And Here We Go: Kyler Murray Sees Work Ethic Questioned with Vikings

Coming to Minnesota, Kyler Murray had to navigate a reputation that he didn’t work a ton. Such a critique has now arisen from within the Twin Cities.

Mike Florio, the proprietor at Pro Football Talk, was the proprietor of the rumor. The football writer claims that a trusted source offered the update. Check it out: “The starting quarterback is showing up right on time and leaving as soon as the bell rings.” Not too long afterwards, there are then some quips about being there to work on Tuesdays — something Kirk Cousins didn’t do — before then joking that Murray could bring his PS5 with him.

Mike Florio, Kyler Murray, & Working in MIN

Upon first glance, the description isn’t particularly damning. Being on time and then leaving when the work is done sounds pretty reasonable.

The NFL, though, often isn’t a reasonable workplace.

An old school approach to football would insist that Murray is late if he’s not early (Tom Coughlin). Likewise, there’s a belief out there that not putting in the extra hours afterwards is an issue. Chris Simms, a former NFL passer, mentioned that being the quarterback means being “the hardest working guy on the team, you gotta be the guy that’s in the facility the most.”

Per Simms, that’s a “golden rule.”

Back in June, I got out to TCO for mandatory minicamp. Kyler Murray was made available to the media, allowing me to ask about how he planned on spending his summer time off. Work, not a vacation, was on Murray’s summertime menu.

Check out some of what I learned: “His response largely affirmed a desire to do precisely what [Kevin] O’Connell is asking. The summer time off won’t be time off, per Murray. Instead, the newcomer at QB will look to continue learning and growing in Minnesota’s offense. How well he does within this ambition is going to largely determine his ability to become the starter.”

At least on a public level, Murray said exactly what he was supposed to say. Mike Florio is saying, per a source, that things are a bit different inside of TCO Performance Center.

The Minnesota Vikings are a football team that is stuffed with quarterback talent. Among the leaders, there’s the presence of passers layered into that coaching staff in Kevin O’Connell, Josh McCown, and Wes Phillips, all of whom played quarterback prior to coaching.

And then there’s Kyler Murray as the Vikings’ QB1. He has won the competition but can’t grow too comfortable since all of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer are on the roster. McCarthy, in particular, is shooting for that starting job even if he has been assigned to a depth position.

So, what do we do with the Kyler Murray hubbub that’s now out there for people to digest?

On a basic level, it’s hard to get too worked up about the issue. Murray is a 29-year-old former No. 1 selection who is now in a terrific setup. Throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison with that front five along the OL is a wonderful workplace environment. Nobody should need to motivate him. He’s a grown man and a professional.

Murray’s work ethic, or lack thereof, is tough to discern from the outside looking in. The Florio report is precisely that: a report. Maybe it contains at least some portion of truth. How much of that truth is being conveyed?

Kyler Murray will make his official Vikings debut next weekend when the Green Bay Packers arrive for the Week 1 game.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.