by “After seeing the distraction it caused, we removed the addendum from the contract,” the team’s statement, obtained by CNN, said. “It was clearly perceived in a way that was never intended. Our confidence in Kyler Murray is at an all-time high and nothing demonstrates our belief in his ability to lead this team like the commitment reflected in this contract.”
The clause states that Murray will not receive credit for the independent game preparation study if he does not “personally study or view the material as it is being shown or played” or if the player is engaged in activities that may divert his attention, such as such as watching TV, playing video games or surfing the Internet.
After Thursday’s practice, Murray held an unannounced press conference that began with a monologue in which he defended how he’s become one of the better quarterbacks in the league.
“For me, I’m flattered. I want to say 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, I feel mates, to all the great athletes and great players that are in this league. This game is too hard. To play the position I play in this league it’s too hard.
However, Murray did not want to answer questions about whether the clause bothered him.
Later in the day, Rapoport reported, citing sources, that the clause was removed on Wednesday. Hours later, the cardinals released a statement announcing the lifting of that requirement.
Murray – who is an avid player – was keen to stress that he would not have gotten where he is if his off-field work had been below the required level.
“People can’t understand how long it takes to play two sports at a high level in college. Not to mention being the first person to ever do it in my size like I said it’s funny but for those of you out there who think I’d stand in front of you all today with no work ethic and without preparation, I am honored that you think so. But it doesn’t exist. It’s not possible, so that’s all I have on this one.”
Murray is entering his fourth season in the NFL in 2022. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl for the past two seasons and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019.
He has become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league as he poses a threat with both his arms and legs. In his three seasons in the NFL, he threw for 11,480 yards and 70 touchdowns and ran for 1,786 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Despite his personal success, the Cardinals have only made the playoffs once in his three years at the helm and were meekly eliminated last season by eventual Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams.
