Kyler Murray has long been one of the NFL’s most intriguing talents, and now the Arizona Cardinals quarterback is earning significant praise from a respected voice—an ex-NFL quarterback who knows firsthand what it takes to succeed at the highest level. That kind of recognition isn’t handed out lightly, especially not in a league where consistency and leadership often matter as much as talent. For Murray, who’s faced both criticism and high expectations since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2019, this latest endorsement could serve as both a confidence booster and a validation of the work he’s put in—on and off the field.
The former NFL quarterback didn’t just praise Murray’s arm talent or his mobility—he referred to him as a “true game-changer,” a phrase reserved for only the most impactful and dynamic players in the sport. When someone who’s lived through the battles of professional football offers that level of commendation, it’s worth examining what’s driving the shift in perception around Murray, who has endured a rocky road at times in Arizona but still holds the potential to redefine the franchise’s future.
Murray entered the league with enormous expectations after winning the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and becoming the first player ever to be drafted in the first round of both the NFL and MLB drafts. His unique skill set—a rocket arm, elite speed, and uncanny agility—made him one of the most exciting quarterback prospects in recent memory. But as with many young quarterbacks, Murray’s NFL journey has been a mixed bag: flashes of brilliance, followed by growing pains, coaching changes, and injury setbacks. Through it all, however, his talent has never been questioned.
What makes this recent praise so noteworthy is the timing. Murray is coming off a season where he had to battle back from a torn ACL suffered in late 2022. Many doubted whether he could return to his full athletic form, and with the Cardinals entering a rebuilding phase, some speculated that his days as Arizona’s franchise quarterback could be numbered. But Murray silenced many of those doubts with his resilience, leadership, and continued growth as a passer. He returned to the field with a sharper focus, showing signs of maturity in his pocket presence and decision-making. He’s always had the physical tools, but now it seems he’s pairing them with the mental edge needed to take the next step.
That’s what the ex-NFL quarterback zeroed in on—the totality of Murray’s game and how it’s evolving. He talked about Murray’s ability to command a huddle, improvise when plays break down, and deliver precision passes even under duress. Those are not qualities easily developed, especially coming off a major injury. But they’re the traits of a quarterback coming into his own, and that’s what has people buzzing. It’s not just that Murray can make highlight-reel plays—it’s that he’s becoming a quarterback capable of winning consistently, of lifting a team, and of handling the pressure that comes with being the face of a franchise.
It also speaks to the culture shift that the Cardinals are undergoing. Head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort have been clear about the kind of identity they want this team to embody—tough, competitive, disciplined. Murray’s growth fits right into that vision. For all the talk about his stature or past sideline frustrations, what’s often overlooked is his deep competitive fire. Those around him consistently vouch for his work ethic, his preparation, and his desire to win. That’s part of what this former NFL quarterback likely saw when he offered such high praise: a player who has taken the punches and still shows up determined to get better.
The Cardinals themselves are in an interesting phase. With a high draft pick secured, a growing stockpile of young talent, and a coaching staff that believes in development, Arizona is setting the stage for a turnaround. And Murray is at the center of it all. His performance will ultimately determine how far this team can go. If he continues progressing, both physically and mentally, the Cardinals might not be far away from reentering the playoff conversation.
Another thing that stood out in the praise from the former quarterback was Murray’s command of the moment. He pointed to specific games and situations where Murray showed poise, creativity, and fearlessness—whether it was escaping pressure to extend plays or threading the needle in tight windows. Those are game-changing moments, and it’s why he believes Murray deserves to be in the conversation with the league’s top quarterbacks when healthy and in rhythm. It’s a lofty comparison, but one that feels more realistic now than ever before.
It’s also worth noting the weight that praise from a former NFL quarterback carries. These are players who’ve dealt with the grind of film study, who’ve had to win locker rooms, and who know what it means to lead grown men into battle every Sunday. Their praise isn’t just about stats or splashy plays—it’s about intangibles, instincts, and leadership. To earn that kind of endorsement suggests that Murray has made meaningful strides behind the scenes as well, areas that often go unnoticed by the public but are crucial in building a winning culture.
Murray has never lacked for belief in himself. He’s fiercely confident, sometimes misunderstood because of his demeanor, but undeniably driven. This season could be a major inflection point in his career. He’s healthy again. He has continuity in the coaching staff. He’s learning to trust his teammates more. And perhaps most importantly, he’s learning to trust himself in ways that go beyond athleticism. He’s playing smarter. He’s picking his moments to run instead of relying solely on it. He’s scanning the field more methodically and showing better anticipation.
All of this sets the stage for a pivotal chapter in Murray’s NFL journey. The Cardinals are still rebuilding, yes, but they’re no longer starting from scratch. And with Murray showing growth in his mechanics, leadership, and football IQ, the franchise might just have the most important piece already in place. Time will tell if Arizona can surround him with the tools he needs to succeed long-term—such as a stronger offensive line, more explosive receivers, and a defense that can hold its own—but Murray himself is starting to look like a quarterback who can be the foundation, not just a flashy star.
The praise he received isn’t just a headline—it’s an affirmation. For a player who’s had to fight through narratives, injuries, and transitions, being labeled a “true game-changer” by someone who’s played the position professionally is a moment of arrival. It signals that people are taking notice not just of what Murray can do, but of who he’s becoming. The evolution of Kyler Murray isn’t just a storyline—it’s a reality that could reshape the future of the Arizona Cardinals.
As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on how Murray continues to respond. Will he cement himself among the league’s elite? Will he carry the Cardinals back to relevancy in a competitive NFC West? And most intriguingly, can he finally silence the remaining doubters who question his ability to win when it matters most? If the words of a former NFL quarterback are any indication, Kyler Murray is on the right track—and ready to prove that his best football is still ahead.
