Arizona Cardinals passer joins franchise’s all-time greats
By Jim Koch
Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals became the third player in franchise history to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors
As an organization, the Arizona Cardinals couldn’t have been more proud. Quarterback Kyler Murray was standing in front of an esteemed audience, accepting a prestigious award on Super Bowl weekend. The gamble that the Arizona front office had taken on the undersized signal-caller during last year’s draft had apparently paid off.
Murray, 2019’s first-overall pick, was voted the NFL’s “Offensive Rookie of the Year” by the Associated Press. The youngster accomplished a rare feat for a franchise that has existed in the National Football League for 100 years. It was quite an honor, and one that had been bestowed upon only two other players in Cardinals history.
Back in 1979, when the Cards resided in St. Louis, running back Ottis “O.J.” Anderson was recognized for an outstanding rookie campaign. The club’s eight-overall selection secured “Offensive Rookie of the Year” accolades, and was voted to the Pro Bowl, after rushing for 1,605 yards and eight touchdowns. Anderson also caught 41 passes for 308 yards and another two scores during his impressive initial season in the league.
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin joined Anderson on the short list of revered Cardinals rookies following his outstanding performance in 2003. The team’s second-round choice tallied an amazing 101 receptions for 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns during his first campaign as a pro. Like Anderson, Boldin also was rewarded for his magnificent production with a trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl.
Murray’s rookie statistics were exceptional as well. The 5’10, 207 pounder completed 64.4% of his passes for 3,722 yards and 20 touchdowns. Murray also amassed 544 yards and an additional four scores on the ground.
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The ultra-talented Murray joined some elite company this past Saturday evening. Anderson and Boldin are two of the greatest offensive weapons in Cards history. There’s a very good possibility that Murray will receive the same compliment one day when his football career reaches it’s conclusion.