TEMPE, Ariz. — Kyler Murray has garnered substantial experience during his time in the NFL, witnessing various challenges and triumphs. At just 27 years old, the quarterback was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and has achieved two Pro Bowl selections. He’s helmed the Arizona Cardinals through an 11-win season, faced playoff heartache, experienced the hiring and firing of head coaches, and endured a serious knee injury that sidelined him for almost a full year. Despite the team’s current 2-4 season record, Murray maintains a positive outlook, firmly believing in the direction the Cardinals are heading under second-year coach Jonathan Gannon as they prepare for their first Monday night game together against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Having been selected first overall after a stellar college career at Oklahoma, where he secured the Heisman Trophy, Murray is now in his prime within the NFL. “We’re 2-4, but when we go out there on Sunday and we’re on the field, you’re at that point where you’ve seen pretty much all of it,” Murray remarked. He emphasized his focus on execution as a crucial component for success moving forward.
In a recent discussion on an ESPN podcast, Murray shared that he feels his performance during the first six games has been his best yet—his rankings support this, placing him eighth in quarterback rating, closely behind stars like Lamar Jackson and C.J. Stroud, while also surpassing notable players such as two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield. Although the Cardinals are grappling with inconsistency in their wins, Murray’s performance has been commendable.
“Gannon praised Murray earlier in the season, referring to him as one of the elite players in football. He noted that Murray displays a high level of understanding and control, emphasizing the mental aspect of the game. While he has remained an adept passer and a dynamic runner—evidenced by a stunning 50-yard touchdown sprint against the 49ers just weeks ago—Murray has evolved beyond his initial playing style.
A significant change in Murray is his attitude. Coming from a background of considerable success in high school and college, the transition to a struggling NFL franchise like the Cardinals has posed challenges. Arizona has only made playoff appearances nine times since its founding in 1949 and has not won a championship since 1947. Reflecting on this transition, Murray admitted, “Getting into the league and dealing with failure, I took it super hard,” acknowledging that such experiences have compelled him to grow and adapt to the ups and downs of the game.
His maturity is evident not only in his gameplay but also in his leadership. During the offseason, Murray took the initiative to organize team-building excursions, including trips to Oklahoma and Los Angeles, fostering camaraderie among the players. A notable event featured twelve teammates, including running back James Conner, rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and tight end Trey McBride.
Murray has developed a budding connection with Harrison, the fourth overall pick from Ohio State. While their on-field chemistry is still evolving, the partnership shows promise with a few impressive performances, including four touchdown receptions. Harrison is slated to play on Monday night despite having sustained a concussion during the previous game against the Packers.
Their collaboration illustrates the broader challenges faced by the Cardinals this season—moments of brilliance but also a struggle with consistency that has impacted their winning potential. Nevertheless, Murray’s growth in patience and resilience fuels his determination as he continues to lead the team with aspirations of returning to the playoffs for only the second time in nine years.
“Honestly, the culture that we’re building, the mindset, the mentality of the team, the temperament of the team, nobody is going to waver,” said Murray. “Like I said, it’s a long season. Everybody’s confident. We know what needs to be done, and we just have to go do it.”