The Arizona Cardinals are working to smooth things over with star quarterback Kyler Murray, engaging in some damage control Friday morning.
Arizona Cardinals playing nice with Kyler Murray
After a social media flap and anonymous reports that the Cardinals are concerned about the former Oklahoma standout’s maturity and leadership skills, the Cardinals are making nice with Murray publicly.
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill praised the former top overall pick in a radio interview on AZ Sports in Phoenix, adding that the NFC West franchise wants to retain Murray for the future.
“Certainly, he’s part of our long-term plan,” said Bidwill, adding that he loves Murray and is confident in his future. Bidwill added that speculation about the situation is “inconsistent” in regards to recent conversations Murray has had with the front office.
Bottom line: The Cardinals want to bolster their relationship with Murray, and it sounds like he’s open to that.
Murray breaks silence
Murray recently broke his silence. In the news recently thanks to negative anonymous comments about his supposed lack of maturity and leadership skills amidst rumors of his discontent about his contract, Murray spoke out on social media.
Recently, a league source expressed confidence that this drama would eventually blow over, and the Cardinals will get on the same page with Murray. Another league source predicted no trade would happen. They added that the Cardinals will figure out a way to coexist with Murray. It sounds like both of those sources are correct.
The 24-year-old QB is a video game enthusiast who’s known for his tendency to stick to himself and a small inner circle that includes his father, former Texas A&M quarterback Kevin Murray.
Murray recently scrubbed his Instagram account of any mention or photographs of the Cardinals. On Monday, February 14, one day after the Super Bowl and reports surfaced that he is upset about being scapegoated for the Cardinals’ late-season struggles, Murray spoke out.
“All of this nonsense is not what I’m about”
The former top overall pick from Oklahoma didn’t mince words.
“I play this game for the love of it, for my teammates, everyone who has helped me get to this position that believed in me & to win championships,” Murray wrote on Twitter on his official verified account.
“All of this nonsense is not what I’m about, never has been, never will be. Anyone who has ever stepped between those lines with me knows how hard I go. Love me or hate me, but I’m going to continue to grow and get better.”
Cardinals issue statement on Murray’s status with team
The Cardinals previously issued a statement about Murray, who passed for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions last season. He led Arizona to a 10-6 record while also rushing for 423 yards and 5 scores.
“Nothing has changed regarding our opinion and high regard for Kyler Murray,” the statement read. “We as a team and Kyler individually have improved each year he’s been in the league. We are excited to continue that improvement in 2022 and are excited that Kyler Murray is the quarterback leading us.”
It sounds like that’s exactly what’s going to happen.