Trey McBride walks back Arizona fans jab after podcast stir
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride said his criticism of Arizona’s fanbase came out wrong after comments on a June podcast.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The Trey McBride Arizona fans dust-up got its training camp cleanup Saturday, with the Cardinals tight end saying he should not have taken a swipe at the team’s supporters during a June podcast appearance, according to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss.
McBride addressed the comments after Arizona’s practice in Glendale, Arizona, ESPN reported. He said the remark “came out wrong” and praised the Cardinals’ fanbase as strong and loyal.
The backtrack came after McBride appeared on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast in June and described Arizona as a place where many residents come from elsewhere. In that conversation, he said people in the state often keep rooting for teams from where they used to live, leaving the Cardinals in a difficult spot with local support.
What did Trey McBride say about Arizona fans?
On the podcast, McBride said Cardinals fans “don’t exist” in Arizona, according to ESPN, while explaining that many people living in the state moved there from other places and brought their old team loyalties with them.
He also said on the show that winning more games could help bring fans back, ESPN reported. After Saturday’s practice, McBride shifted the tone, saying Arizona has loyal supporters across its sports teams and that the Cardinals are fortunate to have them.
McBride told reporters he loves Arizona and hopes the feeling is mutual, according to ESPN. He added that he is excited for the season and wants the team to give fans something to be proud of.
The podcast conversation included host Taylor Lewan, the former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman who grew up in Arizona. ESPN reported that Lewan said he did not recall seeing many Cardinals hats around town before the franchise’s Super Bowl run in 2009, then said those hats vanished again after the game.
Why McBride’s comments drew attention
McBride is one of the Cardinals’ most prominent players, so a crack about the home crowd was never going to drift quietly into the desert air. ESPN noted that he was drafted by Arizona in the second round in 2022 and later signed a four-year extension worth $76 million in April 2025.
His profile has risen quickly. ESPN reported that McBride was a first-team All-Pro last season and has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons.
That makes his relationship with Cardinals fans more than background noise. McBride’s Saturday comments amounted to a public repair job before the season, with the tight end making clear that he wants the fanbase behind him and the team.
According to ESPN, McBride said Arizona is a special place, called the fans great and said the Cardinals plan to win games so supporters have something to cheer for.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.