Over the years, Jordan Burch watched plenty of his friends and former teammates sign their first NFL contract.
On Thursday, sitting next to general manager Monti Ossenfort, it was Burch's turn.
"Just watching guys older than you, and then you get that experience," Burch said. "It was a great feeling being able to finally get into the building and be able to work."
The work began under 24 hours later as rookie minicamp began on Friday. Coach Jonathan Gannon structures the practices in a way that'll help the rookies become acclimated for when they merge with the veterans on Monday.
At this phase of the offseason, offensive and defensive players are unable to line up across from each other. While Burch can't fully showcase his pass rush ability, Gannon is seeking how the outside linebacker can transfer his classroom knowledge to the field.
"How quick is he picking things up and then we'll get on the grass and see how he can apply the techniques that we're using and improve the things he needs to improve to be a good player for us," Gannon said. "Everybody in the building, it's our job is to make sure that they keep ascending and can become better players."
In his first meeting with the staff, Burch said the overarching message was to come prepared for work every day. It's nothing unusual for Burch, who put up solid numbers during his time at South Carolina and Oregon. He finished his five year college career with 170 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks, with 8.5 of those coming in 10 games played last season.
Images of the 2025 Arizona Cardinals Rookie Minicamp practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility
The Arizona Cardinals rookie class during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Valentin Senn (69) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) , Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) , Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Oscar Cardenas (45) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jeremiah Byers (67) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Bryson Green (30) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Oscar Cardenas (45) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon (50) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Bryson Green (30) during the 2025 Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Bryson Green (30) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Bryson Green (30) during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during Rookie Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Another key takeaway was each day comes with a clean slate.
"You have to be able to work on your mistakes and get better from it," Burch said. "Effort will set you free."
Like all rookies, this new chapter will present a lot of changes for Burch. Xavier Thomas, Burch's high school teammate, has been helpful in the process of searching for an area to live in and coaching staff expectations.
There is also an eagerness to share the room with Thomas and learn from outside linebackers Josh Sweat, Baron Browning, and Zaven Collins.
"They've been doing it for a while, so just adjusting to the game speed and the mindset when you step onto the field and what to look at," Burch said. "These older guys have been doing it for a while, so I know they got different tips that could help me out."
Few players have a defined role this early in the offseason. Burch will need to compete in edge rusher room that also has 2023 second-rounder BJ Ojulari. Until then, his main goal for the season is set.
"To be the best edge rusher for this team, wreak havoc, and make a play whenever the coach needs me," he said.
