Kyler Murray is poised for a fresh start in his sixth season with the Arizona Cardinals. After sitting out the first nine games of 2023 and missing the previous year's training camp due to a right ACL injury, Murray is back and making the most of his return to full participation.
"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," Murray shared candidly. "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 2021 season saw the Cardinals attain an impressive 11-5 record, making it to the NFC Wild-Card round. Their 7-0 start fueled hopes of a deep playoff run, only for the campaign to end sooner than anticipated. However, with the addition of rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and veteran Zay Jones, alongside mainstays like Trey McBride, James Conner, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch, the Cardinals' offensive lineup looks as promising as ever.
Reflecting on his tumultuous year, Murray emphasized the relentless effort he poured into his return. "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."
This renewed dedication is clear. Murray took the initiative during the offseason, organizing a weeklong trip to Los Angeles with 12 of his teammates. The trip offered an invaluable opportunity for bonding and honing their skills off the field. Murray remarked, "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 what we want to do in this locker room, so, in order to do that, you got to put the work in."
His confidence and optimism are more than just words; they reflect a clear vision for the season ahead. "I don't put any limitation on what this offense can be or do. I think we're very versatile, got a great skill set as far as receivers or running backs," Murray declared. "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."
With Murray at the helm, fully recovered and ready, the Cardinals are prepared to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season with renewed vigor. The team's faith in their quarterback, combined with the influx of new talent and the proven abilities of existing players, paves the way for potential success. As the season unfolds, the Cardinals appear ready to rise above expectations, driven by a rejuvenated Murray, who is eager to showcase his full range of skills and lead his team to new heights.