Kyler Murray: Bio, Contract, & Stats

For many, April is just another regular month. You continue your everyday life as is; not Kyler Murray. The Texas native must decide in the upcoming months whether he wants to continue his prolific football career and go to the NFL or opt to play baseball and start his long journey to the Majors.
Murray is expected to focus his attention on the gridiron and there is some belief that he could be in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick.
Below is a quick profile on one of the most interesting athletes in this day and age.


About Kyler Murray

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqOH1WwHTKI/

Age: 21
Birthplace: Bedford, Texas
2019 NFL Draft Projection: First Round
Bio: Kyler Cole Murray was born on August 7, 1997, in Bedford Texas. At a young age, Murray strived athletically. At Allen High School in Texas, he was a two-sport star in football and baseball. ESPN ranked him the number one dual-threat quarterback in his class. The five-star recruit won three state titles and finished his career 42-0 as a starter. He originally committed to Texas A&M but soon found himself transferring to Oklahoma where he would play baseball and football.
During the summer of 2018, Murray was selected No. 9 overall by the Athletics in the MLB Draft but was allowed to play one season of football at Oklahoma. During the football season, the star signal-caller won the Heisman and accounted for more than 50 touchdowns. Soon after the season, he declared his intentions to continue his football career and entered the NFL Draft.


Sports Career

Kyler Murray kissing the Heisman trophy after winning it

Shutterstock


Murray was drafted No. 9 overall by the Oakland Athletics months prior to his football fame. He’s been known as a speedy defensive outfielder, who has an arm that should not be tested. His .296 batting average also helped him draw comparisons to MLB all-stars such as Andrew McCutchen and Mookie Betts. From just a raw athletic standpoint, Murray was too good to pass up for Billy Beane’s Oakland Athletics. His potential as a baseball player overshadowed any future concerns that any major league general manager could think of. There was a mutual agreement between the Athletics and Murray that he would be allowed to play one season with the Oklahoma football team, but be committed to baseball once spring training came around.
However, Murray’s life changed once September hit.
In high school, Murray was a two-sport athlete. He flourished both on the football and baseball field. He was named to the Under Armor All-American Football and Baseball game and also named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2014, one of the most prestigious high school athletics awards in the country. Previous winners include Peyton Manning, Emmitt Smith, and Matt Barkley.
Murray was recruited to Texas A&M where he would play football and baseball. He was ranked as the top dual-threat quarterback in his class and a five-star recruit, but he continued to excel in baseball. In 2015 he was considered one of the top baseball prospects in the country, and many scouts thought he was a first-round lock for that year. Even with the hype Murray opted out and continued his dream of playing football.
Once at A&M Murray wouldn’t get much opportunity to showcase his particular skill set on the football field. Kyle Allen won the starting quarterback job, forcing Murray to take a seat on the bench. After a couple ugly losses, Murray was finally given a chance. In his first outing, Murray showcased his elite mobility and arm strength. He threw for 223 yards and added 156 yards on the ground. Even with this explosive start to his collegiate career, A&M never seemed like a good fit.
In late December 2015, Murray announced that he would be transferring to Oklahoma.
Due to NCAA transfer rules, Murray sat out the entire 2016 semester and in 2017 he sat behind previous No. 1 pick and Heisman winner Baker Mayfield. It was in 2018 when Murray finally got to showcase his talent and he did not disappoint. The former five-star recruit was electric right out of the gate tossing two touchdowns in his first game with a win over Florida Atlantic. In his next outing, Murray put on a five-touchdown performance against UCLA.
Before long the whole country was taking notice. Everyone wanted to watch the 5-foot-11 quarterback who could toss the ball 65 yards with ease or scamper away for a long run. Lincoln Riley’s offense bolstered Murray’s skill set. When it was all said and done, Murray took home Oklahoma’s second Heisman in just two years. Murray led the Sooners to the College Football Playoff which ended with a loss to Alabama.


Kyler Murray’s Future

On January 14, Murray announced that he would enter the 2019 NFL Draft. Days leading up to this, it was speculated that he asked the Athletics for approximately $10 million in order to keep him focused on baseball.

Kyler Murray talking to the media after accepting the Heisman

Shutterstock


There is no questioning Murray’s elite athletic ability, but many teams worry about his height. Even with his arm strength and mobility, teams question whether Murray will have trouble surveying the field and finding open receivers. However, his elite athleticism makes up for his small stature and his collegiate numbers speak for themselves. Murray threw for over 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns, adding more than 1,000 yards on the ground and 12 rushing touchdowns.
The 2019 NFL Draft will take place between April 25 and April 27 in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville earned the honor of hosting the 84th annual player selection over cities Denver, Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Cleveland/Canton.

Kyler Murray Draft Stock: Could Oklahoma QB Go No. 1 Overall?
Kyler Murray Draft Stock: Could Oklahoma QB Go No. 1 Overall?