Former all-pro wide receiver Torry Holt helps coach Cardinals receivers at Tuesday's minicamp practice.
Torry Holt spent his career wearing the colors of the Rams and making life very difficult on the NFC West rival Cardinals.
So he admitted it was a "little different" pulling on the gear of the Cardinals Tuesday as he arrived at the team's minicamp.
"I was close to bringing my Rams (gear)," the potential Hall of Fame receiver said. "I keep my Rams (gear) with me, now.
"It's cool. I thought I was going to be a Cardinal when I came out in the draft (in 1998)."
Holt didn't, of course. The Rams took him sixth overall that year, so the Cardinals drafted wide receiver David Boston eighth. But all these years later, Holt will be a "Cardinal" for the duration of minicamp, at least, as Holt is interested in eventually getting into coaching. He already helps coach his son's high school team – his son will be a junior this fall – but down the road, he can see himself with a role in the NFL.
"I just love being around the game," Holt said. "I love being around the guys, talking 'xs' and 'os,' love watching tape, like seeing guys improve. I like seeing good offensive football. It is good hearing B.A. talk offensive football."
Holt called the Cardinals' wide receivers "a very deep group" and raved about the size of most of them.
Arians said the Cardinals actually wanted Holt out earlier in the spring, but couldn't because of other commitments.
"Another great set of eyes who has done it at (the receivers') level," coach Bruce Arians said. "I think Torry will get more out of it than they will. I think he's going to be a hell of a coach someday. Our job as established coaches is to bring the next group of coaches along."
Holt played with Cardinals general manager Steve Keim in college at North Carolina State, and he also knows fellow N.C. State product Adrian Wilson, now a Cardinals scout. Holt has a friendship with Larry Fitzgerald and quarterbacks coach Byron Leftwich, among others.
"I feel very comfortable here," Holt said.
ARIANS MISSES PRACTICE -- FOR A BABY
Arians missed the first minicamp practice Tuesday but it was for a great reason – he went back to Georgia for the birth of his grandson. Arians' daughter Kristi delivered Aiden Asher Freeman Monday.
"I wanted to be there," Arians said. "Practice didn't mean (expletive) to me today. I'll watch the film."
NKEMDICHE HURTS HAMSTRING
Arians did arrive in time to hear that defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche hurt his hamstring during practice, which could cost him the rest of minicamp. But with the Cardinals about to be off for more than a month, it shouldn't be a lingering issue.
"He's had a hell of a spring so if he misses these last two days, it won't mean anything," Arians said.
Arians also said linebacker Markus Golden has battled some plantar fasciitis this offseason. It has limited Golden's work at times, but it is "nothing serious," Arians said.
Images from the first practice of 2017 minicamp