Tip Reiman and Isaiah Adams enjoy being teammates once again

His fellow Illini, both third-round picks, then roommates during OTAs Zach Gershman

During one of the Cardinals’ training camp practices at State Farm Stadium, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing called a fast break running play to the outside. To most, it was a standard running play that every team in the league hopes to perfect.

Tight end Tip Reiman’s wife, Madelyn, was sitting in the stands that day. She snapped a photo that proved this was no typical play: Reiman and guard Isaiah Adams leading the way as blockers.

“He posted it to my family chat group and it said ‘Isaiah and Tip playing together,'” the tight end said. “Sometimes you have to pinch yourself.”

Reiman and Adams were selected by the Cardinals 11 picks apart in the third round of April’s draft. They also played together at the University of Illinois. Adams was selected with the hopes of bolstering the interior of the offensive line, specifically at left guard. Reiman is known for being a blocking tight end who enjoys tearing opponents apart.

The duo shared a famous phone call after the draft where their mutual enthusiasm was as evident as could be.

While their lockers aren’t next to each other, supporting each other through their transition from college students to professional athletes has allowed their relationship to blossom.

“He’s grown a lot. We’re together in Arizona after being in Champaign, Illinois, so every day we see each other and congratulate each other,” Adams said. “When we’re training, we see each other working hard. He’s a great guy to be around and I’m very thankful to have drafted him.”

The couple occasionally meet up when they are on the bus or at the hotel, always eager to check on each other.

“That way we can communicate really well,” Reiman said. “Even a little greeting with a friend you’ve known for a long time is a lot of fun.”

Now both have their sights set on making a similar impact to the one they achieved in college.

One of the questions Reiman had during the draft process was about his pass-catching abilities. In 2023, Reiman had 19 receptions for 203 yards, but the Cardinals’ staff saw his potential during the All-Star Game events.

“When he’s called upon, when he gets the ball, he’s made some plays,” coach Jonathan Gannon said. “He’s missed some plays, too, but he’s working hard. He’s putting in a lot of extra time.”

The 6-foot-4 tight end had a solid training camp, overcoming the learning curve of offseason OTAs and understanding his role to prove he can truly catch at a high level.

“It’s been a transition because I’m not used to running that many routes,” Reiman said. “But it’s fun. It’s another part of the game that I always wanted to work on more and needed to develop more. This has given me the opportunity to do that.”

Five different players have made the first team at left guard since training camp began. Adams has been one of those players. Like Reiman, he’s tapping into a different part of his game.

In college, Adams started 12 games at left guard, but in his final season, injuries to the Fighting Illini’s offensive line forced the Canadian to play right tackle. Now he’s back on the inside and will have to earn his spot in the rotation.

“You come from a leadership position and you have a defined role (in college), but when you’re competing for a position, it’s a little different,” Adams said. “At the end of the day, football is football and you want to do your best no matter what. Whatever the team asks of you, I’m ready to do it.”

Adams and Reiman said they felt the support of the Valley and their alma mater as they prepare for Saturday’s preseason opener against the Saints. Their other college teammates have already begun to become adopted Cardinals fans.

“They have a little bit,” Adams said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some red swarming around Champaign.”