Even with big bonus, Murray staying focused on football
NORMAN — Baseball will have its time.
In January, when Oklahoma’s football season is over and it’s time for Kyler Murray to make the transition from college quarterback to minor league outfielder, there’ll be plenty of time for Murray to focus on that sport.
For now, Murray says he’s fully focused on the Sooners and not distracted by the riches he’s recently earned by being the No. 9 pick by Oakland in last month’s Major League Baseball Draft.
“I wouldn’t be here right now if I wasn’t hungry to play this game,” Murray said Sunday at OU Media Day before the Meet the Sooners event. “I think this is the most anticipated football season that I’ve ever been ready for in my life. So I’m ready to go.”
Murray isn’t officially the starting quarterback, as he remains in a position battle with Austin Kendall, according to Sooners coach Lincoln Riley as the Sooners approach the Aug. 3 opening of preseason camp.
But Murray’s decision to return for one more season — he still has two years of eligibility remaining but will begin his pro baseball career after this season — has made him an even bigger storyline that he would’ve been otherwise.
And he still would’ve been a massive storyline, given his status as a Texas high school football legend and as the leading candidate to replace Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Murray said his teammates haven’t treated him too much differently since he signed a contract that called for an approximately $4.6 million signing bonus.
“Obviously they make fun of having money or the coaches, all that stuff,” Murray said. “They make fun of it, but it’s all been good. They’ve shown love and supported me through it all.”
Murray and his family did have to have a meeting with OU’s compliance department to lay out the rules for him as it relates to interactions with teammates and other potential NCAA entanglements.
Murray can still do things for his teammates, like meals for offensive linemen, that are consistent with things he did before signing the contract. “We got something up our sleeve,” Murray said of the potential for a better meal for his offensive linemen.
Murray doesn’t have access to the entire amount of his signing bonus, as he and his family have come up with a money management plan.
“I’ve actually learned how taxes go,” Murray said. “I’m not really focused on the money. I’m just focused on playing football.”
At Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, last week, Riley said there wasn’t much in the way of conversation with Murray about the situation in the wake of his being drafted.
Instead, it was just a confirmation of conversations that came two years earlier.
“I kind of knew where he was football-wise and where he was baseballwise,” Riley said. “If any of these scenarios came up, we knew how to handle it. There were a few more specifics to talk about. Honestly, I didn’t talk to him any before because I didn’t know where he was going to go in and he didn’t either. He came over and met with me the next day and confirmed what we both thought and that was that.”
Murray said knowing what he wanted to do helped.
“I think it helps Coach Riley, kind of ease his mind, that he wasn’t just blindsided by the fact that this kid, he has the capability to play MLB or be drafted there. So I think the communication between both sides definitely helped a lot.”
It’s also given some finality to this season, good or bad.
“Obviously I know what’s at stake,” Murray said. “This is your last football season or whatever. But for me to make the most out of it, I can’t really think about that. I’ve got to be focused.”