Kyler Cole Murray Bio
Kyler Cole Murray (born August 7, 1997) is an American professional football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He won the Heisman Trophy in 2018 while playing for the Oklahoma Sooners and was selected first overall by the Cardinals in the 2019 NFL draft. Murray is notable for being the first player drafted in the first round of both the NFL and Major League Baseball (MLB) drafts.
Early Life and Background
Kyler Murray was born in Bedford, Texas, and attended Allen High School in Allen, Texas. He was a standout athlete in both football and baseball, earning recognition as the Gatorade Football Player of the Year and becoming the first player to be named Mr. Texas Football twice. Murray led his high school football team to three consecutive state championships and maintained a perfect 42–0 record as a starting quarterback.
He was highly regarded as a five-star recruit and the best dual-threat quarterback in his class. Murray committed to Texas A&M University to play both college football and baseball, officially signing in February 2015.
Path to American Football
Murray began his college football career at Texas A&M, competing for the starting quarterback position as a true freshman in 2015. After some playing time as a backup, he won the starting job midseason and posted impressive dual-threat performances. However, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma in December 2015, where he sat out the 2016 season due to NCAA transfer rules.
At Oklahoma, Murray served as a backup quarterback in 2017 before becoming the starter in 2018. He threw for over 4,000 yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards, leading the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. His outstanding 2018 season earned him the Heisman Trophy.
Kyler Cole Murray Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Murray was selected first overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL draft, becoming the shortest quarterback drafted in the first round and the first player to be drafted in the first round of both the NFL and MLB drafts. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $35.2 million.
In his NFL debut, Murray threw for 308 yards with two touchdowns and led a fourth-quarter comeback. He finished his rookie season with 3,722 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 544 rushing yards, earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Arizona Cardinals Breakthrough (2020–Present)
In 2020, Murray continued to improve, passing for 3,971 yards and rushing for 819 yards with 11 rushing touchdowns. He earned multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. One of his most memorable plays was the “Hail Murray,” a game-winning Hail Mary pass against the Buffalo Bills.
During the 2021 season, Murray led the Cardinals to a 7–0 start before suffering an ankle injury. He finished the season with 3,787 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 423 rushing yards, earning a second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. The Cardinals made the playoffs for the first time since 2015 but lost in the Wild Card Round.
In 2022, Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension. Despite a strong start, his season was cut short by a torn ACL. He returned in 2023 under new head coach Jonathan Gannon, helping the Cardinals improve offensively and leading several key victories after returning from injury.
Driving Style and Strengths
Murray is known for his dual-threat capabilities, excelling in both passing and rushing. His agility and speed allow him to extend plays and gain significant rushing yards. He demonstrates strong decision-making and leadership on the field, contributing to the Cardinals’ offensive strategies.
Notable Events and Milestones
Murray’s career highlights include winning the Heisman Trophy, being the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and multiple Pro Bowl selections. His “Hail Murray” play is considered one of the most remarkable moments in recent NFL history.
Kyler Cole Murray Career Wins
Arizona Cardinals Highlights
Since joining the Cardinals in 2019, Murray has been a key player in the team’s offense, achieving multiple wins and playoff appearances. He has set franchise rookie records and continues to be a central figure in the Cardinals’ pursuit of success.
Other Wins & Performances
Murray’s collegiate career was marked by significant victories, including a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance with Oklahoma. His dual-sport athleticism also earned him a high MLB draft selection.
Kyler Cole Murray Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Murray’s father, Kevin Murray, was a quarterback at Texas A&M in the 1980s. His maternal grandmother is South Korean. His uncle, Calvin Murray, played professional baseball, and his cousin Devin Duvernay is an NFL wide receiver, highlighting a strong athletic family background.
Personal Life
Murray is a Christian and an avid chess player, which he credits for improving his football skills. He has competed in chess tournaments and is also involved in video gaming, having signed with FaZe Clan in 2021. In 2024, he partnered with Call of Duty to promote a game installment.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Murray suffered a foot injury in Week 5, which sidelined him for several games. He was placed on injured reserve in November and later ruled out for the remainder of the season. Despite the setback, Murray remains a pivotal figure for the Cardinals as they look ahead to future campaigns.
