History of Kyler Murray in Timeline
Kyler Murray is a professional American football quarterback for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. Notably, he is the first player drafted in the first round for both NFL and MLB. Before playing professionally, Murray played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies and the Oklahoma Sooners, winning the Heisman Trophy in his junior year at Oklahoma. He was drafted first overall by the Cardinals in 2019 and ninth overall by MLB's Oakland Athletics in 2018.
August 7, 1997: Birth of Kyler Murray
Kyler Cole Murray was born on August 7, 1997. He would go on to become a prominent figure in American football.
May 2014: Commitment to Texas A&M University
Kyler Murray's commitment to Texas A&M University in May 2014 marked a significant step in his athletic journey, as he prepared to showcase his skills on a larger stage.
2014: Gatorade Football Player of the Year and Mr. Texas Football
In 2014, Kyler Murray's exceptional skills in high school football earned him the prestigious titles of Gatorade Football Player of the Year and Mr. Texas Football, a testament to his early talent and potential.
February 4, 2015: Signing with Texas A&M University
On February 4, 2015, Kyler Murray officially committed to Texas A&M University to pursue his passion for both college football and baseball, showcasing his versatility as an athlete.
December 17, 2015: Departure from Texas A&M Baseball
Kyler Murray's departure from the Texas A&M baseball program on December 17, 2015, marked a shift in his athletic focus, as he ultimately chose to pursue his football aspirations.
December 24, 2015: Transfer to the University of Oklahoma
On December 24, 2015, Kyler Murray announced his decision to transfer to the University of Oklahoma, marking a turning point in his college football career.
2015: Top Prospect for MLB Draft and Selection for All-Star Games
In 2015, Kyler Murray's exceptional talent in baseball positioned him as a top prospect for the MLB draft. His selection for both the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game and Under Armour All-America Football Game further solidified his status as a highly sought-after athlete in multiple sports.
2015: Freshman Year as Quarterback at Texas A&M
Kyler Murray's true freshman year in 2015 at Texas A&M saw him competing for the starting quarterback position. Despite early success, including a memorable performance against South Carolina, he finished the season as a backup, setting the stage for his future endeavors in college football.
2015: Cardinals' First Playoff Appearance Since 2015
The Arizona Cardinals made their first playoff appearance since 2015, highlighting the significance of their achievement in 2021.
2016: Redshirting at Oklahoma
Due to NCAA transfer rules, Kyler Murray had to sit out the 2016 season, a period of anticipation as he prepared for his opportunity to shine at Oklahoma.
2016: Missed Baseball Season Due to Transfer
Kyler Murray's transfer to Oklahoma meant he would miss the 2016 baseball season, a consequence of his decision to pursue a different path in college athletics.
2017: Backup Quarterback at Oklahoma
In 2017, Kyler Murray served as a backup quarterback to Baker Mayfield at Oklahoma, gaining valuable experience and showcasing his skills in limited appearances.
2017: Playing for the Oklahoma Sooners Baseball Team
Kyler Murray's athletic versatility was on display in 2017 as he played as a left fielder for the Oklahoma Sooners baseball team, showcasing his skills on the diamond.
December 2018: Heisman Trophy Win
Kyler Murray achieved a pinnacle of college football success in December 2018 by winning the Heisman Trophy, solidifying his place as one of the nation's most outstanding players.
2018: First Overall Pick and Historical Significance
Kyler Murray's selection as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft was a historic moment, as he became the shortest quarterback ever drafted first overall. This selection followed Baker Mayfield's first overall selection in 2018, marking the first time quarterbacks from the same university were drafted first overall in consecutive years. His achievement broke barriers and set new precedents in the NFL.
2018: Drafted by the Oakland Athletics
Kyler Murray's baseball talent was recognized in 2018 when he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics, highlighting his potential in professional baseball.
2018: Drafted by the Oakland Athletics
Kyler Murray's athletic prowess was evident in 2018 when he was drafted ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics, showcasing his talent in both football and baseball.
2018: Centerfielder for the Oklahoma Sooners Baseball Team
In 2018, Kyler Murray took on the role of centerfielder for the Oklahoma Sooners baseball team, further demonstrating his adaptability and talent in multiple sports.
January 2019: Entering the 2019 NFL Draft
Kyler Murray's announcement in January 2019 that he would enter the NFL draft solidified his decision to pursue a career in professional football.
May 9, 2019: Signing with the Arizona Cardinals
On May 9, 2019, Kyler Murray officially signed his rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals, marking the beginning of his NFL journey.
September 8, 2019: First NFL Game
Kyler Murray played his first NFL game on September 8, 2019, against the Detroit Lions, finishing with 308 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. The game ended in a 27–27 tie, and Murray led the Cardinals to a comeback from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter. He joined Jake Plummer as the only Cardinals rookie quarterbacks to throw for 300 yards and two touchdowns since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
2019: Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals
In 2019, Kyler Murray was drafted first overall by the Arizona Cardinals, marking the beginning of his professional football career in the NFL.
2019: Planned Spring Training with the A's and Decision to Enter NFL Draft
Kyler Murray initially planned to attend spring training with the Oakland Athletics in 2019, but his Heisman Trophy-winning season in football led him to enter the NFL draft, signaling his commitment to a career in football.
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. In that week, he led the Cardinals to a victory with a standout performance, showcasing his skills and earning the recognition.
2020: Rookie Season Achievements
In 2020, Kyler Murray finished his rookie season with 3,722 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, along with 544 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. He was named a Pro Bowl Alternate, included in the PFWA All-Rookie Team, and won the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award at the NFL Honors on February 1. He was also ranked 90th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020 by his fellow players.
2021: Playoff Appearance with the Cardinals
In 2021, Kyler Murray led the Arizona Cardinals to their first playoff appearance since 2015, a testament to his growing influence on the team.
2021: Pro Bowl and Madden NFL 21 MVP
Kyler Murray finished the 2020 season with 3,971 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, along with 819 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time, and although the physical event was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he participated in an online exhibition game via Madden 21 and earned the Madden NFL 21 Pro Bowl MVP. He was ranked 39th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 by his fellow players.
April 27, 2022: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up
On April 27, 2022, the Cardinals picked up the fifth-year option on Kyler Murray's contract, ensuring his stay with the team for an additional year.
July 21, 2022: Contract Extension
On July 21, 2022, Kyler Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with the Cardinals, with $160 million guaranteed, securing his position with the team for the foreseeable future.
December 14, 2022: Season-Ending ACL Injury
In Week 14 against the New England Patriots, Kyler Murray suffered a non-contact knee injury, which was later confirmed as a torn ACL through an MRI on December 14, 2022. This injury ended his season, and he was placed on injured reserve. Murray finished the season with 2,368 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, along with 418 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns in 11 games played.
2023: Return from PUP List
Kyler Murray began the 2023 season on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to his ACL injury. On October 18, he was designated to return from the PUP list and was activated to the 53-man roster on November 7, marking his return to active play.