Kyler Murray Says He's 'Firmly and Fully Committing' to Becoming an NFL Quarterback
Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray announced that he will commit himself to pursuing the NFL instead of a Major League Baseball career.
"Moving forward, I am firmly and fully committing my life and time to becoming an NFL quarterback," Murray said in a statement.
Murray starred in both football and baseball during his time Oklahoma University. He led the Sooners to a 12–1 record and a College Football Playoff berth after throwing for 4,053 yards and 40 touchdowns, in addition to 892 rushing yards and 11 scores.
The Oakland Athletics selected Murray with the ninth pick of the 2018 MLB draft after posting a .296 batting average and 10 home runs as a centerfielder for Oklahoma's baseball team last year.
Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Murray will return $1.29 million of the $1.5 million signing bonus money the A's gave him. He will also forfeit the remaining $3.16 million of his signing bonus due on March 1. The A's will retain Murray's rights, but won't receive a compensatory draft pick following his decision.
In January, it became apparent to the A's that Murray would choose to pursue football and he later declared to enter the 2019 NFL draft. MLB players are scheduled to report to spring training on Feb. 15. The NFL Combine is set to take place on Feb. 26.
"I eagerly await the opportunity to continue to prove to NFL decision makers that I am the franchise QB in this draft," Murray said.
