Career Timeline of Sean Murphy-Bunting: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sean Murphy-Bunting made an impact.

Sean Murphy-Bunting is a professional American football cornerback currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. He previously played college football at Central Michigan University. His career focuses on his performance and contributions as a cornerback in professional football.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 9, 2019: Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On May 9, 2019, Sean Murphy-Bunting signed a four-year, $7.37 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a $3.38 million signing bonus and $4.21 million guaranteed.

September 8, 2019: Regular Season Debut

On September 8, 2019, Sean Murphy-Bunting made his professional regular season debut for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, primarily appearing on special teams during a 17–31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

October 6, 2019: First Career Interception

On October 6, 2019, Sean Murphy-Bunting recorded his first career interception off a pass by Teddy Bridgewater intended for Alvin Kamara in a 31–24 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He also had four combined tackles.

November 12, 2019: Hargreaves Released

On November 12, 2019, Vernon Hargreaves was released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after Murphy-Bunting supplanted him at starting cornerback.

December 15, 2019: First Career Touchdown

On December 15, 2019, Sean Murphy-Bunting intercepted a pass by David Blough and returned it 70 yards for his first career touchdown in a 38–17 win against the Detroit Lions. He also had a team-leading eight solo tackles.

2019: Forgoes Final Year, Enters NFL Draft

In 2019, Sean Murphy-Bunting decided to forgo his final year of eligibility with the Central Michigan Chippewas to enter the NFL Draft after three seasons with the team.

2019: Drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 2019, Sean Murphy-Bunting was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round (39th overall) of the NFL draft.

November 20, 2020: Interception Against Giants

On November 20, 2020, Sean Murphy–Bunting intercepted a pass by Daniel Jones intended for Golden Tate in the fourth quarter of a 25–23 win against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. He also recorded six combined tackles and a pass deflection.

2020: Buccaneers Finish Season 11-5

In 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the NFL season second in the NFC South with an 11–5 record, earning a Wildcard berth in the playoffs.

January 9, 2021: First Playoff Appearance and Interception

On January 9, 2021, Sean Murphy-Bunting made his first career playoff appearance, intercepting a pass by Taylor Heinicke intended for Terry McLaurin as the Buccaneers defeated the Washington Football Team 31–23 in the Wild Card Round. He also had two combined tackles.

January 17, 2021: Interception Against Saints in Divisional Round

On January 17, 2021, Sean Murphy-Bunting intercepted a pass by Drew Brees while covering Michael Thomas during a 30–20 win against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Round. He also made five solo tackles and had two pass deflections.

January 24, 2021: Interception in NFC Championship Game

On January 24, 2021, Sean Murphy-Bunting intercepted a pass by Aaron Rodgers intended for Allen Lazard in a 31–26 win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game. He also recorded six solo tackles and a pass deflection.

February 7, 2021: Super Bowl LV Victory

On February 7, 2021, Sean Murphy-Bunting started in Super Bowl LV, recording six combined tackles and a pass deflection as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31–9 to earn his first Super Bowl Championship. He was the first player since Ed Reed to have an interception in each of his first three playoff games.

November 22, 2021: Activated from Injured Reserve

On November 22, 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers activated Sean Murphy-Bunting from injured reserve after he missed eight games.

December 12, 2021: Season-High Tackles vs. Bills

On December 12, 2021, Sean Murphy-Bunting collected a season-high eight combined tackles as the Buccaneers defeated the Buffalo Bills 33–27.

March 30, 2022: Bowles Appointed Head Coach

On March 30, 2022, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that Todd Bowles was promoted to head coach, and Murphy-Bunting lost his role as a starting cornerback during training camp.

March 20, 2023: Signs with Tennessee Titans

On March 20, 2023, Sean Murphy-Bunting signed a one–year, $3.50 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, including a $2.42 million signing bonus. He was also the first player in Titans history to wear the #0.

September 10, 2023: Titans Season Opener

On September 10, 2023, Sean Murphy-Bunting started in the Titans' season-opener and recorded six combined tackles and forced a fumble during a 15–16 loss at the New Orleans Saints.

January 7, 2024: Interception Against Jaguars

On January 7, 2024, Sean Murphy-Bunting collected a season-high eight combined tackles and intercepted a pass thrown by Trevor Lawrence to Zay Jones during a 28–20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

March 14, 2024: Signs with Arizona Cardinals

On March 14, 2024, Sean Murphy-Bunting signed a three–year, $25.50 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, including a $6.00 million signing bonus and $14.19 million guaranteed.

December 14, 2024: First Interception with Cardinals

On December 14, 2024, Sean Murphy-Bunting made his first interception with the Arizona Cardinals on a pass thrown by Drake Maye intended for Kayshon Boutte in a 17–30 victory against the New England Patriots. He also recorded two combined tackles and a pass deflection.