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SEN is temporarily unavailableFrom Kiwi roots to the NFL: Michael Wilson’s journey to the Cardinals
Jaxin Daniels • September 14th, 2026 11:24 am
Michael Wilson looks to build on an impressive 2025 season | Photo: @mikewillyy on Instagram
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson may be making his name in the NFL, but the third-round draft pick remains proudly connected to New Zealand.
Wilson’s mother was born in Wellington, while much of her family still lives in New Zealand. He says she has always been fiercely proud of where she comes from.
“She’s always been very proud to be a New Zealand citizen,” Wilson said.
“She didn't want that dual citizenship. She's like, I'm New Zealand first, New Zealand all the way.”
Wilson visited New Zealand four times while growing up, travelling across every second year with his family. However, he has not returned since he was 10, with school and football commitments making the long trip increasingly difficult.
“I haven't been since I was 10,” he said.
“Because the flight's so long and then with school and football.”
Wilson hopes to return to New Zealand soon, with his Kiwi connection continuing through his extended family.
The Arizona receiver has also recently become a father, with his 12-month-old daughter providing a new source of motivation as he continues his NFL career.
“I just think now it's like I'm playing and doing things, doing something that's bigger than me,” Wilson said.
Michael Wilson's hope for American Football to become a more global sport | Sport Nation Afternoons
He says thinking about his daughter gives him extra energy and courage on the field.
“If I need to make a play, I think of my daughter,” Wilson said.
“If I need go block someone that's 250 pounds, like she just gives you the courage and like to muster up the strength to go do what I need do.”
Wilson’s journey to the NFL has included significant setbacks, with multiple injuries during his time at Stanford threatening his hopes of being drafted.
He broke his foot twice, his collarbone, hand and ribs across a two-year period, leaving him unsure whether he would get another chance.
“That was probably the low point of my football career,” Wilson said.
“I was like, there's no way a team is gonna touch me.”
A strong performance at the Senior Bowl helped revive his draft prospects, and Wilson was eventually selected in the third round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2023.
He described receiving the call as the most emotional moment of his career.
“To this day, the biggest dopamine rush I've ever got in my entire life,” Wilson said.
“Words cannot even describe just that exhilarating feeling.”
Wilson has since signed a contract extension with the Cardinals after a productive first three seasons in the NFL where he has amassed over 2000 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns in his 46 career games, most of which coming last season where he totaled 1000 yards for the season.
The Stanford product says he remains focused on improving every week in one of the world’s most competitive sporting environments.
For now, the NFL star is continuing to carry his New Zealand connection with him, and on him, donning the New Zealand flag on the back of his helmet — while hoping to make the journey back to Aotearoa soon.
Wilson got his fourth NFL season underway today as the Cardinals upset the Los Angeles Chargers in his home state of California, bringing in 5 catches for 56 yards in what was a solid overall performance.
Listen to the full interview:
