For the past three years, the Arizona Cardinals have been stuck in a cycle of inconsistency, injuries, and unmet expectations. Some franchises would hit the reset button after three straight losing seasons. Arizona? They’re doing the opposite. They’re doubling down on their franchise quarterback, and Kyler Murray is meeting the moment with a mindset shift that could redefine the team’s future.
While visiting South Korea for the first time, he sat down with Kwon Jang-ho of Korea 24 on KBS World Radio. When asked about the 2025 season, he didn’t dodge the hard truth.”At the end of the day, I’ve had some success, but as a unit, in totality, the ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl,” Murray admitted. “We haven’t done that yet, and I haven’t done enough.”
That’s a shift from the past.
This isn’t the same Murray who once made headlines for his electric speed but drew criticism for his leadership. Early in his career, former Cardinals wide receiver Brice Butler was blunt about it, saying, “He is not really a leader, and people don’t really surround themselves around him.” That wasn’t just Butler talking; there was a broader narrative that Murray wasn’t the kind of quarterback who could command a locker room.
Fast forward to 2023, and the story was different. The offseason marked a turning point, with reports highlighting three key areas of growth—accountability, communication, and a stronger focus on team success over personal accolades. Jonathan Gannon saw it firsthand.“He’s leaps and bounds ahead of last year,” Gannon said, calling Murray a “coach on the field.” That’s a long way from the days when his leadership was in question.
You can see it in his actions, too. And now, in his words, as well. “At the end of the day, I’ve had some success, but as a unit, in totality, I think the ultimate goal for us is to win the Super Bowl, and we haven’t done that yet, and I haven’t done enough,” he said.
This is a quarterback holding himself accountable, sending a clear message to the locker room, and embracing the role of the guy Arizona is paying him to be. And speaking of that paycheck, head coach Jonathan Gannon is right there with him, fueling the fire.
Cardinals show undeterred commitment to Kyler Murray
Now, as the Cardinals prep for what could be a game-changing 2025 season, whispers of a $32 million boost are already spreading around. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the six-year veteran earned another early payday “by being on the Cardinals at 4 p.m., ET today (Saturday).” Besides the already due $32.6 million, he will earn an additional $32.835 million for 2026.
Sep 25, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a new era in Arizona under the regime of General Manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Gannon. With Murray at the helm, they made some investments aimed at supporting him. Gannon brought edge-rusher Josh Sweat, who flourished under him in Philadelphia. Another bonus addition to the defense was defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. But that wasn’t all!
They also re-signed key players like wide receiver Zay Jones and guard Evan Brown to further boost their offense. Additionally, they added veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett to serve as a reliable backup, just in case, Murray once again fell victim to his ill-fate of injury struggles. As Murray and Gannon lead the charge, it’s time for the Cardinals to rise above setbacks and strive for greatness. Let’s keep an eye on how this unfolds– it’s going to be an exciting ride for the Cardinals fans!
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