Kyler Murray has Super Bowl mission for Cardinals: 'I don't put any limitation on what we can do'

At this point last year, Kyler Murray was rehabbing from an ACL tear as a new Arizona Cardinals regime was settling in.

Now, two years post-surgery, nothing has changed in the Cardinals’ current offense.

Murray is excited and in good health, and he has boundless expectations for what the future holds for the Cardinals in 2024.

“Am I thrilled? Absolutely, I’m thrilled,” Murray stated on Wednesday. “I feel great. Merely being healthy is indeed a blessing, and having the backing of your head coach and everyone around you is definitely affirming. I have faith in what we are capable of achieving.”

Murray tore his ACL in December of 2022, ending his fourth NFL season and his time playing under head coach Kliff Kingsbury and general manager Steve Keim. While he worked to get back from subsequent surgery, Murray saw Arizona undergo wholesale change in the form of hiring head coach Jonathan Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort.

In 2023, Murray made his season debut in Week 10. He showcased promise from the start in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s system, but as his knee has fully healed and his grasp of the offense has grown, so too has his confidence.

Murray asserted, “This has seemed like one of the most successful off-seasons I’ve had in a while. Primarily because I’ve been able to maintain my health and communicate with my teammates, actively participating in our activities.”

It truly has an impact; there’s a noticeable difference when we’re all improving together, both on and off the field. The offseason has been very productive.

What would a successful 2024 season look like if a good offseason is the determining factor?

“When asked about his mission for the upcoming campaign, Murray responded that he aims to win the Super Bowl,”

Murray emphasized that this was his objective and anticipation for the Cardinals, although in his perspective, this is the usual standard from season to season.

“He said, “I play for no other reason but to win the Super Bowl every year.”

The Cardinals franchise still hasn’t won a Super Bowl and in the five years that Murray has been with the team, they’ve only made it to the postseason once, without any playoff victories.

Spring optimism is abundant for just about every NFL player, but for multiple reasons, this one feels different.

Murray expressed his anticipation for the upcoming season, stating, “I’m deeply focused and committed to our game plan”. He attributed his confidence to his familiarity with the system after a year’s experience, suggesting it allows him to make the right decisions with the ball, irrespective of the situation. He believes this mindset is crucial for maximizing potential, saying, “When you’re in that state of mind, the possibilities are endless. I’ve been a quarterback my entire life, but reaching this level of understanding is a unique and gratifying experience. At this juncture, it’s all about performing and executing the game plan.”

Murray, a Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma who was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft, feels he’s in the optimal position for success since his time as a Sooner. When asked if he had ever been in a position where he was poised for such potential success before a season, Murray responded, “I’d say it’s somewhat similar to when I won the Heisman.”

According to the former Pro Bowler, he is blending wonderfully with the new coaching staff and locker room. Being a 26-year-old veteran, he feels equally at ease with the new scheme and his teammates.

Murray definitely feels a strong sense of unity and energy within the team. “Since joining, I’ve typically played with older teammates. This is the first time I’ve felt like the more experienced player,” he said. “Not that there’s anything wrong with playing alongside older teammates, but it’s easier to bond and engage with those around your own age. I believe that is important.”

Last season, the Cardinals had a 4-13 record, with Murray as the starter for a 3-5 record. For the seventh time in eight years, they did not make the playoffs.

Even in the desert, the temperature varies in spring. This offseason, Murray is approaching with a relaxed smile and an abundance of positivity.

“He said, “I don’t set any boundaries on what we can achieve.”