A day does not pass when Hayden Conner doesn't think about space.
Realistically, that would be inevitable for an offensive lineman, who always wants to make room either for a running back looking for a crease or a quarterback seeking a pocket. Yet this is about the final frontier, not only off the field but outside the Earth's atmosphere.
Growing up, Conner desperately wanted to go there. But then he didn't stop growing. The limits for an astronaut is a height of 6-foot-4 and a weight of about 210 pounds. Conner, now 6-5 and 314, wasn't going to qualify.
"It was a dream, and I was bummed out," he said. "But then I thought, 'OK, I want to help people get there.'"
That dream too was derailed, because he couldn't take the necessary classes at Texas. It conflicted with football practice, and truth be told, that's how he had earned a scholarship in the first place.
But Conner is lucky enough to have a parallel dream, and that's to play in the NFL. Step one was getting into the league, and the Cardinals helped with that by making the interior lineman their sixth-round pick in April. Conner wants to use his brain power to find his way on to the roster.
"The NFL was always my goal, to make it here and last as long as I can," he said. "I'm trying not to sensory overload because that's a way to get super confused. I'm an overthinker – shocker. So I try to move a little slower than I have in the past. I was in the same offense for four years in college so learning a new offense is something I haven't done in a while."
Take a look at images from the 2025 Cardinals Media Day
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Media Day on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (89) during 2025 Media Day on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker (43) during 2025 Media Day on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Justin Jones (98) during 2025 Media Day on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) during 2025 Media Day on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown (63) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Justin Jones (98) during 2025 Media Day on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (87) during 2025 Media Day on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during 2025 Media Day on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during 2025 Media Day on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during 2025 Media Day on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland (38) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) during 2025 Media Day on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals punter Blake Gillikin (12) during 2025 Media Day on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) and Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jonah Williams (73) during 2025 Media Day on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker (43) during 2025 Media Day on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Media Day on Monday, June 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Conner plays both guard and center (he can bounce outside to tackle in a pinch, but the Cardinals want to use him inside) and the team has openings on the depth chart for the taking.
"Every rookie comes in like a chicken with their head cut off," starting center Hjalte Froholdt said. "I sure was like that in my first year. (Hayden) has settled in well. We're trying to get him settled into the O-line room. He's had some good jokes, they are making hot dogs for us and making sure they know the standard. Hayden has been killing it."
The mental part of the game will be just fine. He was accepted into the UT physics school as a freshman, but he admittedly struggled. He was resolute in his future and was in the transition to aerospace engineering as a sophomore when it was apparent it wouldn't marry up with his football schedule.
He called his Dad seeking advice but in many ways, the decision had already been made for him. Conner had attended a NASA aerospace program while in high school that had been geography-based, so he chose to major in Geography.
It was not an easy path, yet Conner acknowledges it was a filler because it wasn't what he wanted to do. There is a possibility he eventually goes back for his aerospace degree. That isn't now.
"I'm a football player trying to find a role," Conner said. "But it's always in the back of my mind."
The split personality helps bring a knowing smile to his face when he is asked, if he had a choice, if he would prefer to pick the brain of some of the most famous offensive linemen, or the most famous astronauts.
"That's a rude question," Conner said, pondering the idea. "I don't know. Right now for my career, football players. But general nerding out, it'd be the astronauts."
