The Arizona Cardinals will take on the Carolina Panthers this weekend at State Farm Stadium. While the two teams are opponents and you might read themes about going “behind enemy lines” with some game previews, this weekend’s theme might be less about opponents or enemies.
This probably should be known as a best friends game.
Why?
Cardinals starting quarterback Kyler Murray and receiver Christian Kirk both have very close friends who play for the Panthers.
For Murray, he will get to see former high school teammate Greg Little, a rookie offensive lineman for the Panthers.
The two were teammates in high school and are still close friends, according to Max Henson for the Panthers’ official team site.
Little was Murray’s protector at left tackle.
Little and Murray talk regularly, although Little would not say if there has been contact in the week leading up to the game this weekend.
For Arizona’s Kirk, he will be reunited with former college teammate Kyle Allen, expected to start at quarterback this week for Carolina.
Allen told Carolina reporters the two are “best friends.” They played at different high schools — Kirk at Saguaro and Allen at Desert Mountain — before they both were teammates at Texas A&M.
“I grew up with Christian Kirk,” he said. “We lived together this summer.”
After the game on Sunday, there will certainly be some pleasant reunions on the field. Jerseys might be exchanged. Pictures will be taken.
But best friends will be opponents for a few hours before that happens.
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