Arizona Cardinals star Kyler Murray moves like a blur on the field. The former Heisman winner, who was the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is a human highlight reel. He mesmerizes athletes and fans alike by weaving through defenders with lightning-fast footwork.
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But beyond the blitz and dazzling pace on the gridiron lies a story that’s less talked about: Murray’s unique cultural background, which has shaped him into the person he is today.
Born to a black father and a Korean mother, Murray grew up in a world where he didn’t often see many kids who looked like or were like him. But that did not deter him from chasing his version of the American dream. Thankfully, he had a special someone to help him through it.
“You know, she [my mother] always told me to embrace the fact that [I am] different and [I am] unique because, like I said, there wasn’t many of us in the space that I was in — as far as the sports world,” Murray candidly shared on KBS World English.
Once Murray started believing this simple fact about himself, the QB’s outlook on life completely shifted. He began using his uniqueness as his superpower. The realization became the catalyst for his unwavering attitude of not giving up.
“So ever since then, I’ve always embraced that—being unique, being different, being the first person to do a lot of things. And that’s kind of what I pride myself on,” Murray continued.
“I love to push the needle, break barriers, and do things that no one’s ever done before. Hopefully, I can continue to do that, and hopefully, I can continue to make Koreans proud.”
The QB’s mother wasn’t his only inspiration, though. He also grew up idolizing martial arts legend Bruce Lee, who was amongst the first celebrities in the United States to break racial, cultural, and social barriers by making it big.
Like Murray, Lee’s ethnicity was something interesting and always talked about. He was born to a Chinese father, who hailed from Hong Kong, and a Eurasian (Dutch) mother in San Francisco. Lee’s mental fortitude and emphasis on ‘being like water’, which meant versatility and having no limitations, is something that has inspired Murray.
This offseason, the two-time Pro Bowler had the opportunity to connect with his roots in a way he never had before. Having dedicated his childhood and adolescence to his dream of being a football player, the NFL star never had the chance to visit Korea.
That changed this March when Murray traveled to the East Asian country for the first time with his mother. “Obviously, growing up, my mother and my grandma would tell me a lot about Korea. Never really could put a picture into my head, obviously,” he stated.
“But I’m glad — being 27 now, being in the position I’m in — to be able to bring my mother back, as it’s been a long time since she’s been here, and get to experience the culture, speak with the people, embrace the people, and be able to experience it all myself.”
Murray’s trip wasn’t just about sightseeing — it was about reconnecting with a part of himself. And in doing so, he hopes to inspire others who might feel like they don’t quite fit the mold.
Because if there’s one thing the Cardinals quarterback has proven throughout his career, it’s that being different isn’t a disadvantage — it’s a superpower.
