It seemed like the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray had some issues in the relationship before this year. If there were, things appear to be changing.
New general manager Monti Ossenfort, head coach Jonathan Gannon, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and others on the offensive staff all took a trip to Norman, Oklahoma the weekend before the 2023 NFL draft.
Why? To see Murray as he was honored by Oklahoma University with the unavailing of a statue of him to add to Heisman Park.
The Sooners have immortalized every Heisman Trophy winner they have had with a statue.
The Cardinals took some heat for attending the ceremony because it was right before the draft, but it meant a lot to Murray to see them there.
“Somebody said that the coaches would be there, but just having them there, the support off rip, they’ve only been in the building for maybe a month or so, however long it was.” he said on the latest episode of “Flight Plan” on the team’s YouTube channel. “And for them to fly out to Norman in the middle of nowhere during the draft process to come see my statue get put up, that was a big deal.”
The tension there seemed to be between Murray and the team seems to have disappeared. He has been present, engaged and is excited for the new offense and new staff. He has taken to the new coaches very well.
Everything coming out about Murray since the change in coaches and leadership has been positive. There are no anonymously sourced reports of negative things, and that will go a long way.
We have all seen the talent and level of play even when things weren’t great.
Adding some optimism and positivity to the mix can only help.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.