Career Timeline of Kyler Murray: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 6, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kyler Murray made an impact.

Kyler Murray is a professional football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. He previously played college football for Texas A&M and the Oklahoma Sooners, where he won the Heisman Trophy. Notably, Murray was drafted into both the NFL (first overall by the Cardinals in 2019) and MLB (ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics in 2018), making him the only player ever drafted in the first round of both leagues.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 17, 2015: Departure from Texas A&M

On December 17, 2015, Kyler Murray announced his departure from Texas A&M.

December 24, 2015: Announced Transfer to Oklahoma

On December 24, 2015, Kyler Murray announced that he was transferring to the University of Oklahoma.

2015: Cardinals Last Playoffs Appearance

2015 was the Cardinals last playoffs appearance before Kyler Murray led them to the playoffs in 2021.

2015: Top prospect for MLB draft

In 2015, Kyler Murray was considered one of the top prospects for the Major League Baseball draft.

2015: Freshman Season at Texas A&M

In 2015, as a true freshman, Kyler Murray competed for the starting quarterback position at Texas A&M, won the job for a period, and was later sidelined for the rest of the season.

2015: Last Time Since 2015 Cardinals Win NFC West

In Week 18 of 2021, the Cardinals loss to the Seahawks eliminated them from potentially winning the NFC West for the first time since 2015.

2016: Intended Role at Texas A&M

In 2016, Kyler Murray was initially set to play as an infielder for the Texas A&M Aggies baseball team.

2016: First Time Since 2016 Cardinals Beat Rams

In Week 4 of 2021, the Cardinals snapped an 8-game losing streak against the Rams, beating them for the first time since 2016.

2017: Played Baseball for Oklahoma

In 2017, Kyler Murray played for the Oklahoma Sooners baseball team as a left fielder.

2017: Backup Quarterback at Oklahoma

In the 2017 season, Kyler Murray served as a backup quarterback to Baker Mayfield at Oklahoma, playing in some games.

December 2018: Won Heisman Trophy

In December 2018, Kyler Murray won the Heisman Trophy as the best collegiate football player in the country.

2018: Baker Mayfield Drafted to NFL

In 2018, Baker Mayfield was drafted to the NFL. In 2019, Murray became the first player to be drafted in the first round of both the NFL and MLB drafts, and the first time that two quarterbacks from the same university have gone in the first round in successive seasons.

2018: Baseball Season at Oklahoma

In 2018, Kyler Murray played baseball as a centerfielder for Oklahoma, batting .296 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs.

2018: Drafted by Oakland Athletics

In 2018, Kyler Murray was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the MLB draft and signed a contract with a $4.66 million signing bonus.

January 2019: Entered NFL Draft

In January 2019, Kyler Murray announced that he would forgo his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL draft.

May 9, 2019: Signed with the Arizona Cardinals

On May 9, 2019, Kyler Murray signed a four-year rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals, worth $35.2 million.

September 8, 2019: First NFL Game

On September 8, 2019, Kyler Murray played his first NFL game against the Detroit Lions, finishing with 308 passing yards and two touchdowns in a tie game.

2019: Victory against Baker Mayfield's Browns

In 2019, Kyler Murray had previously beaten Baker Mayfield and the Browns in Week 6.

2019: Drafted by Arizona Cardinals

In 2019, Kyler Murray was selected first overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL draft.

2019: Intention to Report to Spring Training

Prior to his junior year, in 2019 Kyler Murray initially intended to report to spring training to begin his professional baseball career.

October 14, 2020: NFC Offensive Player of the Week

On October 14, 2020, Kyler Murray was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 5.

2020: Pro Bowl Selection and Madden NFL 21 Pro Bowl MVP

In 2020, Kyler Murray was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career, and won the Madden NFL 21 Pro Bowl MVP in an online exhibition game.

2021: Second Pro Bowl Selection

In 2021, Kyler Murray finished the regular season with impressive stats and made the Pro Bowl for a second straight season.

2021: Playoffs Appearance

In 2021, Kyler Murray led the Cardinals to the playoffs, their first appearance since 2015.

January 17, 2022: NFL Postseason Debut

On January 17, 2022, Kyler Murray made his NFL postseason debut in the Wild Card Round, losing to the Rams 34–11.

April 27, 2022: Cardinals picked up fifth-year option

On April 27, 2022, the Cardinals exercised the fifth-year option on Kyler Murray's contract.

July 21, 2022: Murray signed contract extension with Cardinals

On July 21, 2022, Kyler Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with the Cardinals, including $160 million guaranteed.

December 14, 2022: Murray Placed on Injured Reserve After ACL Tear

On December 14, 2022, Kyler Murray was placed on injured reserve after an MRI revealed that he tore his ACL during the game against the New England Patriots, ending his season.

2023: Murray's 2023 Season

In 2023, Kyler Murray started the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, was designated to return from the PUP list on October 18, and was activated to the 53-man roster on November 7.