Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Byron Murphy

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Byron Murphy made an impact.

Byron Murphy Jr. is a professional American football cornerback who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. He honed his skills playing college football at the University of Washington before entering the professional league.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Redshirted at Washington

In 2016, Byron Murphy redshirted his first year at Washington.

2017: Played six games for Washington

In 2017, Murphy played in six games with six starts for Washington, missing seven due to injury. He finished the season with 16 tackles and three interceptions.

2018: MVP at Pac-12 Football Championship

In 2018, Murphy was awarded the MVP at the Pac-12 Football Championship Game after making two interceptions, one of which he returned for a 66-yard touchdown.

January 7, 2019: Declared for the 2019 NFL Draft

On January 7, 2019, Byron Murphy announced he would forgo his remaining two years of college eligibility and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft.

May 9, 2019: Signed with the Arizona Cardinals

On May 9, 2019, Murphy signed a four-year, $7.98 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

September 8, 2019: NFL Regular Season Debut

On September 8, 2019, Murphy made his professional regular season debut and earned his first career start, recording five combined tackles in a tie with the Detroit Lions.

November 10, 2019: First Career Interception

On November 10, 2019, Murphy recorded his first career interception in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2019: Drafted by Arizona Cardinals

In 2019, The Arizona Cardinals selected Murphy in the second round (33rd overall) of the NFL Draft.

2019: Ranked as Top Cornerback Prospect

In 2019, multiple sports outlets ranked Murphy as a top cornerback prospect for the NFL draft, with some ranking him as the best.

December 20, 2020: Recorded a sack against the Eagles

On December 20, 2020, Murphy made four solo tackles, three pass deflections, and a sack during a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.

September 26, 2021: First Career Touchdown and Defensive Player of the Week

On September 26, 2021, Murphy recorded his first career touchdown and earned the National Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week award after a strong performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars.