Hayden Braun, Staff Writer
Kyler Murray is no stranger to crossroads. Once the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL and the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 MLB draft, Murray chose a career in football over baseball.
After being released by the Arizona Cardinals, Murray signed with the Minnesota Vikings — however, he again finds himself at a crossroad. If things don’t work out in the NFL, a return to baseball could still be on the table.
During his time in Arizona, Murray showed flashes of elite production but struggled to sustain long-term success. He threw for over 20,000 yards and 121 touchdowns while adding more than 3,000 rushing yards across seven seasons, according to ESPN.
Murray’s best season came in 2021, when the Cardinals opened the year 7–1 and looked like legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
However, the team collapsed down the stretch, losing five of its final seven games before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams. Murray struggled in that loss, throwing for just 137 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 34–11 defeat.
Murray’s time in Arizona never met expectations despite his talent, as injuries and organizational instability led to inconsistent results. The Cardinals went 38-48-1 in games he played.
Murray now gets a fresh start in Minnesota — a team he grew up rooting for — even admitting he “cried real tears” after the Vikings’ loss in the 2009 NFC Championship, according to NBC Sports.
Murray joins a star-studded roster featuring wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, along with head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Before fully committing to football, Murray was also a standout baseball player at the University of Oklahoma. He hit .296 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs in his final season, finishing his collegiate career with a .271 average, 17 home runs and 72 RBIs.
If Murray chose to return to baseball, he wouldn’t be the first to pursue both sports; legends like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders both played in the NFL and MLB.
The Athletics drafted Murray ninth overall in 2018 and have remained open to his return, with general manager David Forst saying he would “always be open” to a reunion, according to the MLB.
Murray’s decision may ultimately hinge on opportunity. If his fresh start with the Minnesota Vikings does not provide the stability or success he is looking for, baseball remains a realistic alternative that would likely be easier on his body than the physical toll of the NFL.
While the Vikings’ offer talent at skill positions and strong coaching, concerns remain about the offensive line and the team’s overall direction.
The situation at quarterback has already been a mess, from how the organization handled Sam Darnold to the uncertainty surrounding former top 10 pick J.J. McCarthy, placing added pressure on Murray to quickly stabilize the position.
If that situation fails to come together, a return to baseball may not just be an option but the smarter path. Murray has already proven he has the talent to compete at a high level on both ball fields, and with interest from the Athletics still there, the opportunity remains intriguing.
With a young core that includes rising players like Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson, the Athletics are building toward the future and a gifted athlete like Murray could fit right in.
For an athlete who once had two professional futures in front of him, going back to baseball could offer a fresh start in a more stable environment.
If his second NFL opportunity doesn’t work out, Kyler Murray shouldn’t hesitate to return to baseball and finally pursue the path he left behind.