Kyler Murray fires back at critics in response to clause in new contract, work ethic

Kyler Murray’s recent contract extension has had plenty of people around the NFL buzzing over the last several days. It’s not because he became the league’s second highest paid quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers. It’s what was between the lines of Murray’s contract that piqued some interest.

Within the contract was an addendum that requires at least four hours of ‘independent study’ from Murray each week. If not, he would be in ‘default’ of the five-year, $230-million extension. Many have now questioned Murray’s work ethic for the franchise to so plainly state it within his new deal.

Murray did his best to put those narratives to bed during his press conference on Thursday amidst the Cardinal’s training camp. Via Kevin Zimmerman of ArizonaSports.com, Murray says it’s impossible for people to understand the work he has put in.

“I’ve put in an incomprehensible amount of time, blood, sweat, tears and work into what I do. Whether it’s football or baseball,” said Murray. “People can’t even comprehend the amount of time that it takes to play two sports at a high level out of college, let alone be the first person to do it ever at my size. Like I said, it’s funny.”

Murray has since been caught overlapping his comments, though, based on a former interview. Murray said he was ‘blessed’ with ‘cognitive skills’ to see the football field in a New York Times profile. With that being the case, he said he’s not a player who has to ‘kill (himself) watching film’. After his statement, Murray spurned any other questions about the specific clause per Darren Urban from azcardinals.com.

Kyler Murray has solidified himself as one of the best QBs in the NFL. He has accounted for 13,273 total yards and 90 total touchdowns since Arizona drafted him No. 1 overall in 2019. While it hasn’t led to playoff success yet, he has grown into one of the most dynamic players in the sport.

To this point, people outside the franchise have the right to question what this means about how Arizona feels about their almost 25-year old franchise quarterback. However, Kyler Murray is justified in defending what it took to get him to where he is today. While he appreciates the praise of allegedly doing something no one’s ever done before, he wants to focus on football with Arizona’s camp underway.

“To those of you out there that believe that I just stand here today in front of you all without having work ethic, I’m honored that you think that (but) it doesn’t exist. It’s not possible. That’s all I have on that if (we) want to talk about football.”