Much has been made of Kyler Murray’s leadership ability, battling the perception that he’s immature, a narrative created at least in part by the infamous “homework clause” in his contract (which was later scrapped). While it’s unfair to label him without knowing all the facts, usually where there’s smoke, there’s fire, with veteran Kelvin Beachum, who spent three years blocking for Murray on the Cardinals’ offensive line, suggesting his former teammate still has plenty of room to grow as a leader and franchise face.
“Be a man and grow up,” Beachum told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “It's not a completed process. I didn't say [Murray] lacks leadership. I just think he needs to grow up a little bit. I think if he has the ability and willingness to grow up, he's going to be just fine.”
Of the five head-coaching jobs available this offseason, Arizona’s was the last to fill, implying concern over both Murray’s health (he’s coming off a torn ACL) and his fit within the Cardinals’ locker room. Whispers of Murray’s entitlement and questionable work ethic have no doubt impacted his reputation throughout the sport, leading many to question his desire, framing him as high-maintenance and a portrait of wasted potential. And while that might be asking a lot of a 25-year-old, Murray knew what he was signing up for, inviting scrutiny with his high salary and visibility as one of football’s brightest young stars.
"They paid him for a reason—because of his talent,” said Beachum, who will test the market as a free agent this offseason. “He has the ability to lead. When you're in that position, we need you to lead more. You're the face of the franchise ... you have to lead in every single capacity."
Murray, who chose the Cardinals over a potential baseball career (the A’s offered him a $4.66-million signing bonus to ditch football), remains as gifted an athlete as you’ll find in the NFL, a born playmaker blessed with elite arm strength and a dual-threat skill set rivaling Lamar Jackson. Yet, the former Heisman winner finds himself at a career crossroads, seeking a clean slate under first-year coach Jonathan Gannon and without his best receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, who many anticipate will be traded in the coming weeks.
"Kyler is his own individual, he's his own person, he beats to his own drum, which has made him what he is today,” said Beachum. “But at the end of the day, you have to be able to lead an entire organization. You've got to lead a team."
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