Disappointment for the team but a mark in the history books for a tight end.
No matter how disappointing each week has been for the Arizona Cardinals, Trey McBride has brought a touch of optimism into each game. McBride found a way to make NFL history during a season filled with injuries and a lopsided win-loss record.
There is no doubt and nobody to argue that McBride does not belong amongst the elite at his position.
In a game with no meaning to it, in a city that was chilly and uncomfortable, Trey McBride added another milestone to his resume on this day. It was his eighth catch of the game that made 117 catches on the season, a new NFL record.
The previous record was held by Zach Ertz who had 116 receptions in 2018.
By the time the game was over, Tre McBride had 119 receptions, 1,174 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on the year.
McBride has been the one true consistent, reliable player and position for the Cardinals organization all year. Every week no matter if playing from behind or not, remaining a reliable target for whoever is under center.
McBride did not just make history overnight but had a journey getting here.
Trey McBride was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft. Drafted out of Colorado State by the Cardinals, he showed promise but was not automatically dominate. His rookie year was modest production on the field, 29 receptions for 265 receiving yards.
McBride actually made his first marks on the Cardinals record books in 2023. Trey McBride became the teams single season leader in receptions by a tight end, a total of 57 catches. Another record that was previously held by Zach Ertz and Jackie Smith.
By 2024 McBride already among the most productive tight ends in football. That year he had 111 receptions for 1,146 yards, putting McBride amongst the best of the best.
This was Trey McBride third full season in the NFL, and he breaks the receptions record as well as becoming one of the few tight ends to put up back-to-back thousand-yard seasons.
The chemistry Trey McBride has with his quarterback Jacoby Brissett is another reason many believe Brissett will be back under center starting next season.
The on and off the field work ethic, leadership and motivation brought by McBride into each week is out most impressive and deserves to be noticed.