Kyler Murray is set to make a significant comeback for the Arizona Cardinals as he enters his sixth season with the team, following a challenging period of rehabilitation and recovery. Murray, who missed the first nine games of the 2023 season while rehabilitating his right ACL, is looking forward to making an impact from the start of the season for the first time since 2022.
Reflecting on his tumultuous 2023 season, Murray shared, "Last year was just such a whirlwind for me as far as being hurt and then rehabbing the whole year, coming back in the middle of the season, which I've never done before. And then again, as far as the play goes, having to get better each and every week again, and then feel like getting in the groove of things, and it kind of not really mean anything, but for me it meant something internally, but I think this year just getting to start off fresh, it is a big difference."
The Arizona Cardinals have made notable changes to their roster to support Murray in the upcoming season. The addition of rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and veteran Zay Jones is expected to bolster the team's offensive capabilities. They join a lineup that already includes Trey McBride, James Conner, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch, forming a formidable offensive unit.
Murray's determination to excel and his deep-seated passion for the game are evident. "You never know when the game's going to be taken away from you. You'll never know how long you're going to be playing. So, my goal is to be the best, and since I was 4 years old my dream was to be a quarterback in the NFL, win Super Bowls, and that's what I strive to do every single day," he remarked, underscoring his commitment to his career and aspirations.
A Weeklong Team Bonding in Los Angeles
In preparation for the 2023 season, Murray took proactive steps to ensure team cohesion and readiness. He organized a weeklong trip to Los Angeles with 12 of his teammates. The trip, aimed at building camaraderie and honing their skills, signifies Murray's leadership both on and off the field.
"Getting all those reps that we got, we may not have gotten if we didn't do those things off the field because there's the sense of urgency there. We want to hit the ground running. We are not coming out this season, despite what everybody thinks or what they're saying, we know we want to do in this locker room, so, in order to do that, you got to put the work in," Murray explained.
An Optimistic Outlook for the Offense
Looking at the talent compiled on the team, Murray remains optimistic about the potential of the Cardinals' offense. He sees no limitations in what they can achieve, stating, "I don't put any limitation on what this offense can be or do. I think we're very versatile, got great skill set as far as receivers or running backs, again, me coming back healthy, I don't feel like I even scratched the surface of what I'm capable of as far as moving around being a dual threat on the field at the back end of the season. So, like I said, I don't put any limitation on what we can do."
The Cardinals' 2021 campaign, which saw them achieve an 11-5 record and a seamless 7-0 start before reaching the NFC Wild-Card round, serves as a testament to the team's capability when firing on all cylinders. As they head into the new season with a rejuvenated Murray at the helm, hopes are high for a return to that form.
For Murray, this season is more than a comeback; it's a chance to reconnect with the game he loves and pursue the goals that have driven him since childhood. With a retooled roster and the determination of their quarterback, the Arizona Cardinals are poised for a fresh start, ready to make their mark once again.