The Dignity Health Training Center was closed on July 4th, giving the players, staff, and employees an opportunity to celebrate Independence Day and enjoy some time away before training camp began.
Despite the day off, Jonathan Gannon arrived at the facility at 6 a.m. expecting the building to be empty. When he looked across the practice field, he realized he wasn't the only one there.
PJ Mustipher, a defensive lineman who spent the entire 2024 season on the practice squad, was getting in an early morning workout.
"He has got a weighted vest on with no shoes and he's carrying kettle bells, listening to music, doing weighted farmers walks," the head coach said. "The building was closed, and I look and he's out there. He puts a lot into his craft.
"Hard work pays off, typically," Gannon added.
Mustipher described his NFL journey as one with plenty of "trial and errors." Coming into the league undrafted out of Penn State in 2023, Mustipher began on the Broncos' practice squad before getting poached by the Saints for their active roster in December. He then spent time with the Eagles in the preseason of 2024 but ultimately was cut at the end of the preseason.
The Cardinals signed him to their practice squad two days later and inked a futures contract in January.
"Being a journeyman and playing in different type of systems," Mustipher said, "you think you want your body to be heavier, you think you want it to be lighter, and then just kind of having that communication after being here for an entire year."
The staff decided on Mustipher's playing weight to be around 320 to 325 pounds. He said he was down 40 pounds this offseason after ending the 2024 campaign around 350 pounds. Mustipher finished the preseason game against the Broncos with six tackles, most among defensive linemen.
"(The coaching staff) has belief in me enough to keep me here all year long to develop me and sign me to a futures deal as well, so I'm going to buy into what you guys have to say and trust it," Mustipher said. "And then I'm going to just take off from there. I'm trusting them because they trusted me."
The irony of discussing weight with Mustipher is that in high school, the high school wrestling coach bribed the football/basketball player with a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts if he tried out for the sport. Mustipher would go on to become a two-time state wrestling champion in Maryland.
Gannon mentioned that Mustipher has "set himself up to have the best camp that he could have." His versatility is valued by the staff.
"He's a big, violent, physical guy," Gannon said. "Big men like that don't grow on trees."
When GM Monti Ossenfort must cut the roster down to 53 next week, eyes will be on the defensive line room. Players like Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Darius Robinson, Walter Nolen III (when healthy), and Dante Stills will have a role on the team.
That leaves players like Mustipher, Justin Jones, L.J. Collier, Elijah Simmons, Anthony Goodlow, and others competing for a spot on the roster. Because of the way the Cardinals structure practices, the third-year defensive lineman believes he has had an opportunity to showcase his ability.
Ahead of the final preseason game against the Raiders, Mustipher is looking to create some fireworks and crack the final list.
"All the way down to the threes, you're getting the same amount of reps as everybody, so since OTAs, I've gotten a bunch of reps. It's just pure excitement," Mustipher said. "I'm ready to let it loose and really show the fan base, the coaches, and everybody that I'm prepared to take that next step and be a part and contribute this year."
The top images taken by the Cardinals photographers during the 2025 Week 2 preseason game against the Denver Broncos, presented by Earnhardt Auto Centers.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas (54) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins (90) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland (38) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas (54) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (89) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaylon Jones (37) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Bryson Green (30) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi (36) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Oscar Cardenas (45) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Cardinals helmet during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Steven Gilmore (38) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Benton Whitley (49) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Vi Jones (53) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaylon Jones (37) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93), Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe (35) , Arizona Cardinals linebacker Vi Jones (53) , Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
