During one of the Cardinals training camp practices at State Farm Stadium, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing called a counter run play to the outside. To most, it was a standard run play that every team in the league hopes to perfect.
Madelyn, tight end Tip Reiman's wife, was sitting in the stands that day. She captured a photo that proved it wasn't just a typical play -- Reiman and guard Isaiah Adams leading the way as blockers.
"She sent it in my family group chat and said 'Isaiah and Tip repping together,'' the tight end said. "You do have to pinch yourself sometimes."
Reiman and Adams were drafted by the Cardinals 11 picks apart in the third round of April's draft. They also happened to play in college together at the University of Illinois. Adams was picked with the hope of bolstering the interior of the offensive line, specifically at the left guard spot. Reiman is known for being a blocking tight end that enjoys mauling his opponents.
The duo famously shared a phone call following the draft where the excitement for one another was as evident as could be.
While their lockers aren't directly next to each other, having each other's back as they transition from college students to professional athletes has allowed for their relationship to flourish.
"It's grown a lot. We're out in Arizona together after being in Champaign, Illinois, so everyday we get to see each other and dap each other up," Adams said. "When we're working out, we see each other working hard. He's just a great guy to be around and I'm so thankful that we drafted him."
The pair occasionally catch up when they're on the bus or at the hotel, always eager to check in on one another.
"We're able to commune in those ways really well," Reiman said. "Even just a little fist bump from a friend that you've known for a long time, it's a lot of fun."
Now both have their eyes locked in on making a similar impact as they did in college.
One of the questions of Reiman during the draft process was surrounding his pass catching abilities. In 2023, Reiman hauled in 19 receptions for 203 yards, but the Cardinals staff saw his potential during the all-star events.
"When his number is called, when the ball goes to him, he has made some plays," coach Jonathan Gannon said. "He's missed some plays too, but he's working hard at it. He puts a lot of extra time into it."
The 6-foot-4 tight end had a solid training camp, turning the learning curve from OTAs in the offseason and understanding his role to show he indeed can catch at a high level.
"It's been a transition because I am not used to running this many routes," Reiman said. "But it's fun. It's another part of the game that I've always wanted to work on more and that I've needed to develop more. This has given me the opportunity to do that."
Five different players have taken first-team snaps at the left guard position since training camp began. Adams has been one of those players. Similarly to Reiman, he's tapping into a different part of his game.
In college, Adams started 12 games at left guard, but in his final season, injuries to the Fighting Illini's offensive line forced the Canadian to play right tackle. Now he's back inside, and he'll need to earn his spot in the rotation.
"You come from a position of leadership, and you have a set role (in college) and then when you're competing for a role, it's a little different," Adams said. "At the end of the day, football is football, and you want to put your best foot forward no matter what. Whatever the team asks, I'm ready to do it."
Adams and Reiman both said they've felt the support from the Valley and from their alma mater as they prepare for Saturday's preseason opener against the Saints. Their other collegiate teammates have already started to become adopted Cardinals fans.
"They have a little bit," Adams said. "I wouldn't be surprised if you see some red swarming through Champaign."
