During the offseason, NFL players and coaches typically express positivity and optimism during team workouts, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp. However, quarterback Kyler Murray made a recent comment that stood out from the typical rhetoric. When speaking with reporters for the first time in the offseason, Murray mentioned that it felt like one of the best offseasons he’s had in a long time.
Looking back at Murray’s previous offseason experiences, it’s clear why he feels this way. In 2019, his rookie season was a whirlwind of learning and adjusting to the NFL. In 2020, the pandemic limited on-field activities. In 2021, the NFLPA advised players to skip voluntary work due to pandemic concerns. In 2022, Murray participated only minimally in voluntary work due to contract negotiations. In 2023, he couldn’t participate at all due to rehabbing a torn ACL.
This offseason marks the first time since his rookie year that Murray has had a full offseason program, making it truly the best one he’s had in a long time. His commitment to the program and his statement about how important it is for him to be present on the field show significant growth and maturity. This time around, Murray’s offseason participation was incentivized by his contract negotiations, demonstrating how crucial his presence is as a team leader.
While some fans may dismiss offseason comments as cliché
