The last week has been a series of ups and downs for the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray. Last week, they agreed to a contract extension through 2028 worth more than $230 million. It made him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
However, it was then reported earlier this week that the team included a curious addendum that delineates a requirement for Murray to complete at least four hours of game prep or he will be in default and lose his guarantees.
That to a lot of heat coming his way and toward the organization.
Murray was not scheduled to meet with the media on Thursday at training camp, but he felt he had to address what has been said about his work ethic and study habits.
“I refuse to let my work ethic and my preparation be in question,” he told reporters Thursday. “I’ve put in an incomprehensible amount of time and blood, sweat, tears and work into what I do, whether it’s football or baseball.”
He called the notion that he could play the way he does without working hard or doing film study “disrespectful” and “laughable.”
“It’s almost a joke,” he said. “I’m honestly flattered that you all think that, at my size, I can go out there and not prepare for the game and not take it seriously. It’s disrespectful to my peers, to all the great athletes and all the great players that are in this league. This game is hard.
“I’m not 6-7, 230, I don’t throw the ball 85 yards,” he continued. “I’m already behind the eight ball. I can’t afford to take any shortcuts, no pun intended. Those things you can’t accomplish if you don’t take the game seriously if you don’t prepare the right way. It’s laughable.”
He said he studies film on his own. “That’s a given that doesn’t need to be said,” he added.
“There are multiple different ways to watch film,” he continued. “Thereare many different ways to process the game. There are many different ways quarterbacks learn the game and break the game down. Of course I watch film by myself…But I do love the process of watching the game with my guys, the quarterbacks, my coaches.”
It is perhaps the most emphatic and centered we have seen Murray when addressing the media.
He would not comment as to whether he was offended by the clause in his contract, which has since been removed.
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