NFL world reacts to Kyler Murray lashing out at critics

The Arizona Cardinals made it clear that Kyler Murray is the franchise quarterback with a monster, near record-setting contract extension, though it came with an interesting clause. As part of his deal, Murray is required to do four hours of “independent study” of game film per week. The revelation of that clause drew a lot of reaction, and on Thursday, Murray spoke out about it, offering some interesting criticism.

Murray noted that he was “almost flattered” that people think he can do as much as he has in the NFL without studying film. But he also called that commentary “disrespectful.”

“To think that I can accomplish everything that I’ve accomplished in my career and not be a student of the game, not have that passion and not take things serious — it’s disrespectful — it’s almost a joke. To me, I’m flattered, almost flattered, that y’all think that at my size I can go out there and not prepare for the game. It’s disrespectful to my peers, to all the great athletes and great players that are in this league. This game is too hard. To play the position that I play in this league, it’s too hard.”

Regardless of what one may feel about whether Murray does study hard enough, there’s an obvious flaw in his argument here. The idea that he doesn’t do enough film study isn’t a creation of the media or cynical fans. It’s a clause in his contract.

Several in the NFL world noted that even if that is an unfair perception for people to have, Murray’s criticism of it is misplaced.

Indeed, Murray is off the mark here. If that particular clause in the contract is unfair, his frustration is directed at the wrong people.

This was a contract agreed upon by the Cardinals and Murray. If it’s an unfair clause, he should be mad at his team — and himself — for having it included.

If there was speculation about his film study habits before he signed his deal, Murray’s criticisms would have come from a more stable place. But once that clause is added and agreed upon, the speculation around it is human nature — and completely fair.

[PHNX Cardinals, Darren Urban]