Grayson Murphy Bio
Grayson Murphy is an American former professional football linebacker born on October 13, 2000, in Dallas, Texas. He played college football for the North Texas Mean Green and the UCLA Bruins, and most recently played professionally for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and listed at 255 pounds, Murphy earned a reputation as a hard-working edge defender during his college career before reaching the professional ranks.
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Murphy signed with the Miami Dolphins and spent time on the team’s roster before later being released. He was selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft, marking his transition to indoor professional football.
Early Life and Background
Grayson Murphy grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he attended Bishop Lynch High School. As a high school linebacker, he developed the physical foundation that would later define his college and professional career. Bishop Lynch, a private Catholic school in the Dallas area, helped shape his early development as a defensive player.
Coming out of high school, Murphy drew attention from several college programs. He ultimately committed to the University of North Texas, choosing the Mean Green to begin his college football journey. His identical twin brother, Gabriel, would later play alongside him at both North Texas and UCLA.
Path to American Football
Murphy’s path to the professional level began at North Texas, where he played from 2019 to 2021. He appeared as both a linebacker and a defensive end, showing the positional versatility that would become a hallmark of his game. In three seasons with the Mean Green, he started 14 of 25 games and posted 57 tackles along with 11.5 sacks, demonstrating a clear ability to disrupt opposing backfields.
Following the 2021 season, Murphy entered the transfer portal and joined the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The move to a Power Five program allowed him to test himself against higher-level competition. His transition to the Bruins set the stage for his final college years and his eventual leap into professional football.
Grayson Murphy Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
During his three seasons at North Texas, Murphy developed into a productive pass rusher. He appeared in 25 games, started 14, and totaled 57 tackles with 11.5 sacks. His production as a defensive end showcased his quick first step and ability to pressure quarterbacks at the college level.
After the 2021 campaign, Murphy made the decision to enter the transfer portal in search of a new challenge. His time with the Mean Green laid the groundwork for the next chapter of his career at a major conference program.
UCLA Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Murphy transferred to UCLA and immediately contributed as a starter in 2022. He started all 13 games for the Bruins, recording 27 tackles and five sacks while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the Pac-12. His reliability as an edge defender earned him a steady role on the UCLA defense.
In his senior season of 2023, Murphy again started at linebacker and added 33 tackles with 5.5 sacks. Across his two years at UCLA, he demonstrated consistency and growth, finishing his college career with strong all-around production that helped him earn a look from NFL teams.
Miami Dolphins Era (2024–2025)
Following the 2024 NFL Draft, Murphy signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. He joined a competitive linebacker group and worked to carve out a role during training camp. On August 12 of that year, he was placed on injured reserve, an early setback in his professional career.
On August 26, 2025, Murphy was waived by the Dolphins as part of final roster cuts, ending his tenure with the team. The release opened the door for a new opportunity in professional football.
Orlando Storm Era (2026–Present)
On January 14, 2026, Murphy was selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft, giving him a new professional home. The move to the United Football League allowed him to continue his playing career at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Murphy’s career came on May 10, 2024, when he signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent, fulfilling a lifelong goal of reaching the NFL. His selection by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft marked another major milestone, reflecting his persistence and continued passion for the game.
Grayson Murphy Career Wins
Throughout his football journey, Grayson Murphy has recorded notable production at both the college and professional levels. His combined college totals include more than 117 tackles and 22 sacks across stints at North Texas and UCLA, highlighted by his 11.5 sacks with the Mean Green and 10.5 combined sacks with the Bruins.
College Highlights
At North Texas, Murphy’s 11.5 sacks over three seasons established him as one of the program’s most productive defensive linemen during his time there. His move to UCLA brought immediate results, with five sacks as a junior in 2022 and 5.5 sacks as a senior in 2023, confirming his ability to produce at the highest levels of college football.
Grayson Murphy Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Grayson Murphy comes from a family with deep athletic ties. His identical twin brother, Gabriel Murphy, played alongside him at both North Texas and UCLA, forming a notable sibling duo on the defensive side of the ball. Gabriel currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL.
Personal Life
Off the field, Murphy is known for his close bond with his twin brother, a relationship that helped shape his journey through college football. The two shared experiences at North Texas and UCLA before eventually reaching the professional ranks in different organizations.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a transitional year for Grayson Murphy. After spending time on injured reserve with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, he returned to compete for a roster spot during the 2025 NFL preseason. On August 26, 2025, Murphy was waived by the Dolphins as part of final roster cuts, ending his stint with the franchise.
Although his release concluded his time in Miami, Murphy’s professional football story continued. His selection by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft in January 2026 signaled a new chapter, with Murphy expected to contribute as a linebacker and pass rusher in the indoor football league.