Arizona
Cardinals' Greg Dortch getting the respect, opportunity he's earned
GLENDALE — “It’s been a storm, but I wouldn’t change anything.”
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch has made the most of his very limited opportunities since joining the franchise as a self-proclaimed “camp body” in 2021 after failing to stick with four other organizations.
Three years and two jersey changes later, though, Dortch is seeing his patience, hard work and devotion to faith pay off.
“Everything I’ve been through has made me who I am today,” Dortch said Tuesday.
“It means a lot to be where I am now, but this is really just the beginning.”
“In this life in general, you have to have patience. Things might not always go your way, but you just got to be patient and continue to work,” the wideout added. “I think when you continue to work, you put yourself in the position where opportunities show up for yourself. Once opportunities show up, that’s when you take advantage and things start to change.”
For the first time in his Arizona career, Dortch no longer has to wait for poor play or an injury to pop up to see ample playing time.
Seeing his name listed as a starter on Arizona’s depth chart ahead of its preseason opener against New Orleans was further proof of that.
“I feel like G’s got this look in his eye that he’s ready to fight, like he’s ready to go all the time,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said Tuesday. “He’s about ball. I don’t know what a gamer is but he’s a gamer. … I appreciate that about him. He speaks softly and carries a big stick and I’m glad he’s one of us.”
“It’s always the same with him. He’s never up here, he’s never down here. He’s just ready to buckle up and play. He loves to play and he’s great in meetings. He’s great with maximizing his five buckets. He’s been awesome. He’s going to have a big year.”
A Red & White Dortch lighting to get through another day away from State Farm Stadium. #AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/N2eux15K3J
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 5, 2024
But for as much as Dortch has shot up the ranks — especially since the new regime has come to town — the wide receiver is showing no signs of letting up anytime soon.
“It feels great but it’s not here yet,” Dortch said. “I still have to go out and put in the work, still have to show up every single day and be consistent. That’s what this job takes. It feels good to have people believe in you, but come Sunday, if I don’t put in the work and it doesn’t show on Sunday, it doesn’t mean anything.”
And while Dortch is expected to have an elevated role in the offense this season, he’s still very much looking forward to his special teams work.
His abilities as a returner were a big reason he was able to crack an NFL roster. He’s not about to relinquish those duties completely or willingly.
“It’s super important to me,” Dortch said. “Anytime I’m on the field, I’m trying to make a play. The more I can be on the field, whether that’s kick return or punt return, I’m just trying to help the team win. Special teams is big to me. I would hate to have a major role on offense and be taken off of special teams.”
Arizona
Drowning happens in seconds, Arizona safety experts warn as triple-digit temperatures arrive this week
GILBERT, AZ — As temperatures climb across Arizona, safety experts and parents say so does the risk around water.
“You brought them here for a reason, and you want them to keep safe at all times, and it’s the most precious things you have. Why, why would you not pay attention to them?” Ernesto Agüero said.
Agüero’s warning comes as families across the Valley head to pools and splash pads to beat the heat.
Experts say drowning can happen silently and within seconds.
“Drowning is silent. A lot of times it goes unnoticed, but it just takes seconds,” Jay Arthur, president of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona, said.
The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona says while child drowning deaths are down compared to recent years, the danger is far from over as summer begins. It comes as the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona (DPCA) hosted its annual “Tapping Into Water Safety” event. The event brought together organizations like the Salt River Project (SRP) and the Phoenix Fire Department.
“You have to watch the kids with your eyes. Eye-to-eye contact is critical. You can’t be on your phone. You can’t be talking to your friend,” Arthur said.
Advocates say one of the biggest misconceptions is thinking you’ll hear someone struggling in the water. Instead, they say prevention starts before a child even gets near the pool.
“Always appoint a water watcher when you have a group of people around water, and that would be an adult that’s responsible for watching the water and they’re not on their phone,” Tanya Hughes, SRP Community Activation Strategist, said.
Families say the reminders are especially important heading into another Arizona summer.
“You want them to be safe. You want them to know how to behave when they’re in the water,” Agüero said.
Experts say designated water watchers, pool barriers and swim lessons can make the difference. They also warn that distractions like phones or conversations can quickly become dangerous.
“Seconds matter; it is really important because a child can drown in just a matter of seconds,” Arthur said.
With more families potentially spending time in the water this weekend, advocates say now is the time to prepare.
“We’re telling you, we’re trying to stop this from happening,” Arthur said.
Arizona
Where to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 9
What to know about MLB’s ABS robot umpire strike zone system
MLB launches ABS challenge system as players test robot umpire calls in a groundbreaking season.
Baseball is back and finding what channel your favorite team is playing on has become a little bit more confusing since MLB announced plans to produce and distribute broadcasts for nearly a third of the league.
We’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know Saturday as the New York Mets visit the Arizona Diamondbacks.
See USA TODAY’s sortable MLB schedule to filter by team or division.
What time is New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks?
First pitch between the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, May 9.
How to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday
All times Eastern and accurate as of Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 6:32 a.m.
- Matchup: NYM at ARI
- Date: Saturday, May 9
- Time: 7:15 p.m. (ET)
- Venue: Chase Field
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: MLB.TV on Fubo
Watch MLB all season long with Fubo
MLB regional blackout restrictions apply
MLB scores, results
MLB scores for May 9 games are available on usatoday.com . Here’s how to access today’s results:
See scores, results for all of today’s games.
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