Will Johnson discloses an unexpected bond with Walter Nolen III, another rookie for the Cardinals.

The transition from college football to the NFL is often described as a whirlwind — a sprint through playbooks, meetings, and high-stakes evaluations. For rookies, it can be a lonely, pressure-filled journey as they attempt to prove they belong. But for Arizona Cardinals defensive back Will Johnson, the grind has become a little easier, thanks to an unexpected friendship that’s blossomed in the heat of the Arizona desert.

Johnson, a standout cornerback from Michigan and second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, surprised fans during rookie minicamp this week by opening up about a connection he’s developed with fellow Cardinals rookie Walter Nolen III — the powerful defensive tackle drafted out of Ole Miss. Though the two play very different positions and come from different football backgrounds, Johnson said that their chemistry has been “instant” and “refreshing in a high-pressure environment.”

“We clicked almost immediately,” Johnson said following a team walkthrough. “I didn’t expect to find that kind of bond right away, but Walter’s real. There’s no ego, no walls. Just two guys trying to chase greatness — and having someone like that with you? That’s invaluable.”

At first glance, Johnson and Nolen might not seem like obvious companions. Johnson is a technically refined, instinctive defensive back whose cerebral approach to the game mirrors his off-field personality. Nolen, on the other hand, made his name as a relentless, physical interior disruptor — a wrecking ball with a rare mix of size and explosiveness. While Johnson often speaks in measured tones, Nolen is more outgoing, animated, and expressive.

But it’s exactly that contrast that has helped them build something special.

“We complement each other,” Nolen said in a separate media session. “Will’s the type to study tape ‘til 2 a.m. and then ask you what you thought of the tight end’s third-step leverage. Me? I’m the guy who feels it out on the field. So I learn a ton from him — he gets me thinking. But I also think I help him loosen up. We’re iron sharpening iron.”

Both players were top recruits out of high school and endured intense scrutiny throughout their college careers. Johnson was heralded as the next shutdown corner from the day he arrived in Ann Arbor, and he delivered — earning All-American honors and leading Michigan’s pass defense to national prominence. Nolen, meanwhile, was the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in 2022 and faced immense expectations when he chose Texas A&M before transferring to Ole Miss for his final season. There, he blossomed into a consistent force, finally living up to his elite billing and drawing first-round interest.

While their draft day outcomes differed — Johnson was taken in the second round at No. 41 overall, while Nolen slipped into the third — they share a common motivation: prove everyone who doubted them wrong.

“We talk about it a lot,” Johnson admitted. “How people label you — too slow, too stiff, too raw, too passive — and how you have to carry that every day. Walter knows what it’s like to be under a microscope. So when we train, when we lift, when we’re in the film room — it’s about getting better, but it’s also about showing people that we’re not just hype.”

Coaches and teammates are already noticing how the bond between Johnson and Nolen is benefiting the Cardinals defense.

“You see them feeding off each other,” defensive coordinator Nick Rallis said. “Walter gets pressure up front, Will jumps a route. Or Will jams a guy early, and Walter’s got that extra second to get home. It’s not just talent — it’s communication, trust. And that’s rare this early.”

Rallis praised the duo’s commitment to learning the playbook and their willingness to take accountability — something that often takes time to develop in rookies.

“Will’s always asking questions, and Walter’s not afraid to say when he doesn’t know something — that’s how you grow,” Rallis said. “But what makes them dangerous together is how they challenge each other. If Will slips up, Walter’s on him. If Walter misses a cue, Will calls it out. There’s no hiding.”

Off the field, the two have developed a friendship built around more than just football. They’ve been seen attending Suns games together, working out during off-hours, and even exploring Arizona’s food scene.

“We’re trying to hit every taco spot in Phoenix,” Nolen laughed. “Will’s picky though — he needs the perfect ratio of meat to tortilla. I’m like, ‘Man, just eat it!’”

They’ve also bonded over shared interests in music and video games — particularly NBA 2K and Madden.

“Let’s just say we keep score,” Johnson grinned. “He might have me in 2K, but when it comes to Madden, I’m undefeated.”

The Cardinals have undergone significant changes since new head coach Jonathan Gannon took over last season, and youth is at the core of their rebuilding identity. With players like Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, and Paris Johnson Jr. leading the offense, the defense is searching for its own new generation of stars.

Gannon has not been shy about throwing rookies into the fire if they earn it, and Johnson and Nolen are both in line for serious playing time in 2025. Johnson is competing for a starting outside corner role, while Nolen is expected to rotate heavily along the defensive interior.

“The goal is not just to play — it’s to dominate,” Johnson said. “We want to be difference-makers.”

Nolen agreed. “If I’m not affecting the quarterback, I’m not doing my job. And if I do my job, Will’s gonna have picks. That’s how we look at it. We want to be the kind of tandem people talk about when they mention great defenses.”

Their enthusiasm hasn’t gone unnoticed in the locker room. Veterans like Budda Baker have embraced the rookies’ energy and preparation.

“Those guys are dogs,” Baker said. “They show up, work hard, don’t talk too much — and when they do, it’s substance. That’s how you earn respect.”

Beyond football, Johnson and Nolen have also found support in one another when it comes to navigating the mental demands of the NFL.

“This league can eat you alive if you don’t have the right people around you,” Johnson said. “Walter’s been someone I can talk to, whether it’s about homesickness, pressure, or just decompressing.”

They’ve even discussed attending therapy sessions together — something both players said should be normalized for athletes adjusting to the professional spotlight.

“There’s no weakness in getting help,” Nolen added. “You can bench 400 pounds, but if your mind’s not right, you’re gonna break. We check in with each other, and that’s bigger than football.”

As Arizona heads into OTA season, Johnson and Nolen are projected to be two of the most-watched rookies on the team. Both bring elite pedigree and high upside, but what sets them apart might be the bond that’s forming away from the spotlight — one built on mutual respect, accountability, and a shared fire to succeed.

“It’s rare to find someone on the same frequency,” Johnson said. “Walter’s that guy for me. And I think we’re just getting started.”

Time will tell how their NFL careers unfold. But if early signs are any indication, the Cardinals may have found more than just two building blocks — they may have stumbled upon the foundation of a new defensive identity, forged not just in talent but in brotherhood.