The Arizona Cardinals announced on March 11 that they will release quarterback Kyler Murray, marking the end of his tenure with the team. Despite a 38-48-1 record and only one winning season, Murray’s career featured back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and an NFL Rookie of the Year award, highlighted by numerous memorable moments that emphasize his impact on the Cardinals and the NFL.
Top Moments from Kyler Murray’s Time with the Cardinals
While Kyler Murray’s career had a mix of challenges and triumphs, his best plays reveal why he remains a thrilling and dynamic player. Below is a countdown of his top 10 most unforgettable plays with the Cardinals, showcasing his talent and resilience.
10. Triumph Over the Defending NFC Champions in 2023
Late in the 2023 season, Murray led a stunning 21-6 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning NFC champions, at their home field. Throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns, Murray’s agility was on full display when he escaped pressure and connected with James Conner for a crucial five-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. This play was key to lifting the Cardinals past the Eagles despite Arizona’s struggling 3-12 record.
KYLER MURRAY AND JAMES CONNER MAGIC.
📺: #AZvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqko01pD pic.twitter.com/duOchEgx4j
— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023
9. Establishing Chemistry with Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024
Following the Cardinals drafting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024, Murray quickly showcased their budding connection. In just Harrison’s second NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, Murray delivered a pinpoint 23-yard touchdown pass for his first score as a Cardinal. Shortly after, Harrison transformed a 40-yard catch into a 60-yard touchdown run, finishing the game with 130 yards and two touchdowns. This duo’s combination added new excitement for the Cardinals offense.
MARVIN HARRISON JR.’S FIRST NFL TOUCHDOWN HAS ARRIVED pic.twitter.com/EFquDWaM8V
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2024
Marvin Harrison Jr. we love you pic.twitter.com/GE6a9vVabw
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2024
8. Impressive Pass to DeAndre Hopkins Despite a Tough Night Versus the Packers in 2021
During the Cardinals’ narrow 24-21 loss on Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers, Murray’s day was rough with two interceptions and no touchdowns. Still, one moment that resonates with fans is his remarkable throw to DeAndre Hopkins under heavy defensive pressure, setting up a key Chase Edmonds touchdown. This catch highlighted Murray’s ability to make difficult plays even in difficult games.
This throw and catch by @K1 and @DeAndreHopkins 🔥
📺: #GBvsAZ on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/LjvhBMbwf9 pic.twitter.com/jcbflUzO9X
— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2021
7. Electrifying 50-Yard Run Against the 49ers on the Road in 2024
In a crucial divisional clash against the San Francisco 49ers, Murray electrified fans by taking a read-option play for a 50-yard touchdown. Clocked at a top speed of 21.27 mph, he sprinted past defenders early in the game, sending a clear message to the opposition. His rushing touchdown was one of two that helped the Cardinals secure a tight 24-23 road victory.
you’ve got to watch this again pic.twitter.com/ePVUmniAac
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 6, 2024
6. Dominant Performance Against Vikings with 400 Yards and 4 Touchdowns in 2021
During Arizona’s 2021 season opener home game against the Minnesota Vikings, Murray played a pivotal role in turning the tide from a 20-7 deficit to a commanding win. He amassed over 400 total yards and threw four touchdowns, including a spectacular 77-yard bomb to Rondale Moore that sparked the Cardinals’ comeback and reinforced Murray’s electric playmaking ability.
KYLER MURRAY IS ELECTRIC. #AZCardinals
📺: #MINvsAZ on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/MQ2THg6Qau
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021
5. Gritty Return From Injury Highlighted by Critical 13-Yard Scramble in 2023
After recovering from a torn ACL that sidelined him for most of 2023, Murray reappeared against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium with immediate impact. His 13-yard scramble late in the game, with less than two minutes remaining, extended the drive and allowed the Cardinals to kick a game-winning field goal in a narrow 25-23 victory. This play exemplified his toughness and determination to lead his team.
Kyler ran and ran and ran until he got the first down 😳 @K1
📺: #ATLvsAZ on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kECSNGc6Bj pic.twitter.com/beWCv5etrq
— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2023
4. Showstopping Three-Touchdown Game Including a 32-Yard Sideline Strike in 2024
Murray’s Week 2 2024 outing against the Rams was nothing short of video game-like, featuring three touchdown passes. A highlight was the 32-yard touchdown to Marvin Harrison Jr., where Murray threw from his back foot on the sideline while under duress from a blitzing defender. This remarkable throw not only demonstrated his arm talent but also deepened the promise of his new chemistry with Harrison Jr.
Marv down there somewhere pic.twitter.com/iPa9UVsfOM
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2024
3. Precision Touchdown Toss to Elijah Higgins That Defied Pressure in 2024
In the Cardinals’ dominant 41-10 victory over the Rams, Murray’s final touchdown pass exemplified his ability to escape defenders and deliver an accurate throw under pressure. After eluding three defenders, he connected with Elijah Higgins in the back of the end zone for an 18-yard score. Murray finished the game with 17 completions from 21 attempts, 266 yards, and three touchdowns, earning the distinction as the third Cardinals quarterback ever with a perfect passer rating.
KYLER MURRAY ARE YOU SERIOUS?! 😱
📺: #LARvsAZ on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/gfHzqbrZ0w
— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
2. Record-Setting Two-Point Conversion in 2023 Comeback Overtime Win
During a thrilling Week 2 game in 2023 held in Las Vegas, the Cardinals overcame a 20-point deficit against the Raiders to win 29-23 in overtime. A key moment was Murray’s historic two-point conversion, where he scrambled and eluded defenders for nearly 20 seconds—the longest two-point conversion in NFL history—highlighting his elusive skill set and clutch performance in pressure moments.
MURRAY MAGIC!!!!!!!!!@K1 X #BirdCityFootball pic.twitter.com/6lwMSQVP1r
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 18, 2022
1. Historic “Hail Murray” Game-Winning Touchdown in 2020
Murray’s defining moment in Arizona came on November 15, 2020, when he threw a 43-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins known as the “Hail Murray.” This dramatic, last-second play remains the signature highlight of his tenure and a lasting symbol of his potential and flair as a quarterback for the Cardinals.
#OTD 2 years ago, the ‘Hail Murray’ was born. @K1 x @DeAndreHopkins pic.twitter.com/H89HtIlGA8
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 15, 2022
Kyler Murray’s time with the Arizona Cardinals featured moments of brilliance amid ups and downs, embodying both his raw talent and the team’s fluctuating fortunes. As the franchise moves forward without him, these plays will stand as enduring reminders of the high-impact quarterback’s legacy, while fans and analysts alike await what his next chapter in football will bring.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1741549831980826723
MARVIN HARRISON JR.'S FIRST NFL TOUCHDOWN HAS ARRIVED pic.twitter.com/EFquDWaM8V
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2024
Marvin Harrison Jr. we love you pic.twitter.com/GE6a9vVabw
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2024
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1453885886832119811
you've got to watch this again pic.twitter.com/ePVUmniAac
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 6, 2024
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1439702240118272001
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1723853517390315730
Marv down there somewhere pic.twitter.com/iPa9UVsfOM
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2024
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1835420436047503706
MURRAY MAGIC!!!!!!!!!@K1 X #BirdCityFootball pic.twitter.com/6lwMSQVP1r
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 18, 2022
#OTD 2 years ago, the 'Hail Murray' was born. @K1 x @DeAndreHopkins pic.twitter.com/H89HtIlGA8
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 15, 2022
