Kyler Murray is (Finally) Maturing
Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is the dictionary definition of polarizing.
"Causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings" - Merriam Webster
That sure describes Murray.
We're four full years into Murray's tenure in the desert, and Cardinals fans couldn't be more split on their franchise quarterback.
One side will tell you Murray's upside is obvious - especially when healthy. His athleticism is hard to replicate and in an era where dual-threat quarterbacks are coveted, few offer the upside Murray does when clicking on all cylinders.
The other will point to his size, stability and recent dip in numbers while playing in an offense that was supposed to - at minimum - stuff the stat sheet under Kliff Kingsbury if nothing else.
One of the biggest talking points has been Murray's leadership/maturity, something that's even been called into question by former teammate Patrick Peterson and current right tackle Kelvin Beachum.
Call of Duty. Scrubbing of social media while trying to secure a new contract. Study clauses. Vocal disputes with teammates and coaches on the sidelines during games and not so friendly press conferences following losses have all played a part in forming negative opinions of Murray.
That's part of the gig - as even the greatest quarterbacks of all time have been subject to some sort of nitpicking.
As somebody who has personally interacted with Murray in the locker room, perhaps my own personal view of him is skewed. I'm not quite sure he's the deterrent some make him out to be, though sometimes he doesn't always showcase the leadership qualities you want in a franchise quarterback.
Perhaps that's changing.
Murray's currently recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus suffered in Week 12 of the 2022 regular season, an injury that not only called for curtains on any hope of rescuing a lost season but also putting the future into question as well.
Part of the rehab process was recently displayed on the team's "Flight Plan" series, which featured 20 minutes of close up footage and Murray's first comments since departing State Farm Stadium with a towel draped over his face.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray won't be the same after tearing his ACL - perhaps he gained insight he needed in order to grow.
"I've never felt that before and then I was on my back just looking up," said Murray, who mentioned everything was a blur after he went down.
"I know people that have done this injury. I made that cut a million times. Obviously when something like that happens, you kind of know it's probably not normal what happened - but I didn't know [the ACL was torn]."
Though we haven't heard much from Murray this offseason, his demeanor appeared different - in a good way. His words felt more sincere and mature as he reflected on what was nothing short of a dumpster fire season.
"I'm thinking of stuff that I wasn't part of, like the draft, who we were gonna get, young players coming out," Murray said. "The whole (last) year was (expletive). It happened for a reason. The things we were doing weren't sustainable for success. It was necessary and in turn good will come out of what happened."
More from Murray:
"I've got to respect the person or understand the ins and outs or the rhymes and reasons for what we are doing. I'm going to listen. I'm going to be coachable and I'm going to do it to the best of my ability, but if the (expletive) ain't working, at some point, we all have to look in the mirror.
"As far as growing from my rookie year to now, learning how to be one with your emotions, understanding how to talk to people. Some people are able to take the harsh way, and I am naturally that way, or do I need to give them a little love and that's part of the quarterback position. … And (learning) what can I do better, how can I be better, how can I make the guys around me better? It's a team sport. We all have to be locked in."
There's been plenty of fans clamoring for Murray to take the next step - not just in terms of play, but also honing the leadership role that comes with being a franchise quarterback (and the massive payday, too).
Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald says he's been impressed with Murray's progression in that facet:
"I'm excited for him. I’ve heard he’s really developing and building relationships with people in the building. The natural maturation process is taking place. That bodes well for not only him but it bodes well for Cardinals players, organization and fans who pull for him," said FItzgerald.
"I haven't been around him in three years - in a work environment. Last time I saw him and I was around him, he was a young player. I’ve heard positive things from (former) teammates that he’s really taking an active role in building strong relationships. … I hear he’s doing more of that and that made me happy.”
An ACL injury is one of the worst occurrences in sports, one that no athlete ever aspires to endure.
Murray's actual timeline for return is still unknown despite his wishes to return by Week 1. Even upon his return, often times players still take long after to return to their normal form. His future with the organization will only grow with noise of what potential Caleb Williams could bring.
But maybe - just maybe - this can be a turning point for Murray and the organization. Perhaps Murray's newfound view, attitude and mentality will guide him in the direction so many here in the desert ultimately want him to go.
Is Kyler Murray more mature, and ready to truly take the role as franchise quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals?
For the time being, it sure looks like it.
