The second wealthiest person in the Oklahoma football program will have a huge decision to make at the end of the season. The sport that made him a millionaire or the one that might make him a Heisman Trophy winner?
Kyler Murray, the starting quarterback and center fielder, for the Oklahoma Sooners was drafted ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics in June’s MLB draft, earning him a signing bonus of roughly $4.7 million. This made him slightly more wealthy than his head football coach, Lincoln Riley, until the OU Athletic Department took care of that.
Going into this football season it was a foregone conclusion that Murray would start his professional baseball career once the Sooners football season was over. That was until Murray lead the Sooners to an 9-1 record, with a chance to go to the College Football Playoff and the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City.
High School
From Allen, Texas Murray started at quarterback for 2 plus years at Allen High School, one of the biggest high schools in the state. With Murray leading the way the Eagles would go on a 43 game winning streak and win three state titles. Deemed as maybe one of the greatest Texas high school football players ever Murray was a highly sought after five star recruit.
In addition to his quarterbacking skills Murray was a star middle infielder for the Eagles and even participated in the Under Armour All-American Baseball Game. Because of this, Major League Baseball came knocking on his door to try to convince Murray to begin his professional baseball career after high school. Instead he decided to take his talents to College Station and join the Aggie football and baseball programs.
Texas A&M
In 2015, Murray began his freshman campaign as the number two quarterback on the depth chart behind Kyle Allen. He would play a small role early, coming in under certain packages that would highlight his skills and athleticism. After a few loses midway through the year Murray took over as the Aggies starter under center.
Things did not go well from there as the Aggies lost three of their last five games, including a Music City Bowl loss to Louisville. A disappointing end to the season plus what seemed like a frayed relationship with the A&M coaching staff Murray decided to head north of the Red River.
Murray never played baseball at Texas A&M.
Oklahoma
After sitting out his transfer year in 2016, Murray backed up future Heisman Trophy Winner and former transfer Baker Mayfield during the 2017 year. Once again Murray played a small role, coming into games for certain packages and mop up duty. In the spring of 2017 Murray hit .122 for the Sooners in 27 games played in the outfield. The highlight of his first season with the baseball program was his team leading 12 stolen bases, using that speed that is seen on Saturdays in the fall.
After the graduation of Mayfield the 2018 football season seemed exciting with Murray as the projected started, but not before his breakout year on the diamond. He started 50 of his 51 games played during the 2018 baseball season as the Sooners returned the to NCAA Tournament. That spring Murray hit .296 with 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases. His performance won him attention once again from MLB and was selected early in the first round. He is slated to join the Athletics for spring training in 2019.
Currently, Murray quarterbacks the Sooners and his 32 passing touchdowns leads the Big 12. He is performing at a Heisman level and will draw attention from another professional sports league at seasons end.
When the Sooners football season comes to an end Murray will have to pick between three options: return to the OU football program for this senior year, declare for the NFL draft, or join the Oakland Athletics’ organization.
Baseball
Positives
- More guaranteed money.
- Potential for a longer career.
- Less injury risk.
Negatives
- Will have to spend time in the minor leagues. Two or three years away from being on a major league roster.
- Less glamorous, less fame.
- Long season with no summer vacation.
Football
Positives
- Potentially playing QB in America’s new favorite pastime. One of the hardest jobs to get in the United States.
- He is REALLY good.
- Glamorous, America loves football and love the people who play on Sundays.
Negatives
- Less, non-guaranteed money, and a much shorter career.
- Injuries, oh the injuries.
- Chance he will not play QB in the NFL. Some draft experts are suggesting he make a more to receiver.
Ultimately the decision is Murray’s to make, and fans of both sports will sure be clamoring for him to pick them. If Murray wins the Heisman Trophy will he really turn down the NFL? If he comes up short, will he turn down the money for baseball?
The next few months will be telling.