a one-on-one interview. Its my ultimate goal to take over and be a leader of this team. Thats the same thing that happened to me in college, the same thing that happened to me in high school. Im used to being in those leadership roles and thats the point where I want to be here.
Kirk was in no way trying to shove Fitzgerald out the door. He wasnt being a young, boastful and thoughtless diva, either. It was early December of 2018, and although the Cardinals were foundering on their way to a three-win season, Kirk talked about how he had spent almost every day learning something new from Fitzgerald. It made him realize all the intangibles it takes to be a great player, a great teacher, a great teammate and a great ambassador.
I want to be the leader in the wide receiver room and help lead vocally and help by performance, Kirk said. Its big shoes to fill, no doubt, but he helped me set the standard, I know the standard, and so when he leaves I know not to lower it one bit. Its all about playing to the performance of the guys before you, so whenever he leaves hell leave it in a good place and Im ready to take it on.
A few days later, Kirk played a big role in helping the Cardinals beat the Packers 20-17 at Lambeau Field for what would be their final win of the season. He caught three passes, including the longest reception of the game (37 yards), and also ran an end-around for 23 yards.
Kirk broke abone in his foot in the final few minutes, however, and was lost for the rest of the year. Last season, he injured his ankle in Week 4 and it aggravated him the rest of the way, although he finished second to Fitzgerald in catches and receiving yards. Still, he was never fully healthy.
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Just frustrating, Kirk said on Wednesday about his 2019 season. I hold myself to a higher expectation, so the fact I didnt meet many of my expectations for what I wanted Year 2 to look like for me, was frustrating.
Now comes another hitch, this one pertaining to his dream of one day stepping into Fitzgeralds cleats. When the Cardinals traded for All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins in March, it meant Arizona found its realfuture replacement for No. 11. And it isnt No. 13, Kirk. Its No. 10, Hopkins.
Speaking to reporters during a Zoom conference call, Kirk said the addition of Hopkins and another year of working alongside Fitzgerald is only going to better help him reach his goals.
I wouldnt say it sets me back by no means, Kirk said. And I think on the field, me trying to fit in Fitzs shoes and try to kind of follow in his path, its more than on the field. Its what he has done as a community leader and just his presence, not only here in Arizona but in society,and him as a businessman and just being able to learn from him in all aspects of that nature.
But on the field, I think if anything DeAndre can help me get there. A lot of people could look at it as, It is a setback for him or He wont see as many targets or whatnot, but the fact that Im playing with arguably a first-ballot Hall of Famer, arguably the best receiver to ever play the game, and then arguably the best receiver currently in the game right now, if those are the two guys in front of me that Im learning from and following in their footsteps, then I have no problem with that.
Christian Kirk is excited for the opportunity to work with DeAndre Hopkins.(Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
Getting a chance to mirror the professionalism of Fitzgerald is one thing. Getting the opportunity to also pick thenuances and study habits from Hopkins should make things doubly rewarding for Kirk. They can also impart their wisdom on what it takes to play through pain and stay on the field, considering they rarely miss a game.
Thats going to be Kirks greatest goal this season, whenever it gets underway. Staying healthy, he said, is critical if he wants to make a difference and take the next step in his third year.
Just stay healthy, regardless if its out of my control or not, just doing everything I can to be on the field for every single game, he said. That and just keep progressing. The good thing about it is if you look at it statistically, hurt or not, I was still able to progress. The next step is just taking that next jump and just keep on progressing and showing that I am getting better.
Kirk will be a starting outside receiver opposite Hopkins with Fitzgerald mostly lining up in and out of the slot, and the opportunities for big numbers are very real. Especially with quarterback Kyler Murray expected to up his game and get a better feel for defenses in his second pro season.
Itll open up things for all of us, Kirk said. I believe it will be a little bit of pick your poison. If you want to double DeAndre, that leaves Fitz in the slot and me on the other side for more one-on-one opportunities. If you want to play two highCover 2 then we have Kenyan Drake in the backfield and there goes our run game.
Defenses are definitely going to have to strategizewell when it comes to building a game plan going into the week they play us because theres different ways we can all be able to make an impact on the field. DeAndre does a lot for us. When you have a guy like that, you have to pay attention to No.10. Its going to be fun and Im going to be excited to see what he does.
Kirk has been working out regularly with receiver Trent Sherfield and running back Chase Edmonds. Theyve been catching passes on occasion from backup quarterback Brent Hundley and Chris Streveler. There is a plan in place for them and several others to start working out together with Murray in the week or so leading up to the start of training camp.
Yeah, so the plan is to get together with Kyler here real soon and make sure were getting our timing down, Kirk said, and the better part would be have it going into training camp so were picking up right where we left off.
Kirk said was recently invited over to Fitzgeralds house for a casual dinner and conversation. One of the other guests was Hopkins, the three-time All-Pro. It was the first real in-person interaction between Kirk and Hopkins and it couldnt have gone better.
It was the first time being able to sit down and just talk to DeAndre and just get what kind of guy he is, Kirk said. He fits in perfectly already. You can already tell were all going to have such a strong relationship with one another just with the words that he expressed. Hes so happy to be here. Hes really excited with the type of guys we have in our room and he cant wait to get on the field with all of us.
Have an opinion on the Arizona Cardinals? Reach McManaman at bob.mcmanaman@arizonarepublic.comand follow him on Twitter @azbobbymac. Listen to him live on Fox Sports 910-AM every Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 on Calling All Sports with Roc and Manuch and every Wednesday night from 7-9 on The Freaks with Kenny and Crash.
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