Young passer showing he’s leader of the Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
Kyler Murray is exhibiting leadership qualities by organizing an offseason get-together with 20 of his Arizona Cardinals teammates
Throughout the current offseason, fans of the Arizona Cardinals were waiting for quarterback Kyler Murray to surface. There was some discussion about the club’s young passer and his teammates joining each other for a workout, but nothing ever materialized. Until now, that is.
It was announced on Thursday that Murray is finally organizing a get-together with 20 of his fellow Cardinals. The practice sessions will take place in Dallas, Texas, and will include three quarterbacks, four running backs, nine wide receivers and four tight ends. It’s an encouraging sign from Murray, who is exhibiting the leadership qualities that Arizona was hoping for when they drafted the talented signal-caller in 2019.
The group will begin to congregate this Sunday, and will remain with each other until Wednesday of next week. Murray is reportedly footing the bill for the gathering, which should cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $40,000. That figure will include travel, lodging and food for all 20 participants.
Murray’s idea should be welcome news for the Cards coaching staff, who’ve conducted nothing but virtual workouts since the COVID-19 pandemic began to take it’s toll on the world. The players will be on the field together for the first time this year, and will be getting a head start on the team’s upcoming training camp. Expectations are high for the Cardinals in 2020, who added impact pieces on both sides of the ball this past spring.
Perhaps the biggest acquisition made by Arizona’s front office this year was at the wide receiver spot. General manager Steve Keim fleeced the Houston Texans for DeAndre Hopkins, a four-time Pro Bowl pass-catcher. Next week will mark the first time that the 28-year old will be catching passes from Murray, who will finally get to start building some chemistry with his explosive new weapon.
Kudos to Murray for this sensational display of leadership. The Cards hierarchy has to be thrilled with the initiative being taken by the uniquely mature youngster. This could be just the beginning of what could be an outstanding season for the Cardinals offensive unit.