Title: Rookie Duties: Inside the Arizona Cardinals’ Unique Team Bonding Rituals
Introduction
Being a rookie in the NFL comes with a set of responsibilities that go beyond the football field. For Arizona Cardinals offensive linemen Paris Johnson Jr. and Jon Gaines II, their rookie duties include everything from fetching Starbucks orders to stocking the fridge with their veteran teammates’ favorite snacks. In this article, we delve into the unique team bonding rituals of the Cardinals and how these tasks help foster camaraderie among players.
Embracing Rookie Duties
As first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr. and fourth-round pick Jon Gaines II recover from their first mandatory minicamp practice, they find themselves fulfilling various rookie duties. These tasks range from bringing the veterans’ equipment to sorting them in the proper lockers, cracking jokes on demand, treating their elder teammates to the infamous rookie meal, and ensuring the fridge is fully stocked with their favorite snacks.
The Starbucks Runs
One memorable experience for Johnson and Gaines was when they were tasked with getting Starbucks for their teammates. With 22 orders in hand, they drove down to the nearest Starbucks, where Gaines apologized to the barista for the giant order. The barista, however, had no problem accommodating them. The rookies returned to the facility with their precious cargo, ensuring none of the drinks spilled during the journey.
Food: The Center of Rookie Responsibilities
While rookies have a range of duties, food plays a central role in their responsibilities. The veterans challenge their young teammates by requesting snacks and drinks that can’t be found at a regular store. Left tackle D.J. Humphries, for example, has sent Johnson and Gaines on wild goose chases for childhood favorites like Sour Punch Straws and Cheerwine.
The veterans’ requests have been diverse, including Clearly Canadian sparkling water flavors, white cheddar popcorn, Tajin flavored peach rings, Little Debbie snacks, and cheddar cheese Ruffles. Mountain Valley spring water has become a group favorite, with the rookies stocking the fridge with two cases of 24 mini bottles, only to see them disappear within a day-and-a-half.
Ordering Online for Convenience
During training camp, Johnson and Gaines have resorted to ordering snacks and drinks online from Amazon due to time constraints. Gaines handles all the online ordering, ensuring the items are restocked every other day. The staff at The Wigwam, the Cardinals’ training camp hotel, conveniently delivers the boxes directly to the offensive line’s meeting room.
The only downside to online ordering is the wait time for the snacks and drinks to arrive. When the veterans inquire about their requests, Gaines shows them proof that their items are on the way. Despite the convenience, the rookies have spent between $1,500 and $2,000 on snacks this offseason alone.
Rookie Dinner: A Costly Tradition
While Johnson and Gaines split the cost of snacks evenly, their equitable share does not extend to the rookie dinner. Given Johnson’s higher salary as a first-round pick, he has agreed to cover a larger portion of the bill compared to Gaines. The duo has already spent a significant amount on snacks, with one order totaling around $800.
The veterans playfully tease Johnson for choosing to order snacks online instead of opting for cheaper alternatives. However, they acknowledge that it’s his prerogative to spend his money in that manner.
Conclusion
Rookie duties in the NFL extend beyond the football field and serve as a way for rookies to bond with their veteran teammates. For Paris Johnson Jr. and Jon Gaines II of the Arizona Cardinals, these duties involve fulfilling unique requests for snacks and drinks. From Starbucks runs to online snack orders, these tasks not only bring the team closer together but also create lasting memories for the rookies.