Cardinals QB Kyler Murray still holding onto that 3-sport athlete title
Jun 11, 2021, 10:15 AM
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals participates in an off-season workout at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on June 09, 2021 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
While Kyler Murray’s primary focus is on football, the Arizona Cardinals quarterback is carving out a nice career in the e-gaming world and still hasn’t lost that itch to play baseball.
But does he consider himself a three-sport athlete?
Murray, who will be front and center on the cover Sports Illustrated next month as a member of the gaming team FaZe Clan, didn’t sell himself short following the conclusion of Cardinals minicamp on Thursday.
“I still hold onto the three-sport title,” Murray said smiling regarding football, gaming and baseball. “If the day came where I got to do what I wanted do, which I’m leaving it open — but I think I could still play for sure, but we’ll add the gaming onto that. Don’t shortchange me, please.”
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Murray’s aspirations of playing baseball at some point in his career haven’t faltered since he entered the league as a No. 1 pick in 2019, a year removed from being taken ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics in the MLB Draft.
It’s certainly worked out for Murray as he enters his third season as Arizona’s starting quarterback after setting career marks across the board and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2020.
Still, the thought of baseball at some point hasn’t been lost on the signal caller.
“I know everybody around here probably feels differently about it, but me personally, I played [baseball] my whole life,” Murray said. “If I ever had the opportunity for sure I would definitely go for it. … I’m sure anyone else asking me would too. I’m not trying to start anything, I’m just talking.”
As it stands, Murray’s rookie contract prevents him from playing baseball. He’s in Year 3 of a four-year deal that includes a fifth-year option.
EXTRA POINTS
– Murray on the Sports Illustrated cover:
“It was fun, it was dope. … [You see] your favorite athletes on the cover and now being able to do it with guys that I’ve watched on Twitch, guys that I’ve been able to build a relationship with and kinda do this sports-gaming deal, it was a great experience and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
